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Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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China and Thailand plan joint military cooperation to maintain regional stability
China expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Thailand in a bid to maintain stability in the region. The two nations have planned a series of joint military exercises for the upcoming year. During a meeting in Beijing, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu assured Narongpan Jitkaewtae, the Royal Thai Army’s commander-in-chief, of China’s commitment to work closely with Thailand.…
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Impact of higher interest rates on Thai businesses and homebuyers
Concerns are rising among industry leaders that higher interest rates could negatively impact businesses, particularly small ones, and weaken the purchasing power of homebuyers. The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee recently voted to raise the policy rate to 2.00% from 1.75%, prompting state and private banks to follow suit. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warns that higher interest…
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Thailand urged to boost beauty and wellness market for long-term growth
Thailand’s new coalition government is being encouraged to adopt a consistent policy to support the nation’s beauty and wellness market over an extended period. Ketmanee Lertkitcha, the chairwoman of the health, wellness and beauty industry cluster of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted the need for a national strategy to promote this sector, which, along with tourism, plays a crucial…
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New 135km canal to link Pasak River and Gulf, easing floods and droughts
The Royal Irrigation Department announced plans to construct a new canal that will connect the Pasak River to the Gulf of Thailand. The primary aim of this project is to alleviate flooding in the Central Plains basin during the rainy season and address water shortages during the dry season. Spanning 135 kilometres, the canal will originate in Tambon Roeng Rang, located…
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Heavy rainfall to hit 37 provinces: Stay alert for flash floods
Heavy rainfall is expected in 37 provinces across Thailand this week, with a 60% chance of precipitation, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). The country and parts of Bangkok are on alert for potential flash floods, prompting residents to exercise caution as accumulated rainfall increases the risk. These weather conditions are a result of low-pressure troughs affecting the northern…
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Newborn abandoned under train station, police search for mother
A newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned, crying near the lift entrance of a BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok. Local authorities and volunteer rescue teams rushed to the scene and took the child to a nearby hospital. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to locate and prosecute the individual responsible for leaving the infant. At around 3am today, the alarm…
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Armed Forces personnel resort to food banks amid cost of living crisis
Military personnel and their families in the United Kingdom have increasingly turned to food banks due to the rising cost of living and high inflation rates, according to Sky News. One such food bank, initially set up by an aviator to support the local community, is now being used by Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.…
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Malaysia to introduce bill controlling smoking products, targeting youth
The Malaysian Health Ministry is set to present the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat. The bill, which has received cabinet support, is expected to be tabled by Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The legislation encompasses 23 proposed amendments and five new suggestions, making it more comprehensive by covering…
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Johor-Singapore economic region proposal gains momentum amid unique relationship
The potential establishment of a Johor-Singapore economic region is generating excitement among residents and business owners in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor. The idea, which aims to strengthen the state’s economic potential, has been discussed by the state government, the federal government, and the Singaporean government, but has not yet been raised as an official proposal. Johor and Singapore have…
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Health Ministry warned over medical officer oversupply projections in rural Sarawak
The Malaysian Health Ministry’s (MoH) projection of an oversupply of medical officers from 2026 to 2030 has raised concerns for healthcare services in the country, particularly in rural areas of Sarawak. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dr Annuar Rapaee, has called for a review of the projection, taking into account the demand for healthcare services and Malaysia’s…
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Sarawak Premier highlights politics as platform for state, country development
The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, emphasised the importance of a common political platform for the development of the state, country, and community. He asserted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the rights of Sarawak and its people. “Our politics should be the right politics with the right intentions. We will…
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Wagner Group refuses Ministry contracts amid Russia’s defence directive
The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has declined to sign contracts with the Russian defence ministry, despite a directive issued by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The order, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the Russian army fighting in Ukraine, required all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with the ministry by the end of June. Wagner Group founder Yevgeny…
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Three Brits missing after Red Sea scuba boat catches fire in Egypt
Three British tourists have gone missing after a scuba diving boat they were on caught fire near Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The boat, named “Hurricane,” was carrying 12 crew members and 12 British passengers when it was engulfed in flames off the southern Red Sea resort town of Marsa Alam. Egyptian authorities have attributed the fire to an electrical short…
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Ukraine reports recapturing three villages in counteroffensive against Russia
Ukrainian forces have reportedly recaptured three villages in the southeast from Russian control, marking the first liberated settlements since launching a counteroffensive. In an unverified video published by Ukraine’s 68th Jaeger Brigade, soldiers raised the Ukrainian flag in the Donetsk region’s village of Blahodatne. Valeriy Shershen, spokesperson for Ukraine’s “Tavria” military sector, announced the initial results of the counteroffensive actions…
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Four missing indigenous children survive 40 days in Colombian jungle
Radios in the Colombian jungle came alive with the news that four indigenous Huitoto children, missing for 40 days, had been found alive. The children, aged 13, nine, four, and one, survived a plane crash on May 1 that killed their mother. Stranded in an area filled with snakes, jaguars, and mosquitos, the children relied on their survival skills and…
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Russia attacks evacuee boat in Kherson, kills three, amid dam flooding crisis
Three individuals lost their lives after a boat evacuating people from a flood-stricken area in Kherson, Ukraine, was attacked by Russian forces, according to the regional governor. The Nova Kakhovka dam, located on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, was destroyed, causing widespread flooding and trapping numerous people. The governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, reported that Russian troops shelled the evacuation…
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Met Office issues yellow thunderstorm warning after UK’s hottest days
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in various parts of the UK, following the hottest days of the year. The warning was implemented at 12pm on Sunday and will continue until 9pm on Monday. Forecasters have cautioned that heavy rainfall may create difficult conditions in some areas of the country. On Sunday afternoon, the Parklife festival…
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Murder probe launched after suspected human remains found in Ballymena search
Authorities have initiated a murder investigation following the discovery of what is believed to be human remains during the search for a missing woman, Chloe Mitchell, in Ballymena. The 21-year-old was last seen in the County Antrim town between the night of June 2 and the early hours of June 3. The search operation has been extensive, and Detective Chief…
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Suspected human remains found in Ballymena spark murder investigation
A murder investigation has been initiated by the police following the discovery of suspected human remains in connection with the disappearance of Chloe Mitchell, a 21-year-old woman from Ballymena, County Antrim. Mitchell was last seen by her family on the evening of June 2, with CCTV footage capturing her in the early hours of the next day. Two men, aged…
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11-year-old British girl killed, parents injured in France shooting
In a tragic incident, an 11-year-old girl lost her life and her British parents sustained injuries in a shooting that took place in the village of Saint-Herbot in Brittany, France. The young girl was playing in her family’s garden when the attack occurred. Her father suffered serious injuries, while her mother was less severely hurt. The girl’s eight-year-old sister managed…
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PM Anwar urges Penangites to retain Pakatan Harapan leaders
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encouraged Penang residents to continue supporting Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, whom he believes have governed the state effectively. He emphasised his strong relationship with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and confirmed the federal government’s commitment to assisting Penang in resolving state-related issues. Anwar addressed the concerns raised during political campaigns, which claimed that if he were…
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Malaysia PM plans to expand Jakim’s role in national development
The Malaysian government is looking to expand the role of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in a bid to enhance the country’s dignity and status, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In a recent meeting with Jakim’s leadership, Anwar expressed his desire for the department to contribute to the drafting of a national development policy framework based on Malaysia…
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Nine arrested in viral Maran fight over vehicle-blocking misunderstanding
In Sri Jaya, Maran, a conflict erupted today, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals. A video of the incident has been widely circulated on social media, capturing the attention of many. Maran district police chief Norzamri Abd Rahman stated that the altercation occurred at around 1pm, leaving three people with minor injuries. According to preliminary investigations, the fight broke…
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UN report slams Taliban’s highly exclusionary rule, group denies rifts
A United Nations Security Council report has been denounced by the Taliban as “baseless and biased” for describing the Afghan administration as “highly exclusionary” and “repressive.” The report, published earlier in June by the UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, stated that the Taliban’s governance structures continue to be exclusionary, Pashtun-centred, and repressive towards opposition. The report also highlighted…
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Australia crush India by 209 runs in World Test Championship final
Australia dashed India’s hopes for a final-day miracle, securing a 209-run victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval. With a massive target of 444 runs set by Australia, India needed 280 runs on Sunday to claim victory. Despite the enthusiastic support for Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane as they resumed India’s second innings at 164-3, Australia’s…
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Trump defiant amid charges, claims pursuit due to 2024 election bid
Former US President Donald Trump displayed defiance at two Republican Party conventions on Saturday, despite being charged with mishandling classified documents the day before. Trump, who is seeking to become the Republican candidate for president in 2024, claimed that the federal court pursuit is due to his re-election aspirations. However, at the North Carolina Republican Party convention, he did not…
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Shapps dismisses witch hunt claims, says UK tired of Johnson drama
Grant Shapps, the Energy Secretary, has dismissed the notion that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the victim of a witch hunt, stating that people “want to move on” from the “drama” surrounding him. Johnson resigned as an MP, accusing a “Kangaroo Court” of MPs investigating Partygate of forcing him out. Shapps insisted that it was Johnson’s “own decision” to…
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Sturgeon arrested amid SNP funding scandal investigation
Scotland’s ex-first minister and former SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, has been taken into custody and is being questioned by detectives in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Scottish National Party’s finances. The 52-year-old is the latest high-profile figure to be detained as part of Police Scotland’s Operation Branchform, which is examining the whereabouts of £600,000 of funding earmarked for…
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PDP president warns against complacency and dishonesty in politics
Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing has warned against complacency, arrogance, and dishonesty in politics. He urged PDP members to stay informed about political changes at both state and national levels in order to remain relevant. Tiong’s remarks came during the opening of PDP’s Triennial General Assembly 2023 in Bintulu, attended by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.…
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Sabah Chief Minister urges unity for political stability and economic progress
Chief Minister Hajij Noor urged residents of Sabah, particularly those in the Tuaran district, to collaborate with the government to maintain political stability and foster economic growth in the state. He emphasised that continuous cooperation and support from the people would enable the government to concentrate on ensuring progressive development across the state. Noor, who is also the Sulaman assemblyman,…
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