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Sponsored Why long-term expats in Thailand say insurance is worth every baht
Thailand’s warm weather, low cost of living, and good healthcare attract many long-term expats, including retirees and remote workers. Life here feels easy and affordable, but medical costs can be high if something goes wrong. Private hospitals are popular because...
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WhatsApp’s role in UK Covid-19 response under scrutiny in official inquiry
WhatsApp has been revealed to play a central role in communications between UK ministers during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the release of over 100,000 messages by former health secretary Matt Hancock and his memoir co-author Isabel Oakeshott. These messages, which were handed over to The Daily Telegraph, have raised questions about the transparency of government communications and the availability…
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Government blocks COVID inquiry access to PM’s WhatsApp messages and notebooks
The UK government faces accusations of attempting a “cover-up” as it seeks to prevent the COVID inquiry from accessing Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks. Bereaved families and opposition parties have expressed their disapproval after the Cabinet Office announced its intention to bring a judicial review of Baroness Hallett’s order to release the documents. This move comes…
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Jealous Thai bus driver fatally shoots girlfriend in restaurant before attempting suicide
A heated argument at a Laab restaurant in Chon Buri Province ended with deadly consequences, as a Thai bus driver fatally shot his 36 year old girlfriend, an employee at the establishment, before attempting to take his own life. However, the 42 year old attacker survived, receiving serious injuries and is currently in a coma. At around noon yesterday, Ratchapol…
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Grab taxi driver threatens to harm former Thai singer
A former Thai singer took to social media to reveal that a Grab taxi driver, claiming to be a soldier, threatened to physically harm her. The singer, Jamila “Mila’ Panpinij, demanded that Grab takes responsibility for the incident and pay for treatment costs associated with her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was triggered by the incident. On Wednesday, May 31,…
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Luxury watch thefts surpass drugs as criminals’ top choice in UK
The theft of high-end watches has become a criminal enterprise more profitable than drug dealing, according to former dealer Paul Thorpe, who was forced to retire after being violently robbed three times. Thorpe claims that a week’s worth of stealing luxury watches in London could generate more money than some people earn in a lifetime. He believes that in many…
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US mass shootings spark fear, change lives and boost bulletproof backpack sales
The increasing frequency of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States is impacting the lives of millions of Americans, causing anxiety and prompting changes in daily routines. With National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaching, around 60% of US adults have discussed gun safety with their children or other family members, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family…
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French influencers face jail for flouting new ad regulations
France has recently adopted legislation that could lead to jail time for influencers who violate new promotion regulations. The laws aim to protect consumers from deceptive or counterfeit online commercial practices and impose restrictions on the promotion of lottery and betting games, as well as prohibiting the advertisement of products such as tobacco. This marks the first time the role…
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Ukraine accused of shelling Belgorod as Russia claims thwarted invasion
Belgorod, a Russian region, has once more experienced attacks from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry asserts that it has prevented other attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. Kyiv has not responded to these claims but has denied involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This latest incident occurs over a…
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Thousands jeer far-right minister at Jerusalem Gay Pride amid security fears
The Jerusalem Gay Pride march saw thousands of participants, despite security concerns due to online threats and counter-protests. This was the first march since the election of a hardline religious-nationalist government, which includes senior ministers with openly homophobic views. The event highlighted the deepening divisions within Israeli society, where secular Jews have long supported LGBTQ rights, but political and demographic…
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Biden trips at Air Force graduation, reigniting age concerns
US President Joe Biden stumbled and fell during a graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he was presenting diplomas to the graduates. At 80 years old, Biden is the oldest serving president in the nation’s history. He was assisted by Air Force officials in getting back up and continued walking to his seat without any…
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Church of England abuse support scheme risks re-traumatising victims, report reveals
A report by the Church’s Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB) has found that the Interim Support Scheme (ISS), established for Church of England abuse survivors, may be causing further trauma for some victims. The ISS was created in 2020 to provide financial assistance to those in need while awaiting a full compensation scheme. However, some survivors expressed difficulties in engaging with…
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Phillip Schofield denies grooming amid affair scandal with younger colleague
Phillip Schofield, the former This Morning presenter, has denied being a “groomer” after admitting to having an affair with a younger male colleague. Schofield left ITV last week following the confirmation of the relationship and his dishonesty about it. In an interview with The Sun, he expressed deep regret for his actions and the impact on the other individual’s life.…
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Schofield denies grooming in affair scandal, feels ‘broken and ashamed’
Phillip Schofield has expressed his remorse and shame following a scandal involving a relationship with a younger male colleague, while denying allegations of grooming. The 61-year-old resigned from ITV last week and was dropped by talent agency YMU after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” affair with the younger colleague. In an interview with The Sun, Schofield emphasised that…
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British Airways fined £877k for delayed US flight refunds amid pandemic
United States regulators have imposed a fine of US$1.1 million (£877,000) on British Airways, following accusations that the airline failed to provide prompt refunds for passengers on flights to and from the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Transportation Department issued the penalty, which British Airways contests. According to the department, the airline violated federal regulations by not processing…
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Teenage girl drowns in Merseyside reservoir despite emergency rescue efforts
A tragic incident occurred at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, Merseyside, when a 15-year-old girl lost her life while swimming with her friends. Merseyside Police received reports of the teenager in distress at around 12.30pm, prompting the emergency services to rush to the scene. Chief Inspector Paul Holden reported that officers entered the water in an attempt to locate…
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Nova Scotia battles largest wildfire in history, thousands evacuated
Nova Scotia firefighters are currently facing the largest wildfire in the history of the Atlantic province. The fire, located on the southern tip of the province, has burned over 17,000 hectares with flames reaching nearly 100m in height. In addition, another fire near Halifax, the largest city, has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. As of Thursday morning,…
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US debt ceiling deal faces Senate race against time to avoid default
A deal to raise the US government’s US$31.4tn debt ceiling is urgently being pushed through the Senate to prevent the world’s largest economy from defaulting on its debt. The House of Representatives has already approved the deal with a 314-117 vote. However, it must pass the Senate and be signed by President Joe Biden before the deadline on June 5th.…
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Tate denies rape and exploitation allegations in combative BBC interview
In a recent interview with the BBC, influencer Andrew Tate has refuted allegations of promoting misogyny and defended his character. Tate is currently under investigation by Romanian prosecutors for accusations including rape, human trafficking, and exploitation of women. In his first television interview since being released into house arrest in Romania in April, he dismissed these allegations and claimed to…
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Robot artist Ai-Da sparks debate on trust in AI technology
Ai-Da, a highly skilled artist and robot, has exhibited her creations at the Venice Biennale and discussed the future of creative industries at the House of Lords. She can talk, answer complex queries, paint, and create art, which is now on display at the London Design Biennale. Ai-Da utilises advanced AI technology to produce designs of everyday items like cutlery…
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Belfast taxi driver sacked over firearm threats in dashcam video
A driver for Belfast-based taxi firm FonaCab has been dismissed following a video that surfaced on social media, showing him wielding what appears to be a firearm and threatening passengers. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the incident. The video, seemingly recorded by a dashcam inside the taxi, shows the driver pointing the suspected weapon…
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Madeleine McCann case: Objects found in Portuguese reservoir analysed
German officials have reported the discovery of several objects during a search of a Portuguese reservoir in relation to the Madeleine McCann case. The items are currently being analysed, but it is too early to confirm if they are connected to the British girl who went missing in 2007. The search was conducted at the Arade reservoir in Portugal last…
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Bournemouth beach deaths: No vessel contact, man arrested for manslaughter
New information has been released by Dorset Police regarding the tragic incident off Bournemouth beach on Wednesday afternoon, where a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy lost their lives after being pulled from the sea. Police have confirmed that there was no contact with a jet ski or boat, and no one jumped from the pier. A man in his…
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RAF leadership confidence plummets amid disastrous diversity drive
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has seen a significant decline in morale and confidence in its leadership, according to a recent survey. The Ministry of Defence’s continuous attitude survey revealed that only 18% of aviators had confidence in the RAF’s senior leadership in 2023, a sharp decrease from 36% in 2021. This comes as Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston…
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Woman attacked with boiling water in Southwark; police seek suspect
Authorities have released a photograph of a man they wish to question in connection with a woman who was assaulted with boiling water in Southwark, south London. The incident occurred on November 10 last year, and the woman was hospitalised as a result. The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service were alerted to the assault, which took place on Walworth…
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Influencer Andrew Tate denies rape and trafficking allegations in combative BBC interview
In a recent interview with the BBC, Andrew Tate, a controversial social media influencer, defended his reputation against allegations of misogyny and other accusations. Currently under investigation by Romanian prosecutors for rape, human trafficking, and exploiting women, Tate dismissed these claims during the interview. This marked Tate’s first television interview with a major broadcaster since being released into house arrest…
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ITV chief to face parliament over Schofield scandal and safeguarding concerns
ITV Chief Executive Dame Carolyn McCall has been summoned to appear before the parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee to discuss the broadcaster’s approach to safeguarding and complaint handling. This development follows the recent departure of presenter Phillip Schofield from ITV after admitting to an “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a younger male colleague. The committee has requested McCall’s…
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Ukraine accused of Belgorod shelling as Russia reports thwarted invasion
The Belgorod region in Russia has experienced another attack from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight individuals reportedly injured due to shelling. Russia’s defence ministry also claimed that it had prevented further attempts by Ukraine to “invade” the region. While Kyiv has not commented on these allegations, it has denied any involvement in previous cross-border attacks. This incident…
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Prince William and Kate attend Jordan’s royal wedding unannounced
In a surprise visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28 years old, and Saudi Arabian architect Rajwa Alseif, 29 years old, in Amman, Jordan. Prince William and Kate joined other foreign royalty at the ceremony held at Zahran Palace, a venue with historical significance for the Jordanian royal family. The unannounced…
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Guilty duo plotted 5G mast destruction and urged attacks on MPs
A pair of conspiracy theorists who referred to themselves as “Bonnie and Clyde with a box of matches” have been convicted of plotting to destroy 5G phone masts and inciting attacks on MPs. Christine Grayson, 59 years old from York, and Darren Reynolds, 60 years old from Sheffield, believed that 5G phone masts were intended to be used as weapons…
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Government faces legal action over unredacted Covid inquiry material
The Covid inquiry has given the UK government until 4pm to provide unredacted messages and notebooks, or face potential legal action. The inquiry seeks access to various communications between Boris Johnson and his advisers during the pandemic, as well as his diaries and notebooks. The government has resisted disclosing some of the material, claiming it is not relevant to the…
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