All six foreign nationals found dead in a luxury Bangkok hotel are presumed to have died after ingesting cyanide from teacups, a forensic doctor who performed autopsies on the deceased said on Wednesday. The bodies of six people of Vietnamese origin -- two who held American citizenship -- were discovered in a suite at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the tourist centre of Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon. Photos released by police of the bloodless crime scene showed bodies scattered around the room among plates of untouched Thai food, and two thermos flasks and cups. Initial examinations revealed the presence of cyanide in six cups, according to police. «The mouths and nails on all the bodies turned purple, showing a lack of air could be a joint reason of the cause of the death,» forensic doctor Kornkiat Vongpaisarnsin, told a press conference at the Chulalongkorn University. «We presume they all died from cyanide which causes a lack of air in some organs,» he added. Earlier Thai police said one of the six foreigners found dead likely also carried out the poisonings, thought to be related to debts worth millions of baht. «We are convinced that one of the six people found dead committed this crime,» said Noppasil Poonsawas, a deputy commander of Bangkok police. The Vietnamese foreign ministry said four of the dead were Vietnamese, while the other two were U.S. citizens. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three men and three women, aged between 37 and 56, have fuelled wild rumours, with several local media outlets initially reporting a mass shooting incident. Investigators also revealed that no movement had been observed around from Monday afternoon, suggesting the deaths could have occurred the day before the bodies were discovered. Speculation a seventh person may have been part of the group was also dispelled by the police. Tran Dinh Dung, the father of one of the victims, said his 37-year-old son was due to return to Vietnam last Sunday. «I kept calling him but couldn't get through so I was very worried, but I didn't expect him to die in Thailand,» Dung said in an interview with Vietnam's Thanh Nien newspaper. «Phu's mother has fainted countless times,  she could not bear this shock,» he said. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said Wednesday the crime was «a private matter», unrelated to national security, and should not affect the lucrative tourist sector. - Improve image - Thai authorities are keen to improve the image of the kingdom, whose reputation as a safe tourist destination sometimes takes a hit when grisly crimes are reported. The kingdom welcomed 28 million foreign visitors in 2023, and hopes for even more this year, to get closer to the record level of around 40 million in 2019. The country has been the scene of several sordid and high-profile criminal cases, such as that of French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, nicknamed «The Serpent» and linked to at least two dozen murders -- mostly of tourists -- in the 1970s. Fourteen victims died and one survived an alleged murder spree that spanned eight years, police said, announcing that they would file the case to the Attorney General for prosecution on Friday. Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn is facing about 80 criminal charges, including 14 counts of premeditated murder -- a record in Thai crime history, according to the police. Last October, a 14-year-old boy opened fire at the Siam Paragon mall in the same area as Tuesday's mass poisoning, killing three people. The shooting came just days before the anniversary of a massacre at a nursery in northern Thailand that left 36 people dead and amid government efforts to bolster tourist numbers. Some 28 million people visited Thailand in 2023, up from 11 million the year before, but still well down from the 40 million who came in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Travel restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic hammered the kingdom's vital tourism sector and arrivals have not bounced back as quickly as officials hoped. Officials hope to hit 35 million visitors in 2024, with a target of $55 billion in revenue. © Agence France-Presse

US President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid with mild symptoms Wednesday, shortly after conceding he would consider dropping his reelection bid if doctors diagnosed him with a serious medical condition. The 81-year-old Democrat gave reporters the thumbs up and said «I feel good» as he cut short a trip to Las Vegas and flew to his beach home in Delaware to go into isolation, which will take him off the campaign trail for days. Biden thanked well-wishers on X, adding that «I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people.» The infection comes at a critical moment for Biden's campaign, with the president seeking to show he is up to the job after a disastrous debate performance against rival Donald Trump sparked concerns about his health and calls from some Democrats for him to step aside. It is also the latest development in a tumultuous few days in an already frenetic White House race that saw Trump survive an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. Biden was forced to cancel a speech to a union representing Latino workers who will be crucial for his election bid, having attended a campaign event earlier in the day and given a radio interview. His spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden was vaccinated and boosted, was now taking the Covid medication Paxlovid and «continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.» White House doctor Kevin O'Connor said Biden had complained of suffering from a runny nose, a cough and «general malaise,» and after attending the campaign event he tested positive. «His symptoms remain mild,» O'Connor said, adding that Biden's respiratory rate, temperature and blood oxygen levels all remained normal. Biden was seen walking from his limousine to his plane at Las Vegas without a mask. «Good,» he said when asked how he felt, «I feel good.» Janet Murguia, the president of the Unidos union for Latino workers, told the crowd about the diagnosis shortly before the White House announcement. - 'Pass the torch' - People waiting for the speech said Biden's health did not worry them despite the Covid diagnosis. «I think he's strong and he's going to recover soon,» Anne Vilagut told AFP. But Biden's illness comes as concerns over the fitness of the oldest US president in US history reach fever pitch. Asked what could make him rethink his presidential bid, Biden told the Black media outlet BET in an interview taped Tuesday in Las Vegas: «If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if the doctors came and said 'you've got this problem, that problem.'» Biden has so far refused to drop out, and blamed his debate debacle, when he appeared tired and confused, on a bad cold and jet lag. But US broadcaster ABC News reported Wednesday that Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had told Biden over the weekend that it would be «better for the country if he were to bow out,» in what would be a fatal blow. A spokesperson for Schumer played down the report, saying: «Unless ABC's source is Senator Chuck Schumer or President Joe Biden the reporting is idle speculation.» «Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden.» The Washington Post and New York Times meanwhile reported that both Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had warned Biden that his candidacy puts the party's electoral prospects at risk. White House spokesman Andrew Bates pushed back in a statement, saying: «The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.» Earlier on Wednesday, Representative Adam Schiff of California became the highest-profile Democrat to publicly urge Biden to «pass the torch.» «A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,» Schiff said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. Biden insists that Democratic voters support him, but a poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research said Wednesday that nearly two-thirds want him to step aside. © Agence France-Presse

For the first time in years, Somalia has recruited female traffic police. This is part of efforts to increase the number of women in public roles amid a security crackdown. The role was previously off-limits for women in the conservative Muslim nation, where they traditionally worked only behind desks in administrative jobs.

US President Joe Biden's administration will host trade ministers from developing countries in Washington DC next week to discuss plans to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) until 2041.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland MP Mohamed Abiib has dismissed charges brought against him by the Attorney General of Somaliland, who requested his removal from the House of Representatives, calling them baseless accusations. Abiib claims President Bihi's administration is targeting anyone who criticizes its failures following its unsuccessful attempts to fulfill its responsibilities.

Contempt of court proceedings have been brought against Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green and four executive members of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) for allegedly disobeying a Supreme Court order. The claim,...

Hugh Grant has been announced as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The appointment takes effect on August 1, 2024. The JPS says Grant has more than 25 years of experience in the...

Jamaica's unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent in January 2024, according to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica's (STATIN) revised Labour Force Survey for the period. The revised Survey incorporates recommendations from the 19th, 20th and...

A 67-year-old carpenter has been charged with wounding with intent after allegedly stabbing a teenager in Sandy Bay, Hanover. He is Igal Streets, otherwise called 'Border', of Mount Pelier district, Sandy Bay. The Sandy Bay police...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green says there will be a one-day staging of the Denbigh Agricultural Industrial and Food Show following the passage of Hurricane Beryl which left $4.7 billion in damage to the sector. Speaking at...

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday. The pair discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations in all fields. The call also reviewed issues of mutual interest.

Russia has undeniable proof that WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich was involved in espionage, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Ex Strictly pro James Jordan has furiously hit back after unearthed footage emerged of him telling his partner he would 'drag her across the floor and scream at her' if she forgot her moves.

The majority of Russians competing at the Olympic Games support the invasion of Ukraine, it has been claimed, as more than 450 Ukrainian athletes have now been killed in the war.

A teenage prisoner took his own life two years after the Scottish Government pledged to stop sending children to the facility where he died.

KAU Media Group CEO Mohammed Kashif Khokhar, 43, was found guilty in November of four charges of sexual assault against three female employees, it has now emerged.

The 81-year-old president was forced to cancel a speech in Las Vegas during a campaign trip after a taking a test when he started getting a runny nose and coughing.

Live updates from the 2024 election campaign trail, with the latest news on Biden, Trump and the Republican National Convention.

SINGAPORE - Singaporeans aged 60 and above can now get vaccinated against a contagious virus that causes respiratory tract infections and could lead to complications in older folk. The vaccine, called Arexvy, protects against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and was developed by British pharmaceutical giant GSK. The jab was approved by the Health Sciences Authority on May 10 and protects against lower respiratory tract disease caused by the contagious virus, which poses greater risks to older adults. The GSK vaccine is the first for the virus to be available in Singapore, and an application for its use for those who are between 50 and 59 is still under review, said HSA in response to queries. For Singaporeans 60 and older, the vaccine is available at some general practitioner and specialist clinics, said GSK in response to queries, but it did not disclose the list of clinics.  Checks by The Straits Times found that several clinics charge between $320 and $350 for the vaccination, which comprises a single dose delivered by injection to a muscle.

JEDDAH: A Saudi Arabia publishing house focused on works for children is utilizing passion and innovation to turn the page toward a “golden age of creativity” in the Kingdom. Dar Waraqa is an award-winning company that creates aesthetically-pleasing books and products that reflect Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage.

RIYADH: The “Book Plateau,” in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region, is drawing visitors from far and wide. Nestled in Baljurashi, the inscribed rock epitomizes the rich cultural tapestry of the area. Located at the confluence of two streams at the foot of Wadi Khara, this archaeological wonder has been likened to the pages of an open book and earned its name from the old inscriptions adorning its surface, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call on Wednesday from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said. The call discussed the situation in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, in addition to efforts aimed at achieving security and stability. The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s targeting the UNRWA-run Al-Razi School in Nuseirat camp in Gaza, and Al-Attar area in Khan Yunis, killing dozens and injuring hundreds, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said. The statement described the attacks as “a series of repeated violations by the Israeli war machine against defenseless civilians.” Israeli airstrikes killed more than 60 Palestinians in southern and central Gaza overnight and into Tuesday, including one that struck an Israeli-declared “safe zone” crowded with thousands of displaced people.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a call on Wednesday to Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani, the Saudi Press Agency said. The pair discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations in all fields. The call also reviewed issues of mutual interest.

Singapore drivers can now experience a more convenient way to park at commercial car parks with the launch of the AXS Drive app. Launched on July 17, this new app, developed by AXS in partnership with Mastercard, aims to streamline the parking experience by eliminating the need for physical cards. The AXS Drive app allows users to register their vehicles and link them to their credit or debit cards. Upon entry and exit from participating car parks, the app automatically deducts the parking fee, providing a seamless, cashless transaction. Initially, the app supports 12 commercial car parks, including Downtown East, Far East Plaza, The Heeren, and Wisma Atria, with a goal to expand to 100 car parks by the end of 2024. How it works After downloading the AXS Drive app, users must create an account and register their vehicle details. The app uses License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to identify the vehicle at entry and exit points of the car park. The parking fee is then automatically charged to the linked payment method, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

At 76, Jaya, affectionately known as Ah Huat, dedicates his time to caring for elderly residents at his block in Jalan Bukit Merah.  Fluent in multiple languages, Jaya befriends the seniors, gives out festive treats, and helps with their medical needs.  Jaya works together with social service organisations and dedicates himself to supporting the elderly. He believes in the power of simple acts of service such as talking to them or taking them out for walks. His story raises important questions about societal responsibility in caring for the elderly. This story is part of AsiaOne's Ordinary People video series, which highlights ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things. To watch more inspiring videos, go to YouTube channel: Portraits by AsiaOne. ALSO READ: I don't want to die alone, says 103-year-old woman who's living on her own

While shopping at Orchard Central on Sunday (July 14) afternoon, a woman spotted what she thought was an ornament sitting on a vacant dining table. When she looked closer, she realised, to her horror, that it was a rat. And it was very much alive. The woman surnamed Qiu, 40, told Shin Min Daily News that she and her husband spotted the rodent at about 1.30pm at the Don Don Donki store, which is located at basement level 2 of the mall. Recounting her reaction, she said: «I couldn't believe it. The rat wasn't moving at first, so I thought it was just a table decoration. Then I took a closer look and realised it was a real rat.» Qiu said that many passers-by also stopped to look at the rodent, which hardly moved around the table. She then informed an employee of the Japanese supermarket chain about the rat before leaving around 10 minutes later. When she walked past the area again more than 30 minutes later, the rat was gone and there were diners eating at that table. «I think the mall or supermarket needs to check where exactly the rat came from,» she said.

Live updates from the 2024 election campaign trail, with the latest news on Biden, Trump and the Republican National Convention.

Toronto’s city manager says little could be done to prevent the widespread flooding caused by Tuesday’s record-breaking rainfall, adding that the city 'is not designed' to handle these type of storms.

An Alberta man who tried to sell a brick of cocaine to a police officer in the parking lot of a British Columbia RCMP detachment will serve a 26-month prison term after his appeal of the sentence was rejected by B.C.'s highest court.

The defence for Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King is arguing that protesters were trapped within downtown Ottawa when police moved to end the three-week demonstration in 2022.