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In the tranquil nighttime hum of Phetchaburi’s roads, a journey meant to carry its passengers across the majestic landscapes of Thailand quickly morphed into a spine-chilling saga that will forever linger in their memories. Nestled in the back of a seemingly sturdy tour bus, 28 unsuspecting travelers, both Thai natives and eager globetrotters, embarked from the pulsating heart of Bangkok, the Southern Bus Terminal, poised for the azure shores of Phuket. However, at a notorious bend on the southbound sweep of Phetkasem Road, the tour bus journey spiraled into turmoil, cascading the unsuspecting in a cacophony of chaos and dread at precisely 8:30 PM on the night of July 8. Police Lieutenant Sunantha Rotphet of Phetchaburi City Police Station could hardly have anticipated the distressing dispatch that would soon command her attention, reporting an overturned bus lying vulnerable at kilometre 151, nestled within Hua Saphan subdistrict. The peculiar fame of…

Patong is set to go into full emergency mode this month, as officials prepare to evacuate the town in a massive tsunami drill that could one day mean the difference between life and death. Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri announced the ambitious exercise yesterday, July 8, during a high-level meeting at the Patong Municipality Office. “The …

The story Wave of caution: Patong stages tsunami drill to save lives as seen on Thaiger News.

AN employee at Dublin’s Trinity College has been arrested by Gardai probing an alleged €500,000 scam.

The woman was arrested by Gardai this morning and is facing a series of theft and money laundering charges.

Two other men were also arrested as part of the investigation.

Both men are facing money laundering charges.

They’re all expected to be brought to court later this morning.

It’s understood the alleged fraud happened between 2020 and 2021.

One source said: “This is a very complex investigation and involves a lot of cash.”

Alamy Stock Photo

KATIE Taylor helped inspire a generation of female boxers — but her career only started by pure chance.

Taylor literally fought for women to compete at Olympics after performing in front of officials in showcase bouts.

Her dad Peter was an Irish light-heavyweight champion, while brothers Pete and Lee boxed at the Bray club.

It was only when Taylor’s running training got rained off that she went down to her local St Fergal’s Boxing Club to try it out for herself.

And by the time her dad found out, she was already in the ring sparring with boys in the gym.

Ahead of her epic trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano in the early hours of this Saturday, Taylor, 39, explained: “I couldn’t wait to spar — I already had the headgear on.

“I just remember going to the gym and my dad looked around and I was already sparring. I always knew how to throw a punch, maybe it was years of watching my dad shadow boxing, but obviously much coaching was needed as well.

“I had good raw materials there and couldn’t wait to get in there and fight. I think it was always part of who I am — it’s in my blood to be a fighter.”

Taylor was just 12 when she first started boxing and immediately earned the backing of her dad.

But they had to pretend she was a boy at first by pushing her ponytail into her headguard and going by the alias K Taylor.

Her future was determined from the moment she walked into the gym — maybe accidentally on purpose — even falling in love with the club’s smell.

Taylor, who also has 11 caps for Ireland in football, added: “I don’t think I ever really thought I was going to be a boxer.

“I just always knew how to fight and how to throw a punch, where to put my hands, where to stand. That was just part of my make-up. But I don’t think my parents, or anyone in my family, really thought I was ever going to be a fighter.

“But the minute I set foot in a boxing ring, that first day, I just fell in love with the sport and boxing gym. Just the atmosphere in the gym, seeing the guys sparring and hitting the bags, that was the start of the journey for me.”

Taylor made history in 2001, aged 15, when she boxed Alanna Audley in the first officially-sanctioned female boxing match in Ireland.

OLYMPIC TRAILBLAZER

But still a problem lingered for Taylor and so many other girls — there was no room for women’s boxing at the Olympic Games. In a bid to change the landscape of the sport forever, Taylor was selected to box in front of the International Olympic Committee.

She travelled to Chicago in 2007 and Saint Petersburg two years later — with the hopes of every young female fighter on her shoulders.

And after impressing IOC officials women’s boxing was officially added into the London 2012 Games, where Taylor won gold.

But earning the right for females to box at the Olympics meant much more than that 18oz medal, or any world title she won as a pro.

Taylor said: “People talk about the pressure today but it’s nothing in comparison to the pressure I felt then. Then, I’m not just fighting for myself — but for every female fighter for boxing at the Olympic Games.

“I knew that I just had to perform in those fights because this was more important than myself. So, those were huge pressure fights and what I’m experiencing today is nothing in comparison.”

Taylor qualified for the 2016 Olympics as a hot favourite — but was stunned by defeat to Finland’s Mira Potkonen in the opening bout. She turned pro months later, embarking on the next chapter of her already illustrious story.

Taylor became lightweight world champ in under a year and just seven bouts — since becoming undisputed in two divisions. But perhaps the opponent that will define her career more than anyone is Puerto Rican great Serrano.

TAYLOR 2-0 SERRANO

Taylor beat seven-weight champion Serrano, 36, in their 2022 classic at Madison Square Garden — both earning historic $1.5million paydays.

Their rematch last November in Texas in front of 70,000 was equally epic and controversial, with Taylor again getting the disputed decision.

Now, they will meet one last time — at New York’s famed MSG again — in the early hours of Saturday.

And Taylor explained: “The nature of both our styles means it’s always going to produce epic fights, it’s just who we are. I can’t imagine the third fight will be much different.

“The fights just keep getting better and better between us so I imagine that the trilogy will be as exciting — hopefully not too exciting!

“But just the nature of who we are, it’s always going to be an absolutely great fight.”

JULIAN McMahon’s family have broken their silence with an emotional statement after TV star’s tragic death at 56.

On Friday, the actor’s grieving family revealed he had died at the age of 56 following a ‘private battle’ with cancer.

AP

Julian McMahon’s family have broken their silence after the star’s tragic death at 56[/caption]

Getty

The actor leaves behind wife Kelly McMahon[/caption]

Splash

His loved one shared a message thanking fans with a black and white photo of the star[/caption]

He leaves behind wife Kelly Paniagua and daughter 25-year-old Madison McMahon, who he shares with ex-wife Brooke Burns.

The pair split just a year after she was born.

It was not publicly known that the actor, best known for his starring roles on Nip/Tuck, Fantastic Four, Charmed and FBI: Most Wanted, was sick prior to his death. 

On Tuesday, his loved ones shared a message thanking fans for the support with a black and white photo of Julian smiling.

Posting on the star’s Instagram page, they wrote: “Julian loved Van Morrison… For all of those who loved Julian, thank you.”

The post included the song Sometimes We Cry by the Irish singer-songwriter.

Tributes have flooded in for the much-loved star, as the world of showbiz mourn the loss of one of their own.

Julian’s last role saw him star alongside Nicolas Cage in Stan original film The Surfer.

The pair were last pictures together in March at SXSW, to promote the film.

Julian was pictured looking gaunt, but bravely posed for the cameras despite his secret cancer battle.

Paying tribute to his friend, Nicholas said: “I spent six weeks working with Julian, and he was the most talented of actors.

“Our scenes together on The Surfer were amongst my favorites I have ever participated in, and Julian is one of my favorite people.

“He was a kind and intelligent man. My love to his family.”

Julian’s Charmed co-star Rose McGowan wrote: “Oh Julian, you force of brilliance.

“For you, your family, and your loving fans all over the world, I pray for comfort.”

SAD DEATH

Last week Julian’s family announced that he passed away on Wednesday, July 2, in Clearwater, Florida, after a private cancer battle. 

His wife, Kelly McMahon, said in a statement: “With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer.

“Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans. 

“His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We ask for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy.”

Kelly concluded in the heartfelt message she first shared with Deadline: “And we wish for all of those to whom Julian brought joy, to continue to find joy in life. We are grateful for the memories.”

Julian and his third wife, Kelly, tied the knot in 2014 and shared no kids together – although he has a daughter from his second marriage.

Julian’s heart-warming public message to his daughter has also come to light following his tragic death.

His last social media engagement has come to light after Madison bagged a role as a yoga teacher in Miami.

In a proud grid post in March this year, she wrote: “Taught my first yoga class today. I guess dreams do come true.”

The Home and Away alum then replied: “You’re awesome!”

She then wrote: “No YOU’RE awesome!”

Instagram / brookeburns22

Julian’s heart-warming public message to his daughter has also come to light following his tragic death[/caption]

FERRY passengers were stranded at a UK port for over 10 hours as officers made a “murder” arrest.

Officers boarded the ship to arrest the suspect in a murder investigation following a large police operation in Kent.

MET Police

Tyler Hayward was stabbed to death in Chingford on Sunday[/caption]

Passengers were stranded on the vessel after the operation saw officers force the DFDS ship to return to the Port of Dover this morning, shortly after departing for Calais.

The Met Police have confirmed a 22-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, July 8, on suspicion of the murder of Tyler Hayward in Waltham Forest.

An investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road on Sunday evening.

Met officers responded with paramedics and a 26-year-old man was found with a stab wound.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tyler’s family and our specially trained officers continue to support them at this difficult time.

“Since Sunday we have been making extensive enquiries and this resulted in searches being carried out at the Port of Dover today.

“I’d like to thank Kent Police and other agencies for their support as we carried out these checks, as well as members of the public who were disrupted while this vital work took place.”

WHEN it rains, it pours – just ask Georgia May Foote.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that her nail business burned down last month, costing the former Corrie star unimaginable expense and heartache, she’s also now split from her husband of two years, Kris Evans.

Getty

Georgia’s seen a massive blow to her personal and professional life over the past few weeks[/caption]

Instagram

She’s removed all trace of her husband Kris Evans from her Instagram – prompting speculation they’ve split[/caption]

Instagram

She’s also lost her nail business, after the building’s premises burnt down in June[/caption]

The 34-year-old has yet to publicly respond to reports that her short-lived marriage is over.

But, as the Sun exclusively revealed this week, she’s now removed all evidence of musician Kris from her Instagram – including snaps from their 2023 wedding.

She’s also removed her wedding ring. 

And earlier this week, Kris was pictured looking particularly downcast while out in Manchester – though reportedly the couple are still living together in the marital home. 

Now, in the wake of so much misfortune, we’re told insiders close to the devastated star are asking the same thing: “How much bad luck can one person take?”

From where things stand, things certainly aren’t looking good. And, like a house of cards, everything seems to be crashing down. 

But, while some say Georgia has just had a string of unforeseen bad luck, others say she has fallen victim to some ill-advised life and career choices along the way – including plugging freebies online and getting into some messy relationships. 

As one source exclusively tells us: “It’s a shame because she’s not untalented but she’s just made some bad choices and that turns the industry away and it turns fans away.”

Rewinding back a decade, it seemed that Georgia had the world at her feet.

She’d gained fame and fortune on Coronation Street as Katy Armstrong, which she played from 2010 to 2015 – before being written off the show. 

At the time, she expressed some sadness about the producers’ decision, which apparently came as her story had run its course, describing it as “like a boyfriend dumping you first”.

But, in the outset, at least, things looked rosy.

Bright future

She quickly landed a spot on Strictly Come Dancing that same year – which, by all accounts, is one of the most highly respected reality routes for a celebrity to take. 

And she proved her worth – reaching the live final in December 2015 with her pro partner (and soon-to-be boyfriend) Giovanni Pernice.

But, as history proves, a soap star’s post-show trajectory is a game of two halves.

On the one hand, you have the likes of fellow former Corrie star Michelle Keegan and ex-Neighbours alumna Margot Robbie quitting their soaps and making it big in Hollywood.

Then, on the flip side, you have soap stars who leave their nine to fives, hoping for bigger and better things and find themselves out of work and pigeonholed in their former roles. 

ITV

Georgia starred as Katy Armstrong for five years, until being written out of the soap in 2015[/caption]

ITV

She started on the soap in 2010, and hoped – after leaving – to follow the career trajectory of fellow former Corrie star Michelle Keegan[/caption]

BBC

Her first Corrie stint seemed promising – as she reached the Strictly finals in 2015[/caption]

The late Paul Danan, who left Hollyoaks to try his luck in Hollywood and lived to regret it, summed it up when he said: “Maybe years ago I shouldn’t have left… soap stars don’t often appreciate their luck.”

Georgia may have not hightailed it across the pond, but there was every hope and suggestion that she’d continue riding the wave of Coronation Street and Strictly.

And for a brief time, there was momentum. The actress won roles on Sky’s Trollied, BBC’s Doctors and the American series The Outpost. 

But by 2021, the roles had dried up, and – rubbing salt into wounds – her Corrie character had been killed off, in an off-screen car crash, in 2017, dashing her hopes of ever returning. 

Work drought

Speaking this week, she told the Sausage on a Fork podcast: “I came back in the December of 2020 [from filming The Outpost in Serbia] and I just realised, ‘Oh my God, there’s no work.’

“Everything that got stopped filming in the UK then got put on a back burner and then there was a backlog of what was about to start filming.

“Then everything behind that took four years to come out, then we had the writers’ strikes.”

She added: “It’s just been a nightmare.

“And that’s why this has been the quietest I’ve ever been in my life.”

In 2021, she made the wise decision to retrain as a nail technician – while still insisting that acting was her first love. 

She said at the time: “At the age of 30 it was the best time to throw myself into a new skill and business,” adding it was “very good for my mental health…to help others feel better too in such a crazy time.”

She opened her nail business GMF Nails that same year – before moving the salon to a bigger space in Middleton in 2023. 

At the same time, she continued promoting brands and doing collaborations online – transitioning from actress to influencer as a way to keep her income afloat. 

But, sadly for Georgia – and many other actors who plug goods on social media when the offers dry up – becoming an influencer is a double-edged sword.

As our insider tells us, it often works against them when it comes to casting agents. 

Being killed off off-screen is the ultimate slap in the face – it’s a clear sign soap bosses don’t want and wouldn’t have you back.

Anonymous insider

“Eagerly accepting freebies on social media and becoming a sort of influencer can be a killer for an acting career,” they tells us. 

“She’s discovered that, by trying to be an actor and an influencer, it will get you neither in the end. 

“What’s more, being killed off off-screen is the ultimate slap in the face – it’s a clear sign soap bosses don’t want and wouldn’t have you back.

“Especially when it’s a young character and there are so many other options – it’s a clear sign that there’s no going back.”

Whether Georgia had chosen her path or not, she fully embraced her second chapter as a nail technician and business owner – but that also ended in disaster last month when a huge fire ripped through her premises.

Instagram

She broke the news of her nail salon burning down in June, and swiftly launched a crowdfunding campaign to support herself and fellow beauticians[/caption]

X/@georgiafoote

The star appeared on BBC’s Trollied in 2016, but the acting roles dried up[/caption]

Taking to Instagram, she told fans: “Not only has my business burnt down, but so has many other people’s. Along with people’s most loved possessions. My heart goes out to them. 

“Even though as beauticians we can move into a new space, our stock and tools, which we spend years collecting, have all gone. 

“We can no longer work. My friends and fellow beauticians have to literally start again.”

The star has been putting on a brave face in the aftermath – while trying to raise funds for herself and fellow small business owners through crowdfunding.

As of last month, she’d managed to raise over £12,000.

But behind the scenes, we’re told, she’s been blindsided after trying so hard to turn her career around. And this might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Toxic love life

Alongside this, of course, is Georgia’s fated love life – which has only made things worse for the star. 

Before joining Corrie, she was previously engaged to her childhood sweetheart, plumber John Gage, but they split as her career started taking off.

Then, she infamously got into a toxic relationship with her Coronation Street co-star Sean Ward.

She was dating the actor while starring on Strictly – despite rumours bubbling that she and her pro partner Giovanni were getting closer by the day.

Rex

BBC

Sean was jealous of her relationship with her dancing partner Giovanni Pernice – who she later coupled up with after wrapping the series[/caption]

Things finally came to a head on the night of the competition final.

It should have been a glittering moment for Georgia but the shine was well and truly taken off the achievement when she and Sean reportedly got into a heated fight.

Sean was later accused of holding her hostage in their hotel room during a “jealous rage” over her close friendship with Giovanni. 

Neither Georgia nor Sean spoke about the allegations, but – according to insiders – he lost his temper on the night of the final while staying in an Elstree hotel, close to the BBC studios. 

One source reported at the time that Sean smashed a wine bottle over his head and threw Georgia’s phone against the wall.

It was also claimed that her Strictly co-star Katie Derham’s husband, John Vincent, was forced to intervene – kicking Sean out of the hotel. 

A source continued, “[Georgia] was pleading with him to let her out but he wouldn’t. In the end, her screams were heard and staff were called. After that Georgia wanted nothing more to do with Sean.”

The pair split up soon after, and Georgia later confirmed rumours of a spark by getting together with Giovanni. 

They coupled up a month after the final and were together for about seven months, during which time Georgia called him “the best thing that ever happened to me”.

However, they split amicably later that year, insisting that their busy schedules had torn them apart.

PA:Press Association

She called Giovanni “the best thing that ever happened to me” while dating[/caption]

Instagram

Georgia seemed to get her happy ending when she married musician Kris Evans in 2023[/caption]

Splash

Following reports that they’d split this week, Kris was spotted looking downcast in Manchester[/caption]

But, given that there was so much pressure on their relationship – especially in light of her ex’s allegations against them – their split must have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Georgia then dated model George Alsford, before splitting in 2018.

Then she met her future husband, Kris Evans, who previously appeared on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent with his boyband, The Mend. 

The pair quickly fell for each other, and moved in together during the COVID lockdown.

On December 30 2021, he proposed to her on a Gran Canaria beach, with Georgia later telling him – and the world – “I’m honoured you have chosen me.”

They then married two years ago this month, in a rustic barn ceremony in Cumbria.

It seemed like she was more in it for fame than the art of acting

Anonymous insider

Georgia described the wedding as “the best day ever,” calling Kris “the person who makes me a better person”.

But two years later, it now seems like all bets are off – and Georgia has been left picking up the pieces of her love life and career.

There’s no word yet as to the reasons behind the break-up, but – as our insider explains – her high-profile romances haven’t done her any favours. 

We’re told: “There were some high profile issues in her relationships too that unfortunately made it seem that she was more in it for fame than the art of acting. 

“Splitting with one co-star boyfriend after a bust-up, and then getting with Strictly’s Gio before splitting with him. It’s all very celebrity – and not very actressy.”

Instagram/@georgiamay112

Georgia’s “influencer” antics on Instagram – including advertising hair straighteners – have reportedly not done her any favours with casting agents[/caption]

Instagram/@georgiamay112

She’s also plugged a sofa from Moda Furnishings[/caption]

Instagram/@georgiamay112

In 2021 she promoted Almost Famous burgers[/caption]

Now, it seems as if the actress is at a crossroads again – but general consensus behind the scenes is that she’s a “case study” of what not to do.

Our insider tells us: “Georgia should have had a promising future but she’s become a case study for how not to do things when you quit a soap.

“She had the world at her feet but unfortunately she was badly advised.”

At the same time, she’s been dealt more unforeseen blows that one person should ever have to face.

Here’s hoping she gets some better advice moving forwards, and keeps putting one Foote in front of the other.

A dramatic incident unfolded on Srinakarin Road, near Soi 27, in Bangkok, when a man was seen carrying a metal rod and throwing stones at passing vehicles. The situation was captured in a TikTok video posted by user @ion_x_noi, yesterday, July 8, showcasing the tense moments as several brave locals intervened to subdue the man. …

The story Man throws stones at cars in Bangkok, subdued by locals (video) as seen on Thaiger News.

AN EXTREME cheapskate has revealed how she fed herself for an entire day without forking out a single penny, thanks to an underrated food app.

The thrifty content creator behind the page Diary of a Cheapskate set herself a no-spend food challenge and says she was “chuffed” with the result, but it seems not everyone was impressed.

TikTok @DiaryOfACheapskate

TikTok @DiaryOfACheapskate

Mortgage-free at just 32, the savvy TikToker regularly shares frugal living tips and money-saving tricks with her growing audience online.

From reusing items to bagging freebies, she’s not shy about her cost-cutting habits.

In a recent video, she documented a full day of free eating, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, all sourced using the Olio app, a platform where neighbours and shops give away unwanted food.

She told followers: “This was such a fun challenge. I love getting creative with what I’ve got rather than spending cash. It means I end up eating some odd combos, but I don’t care, it’s part of the fun.”

Her freebie-filled day started with a Belgian waffle, chopped apples and yoghurt, all collected that morning via Olio, just past their best-before dates but still perfectly fine, she said.

Skipping a morning snack, she moved onto lunch with two chocolate croissants and a browning banana, again all free.

By the afternoon, she tucked into more yoghurt with chopped banana before whipping up a dinner of roasted sweet potato and cauliflower, plus some new potatoes gifted by a colleague.

She claimed her tea was “a bit weird” but “it worked”.

To finish off the day, she snacked on fresh raspberries picked straight from her mum’s garden and stuck to tap water for drinks – all completely cost-free.

But while some fans praised her creativity and thanked her for introducing them to the Olio app, others weren’t so kind.

One troll cruelly commented: “Do you reuse condoms too?”.

Another slammed her for taking food that could have gone to someone “more in need.”

A third accused her of wasting time and money on travel just to pick up food she could’ve bought “cheaply from Lidl.”

Still, her loyal followers rushed to defend her, with one writing: “Just picked up my first haul thanks to your video, can’t believe the food people give away. Ignore the haters, your tips are brilliant!”

Despite the backlash, the TikToker stood her ground, insisting that her extreme budgeting isn’t about greed but about being resourceful, conscious, and proud of not wasting food or money.

And judging by her clean plate and satisfied smile, it looks as if the hate doesn’t seem to bother her.

She’s not the only cheapskate taking dire measures to save her pennies.

A mum has shared her extreme money-saving tips, and her water hack really turned heads. 

Becky Giles, who’s all about being frugal, revealed that she loves it when it snows because it gives her free water for her family to wash in

She also bragged about how her money-saving methods helped her renovate her bathroom for just £49.

Since becoming a stay-at-home mum, Becky has found creative ways to save money as she works to renovate her family’s 100 year old house. 

She now prides herself in being “the most frugal mum in America.” 

Talking in a TLC documentary, she revealed that she fills up buckets “with snow to melt and use for water” as “water from the sink actually costs money.” 

Elsewhere, a self-proclaimed frugal freak, who previously confessed to re-using bin bags and claimed to only own one plate, has now shared more of his savvy money saving methods.

Bradley, 32, who steals loo rolls and re-uses snotty tissues, claimed that some of his tricks might be controversial.

Despite earning over £16,000 in just one month alone, the content creator, who has enough money to live lavishly, instead opts for an incredibly frugal lifestyle. 

But like this frugal food hunter, not everyone was impressed with Bradley’s tricks.

CHRISTIAN HORNER is set to be sacked as the boss of Red Bull today.

Horner was the longest reigning F1 Team Principal, after becoming commander in chief since its inception in 2005.

Reuters

Christian Horner is set to be axed by his Formula One team Red Bull today[/caption]

It comes a year after the scandal that engulfed him over texts he apparently sent to a female employee.

SunSport understands that an announcement is expected in the next hour.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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