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Authorities Raid Three Chinese-Owned Factories for Illegal Recycling Thai authorities have raided three Chinese-owned factories in , Samut Sakhon for illegally recycling old electrical wires and plastic waste, raising serious environmental and fire hazard concerns. The crackdown comes after a similar illegal operation was linked to a factory fire in Ban Phaeo district last month. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351528-authorities-raid-three-chinese-owned-factories-for-illegal-recycling/

Picture courtesy of NRECD Thai authorities have raided three Chinese-owned factories in , Samut Sakhon for illegally recycling old electrical wires and plastic waste, raising serious environmental and fire hazard concerns. The crackdown comes after a similar illegal operation was linked to a factory fire in Ban Phaeo district last month. The operation was led by Pol. Col. Arun Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), alongside Pol. Col. Aphisan Chairat, Chief of Sub-Division 5 of the NRECD, officials from the Ministry of Industry, and Samut Sakhon’s industrial department. Authorities targeted three factories suspected of illegally importing and processing electronic and plastic waste from electrical wires. These factories were identified as: • Theng Da Plastic and Metal Co., Ltd. (Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict) • Unibro Metal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict) • Hong Yue Renewable Resources Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Kalong Subdistrict) During the raid, authorities discovered serious violations at all three sites: • Theng Da Plastic and Metal Co., Ltd. possessed a valid factory permit but was illegally melting plastic waste without notifying authorities. • Unibro Metal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was found with large amounts of electronic circuit boards, classified as hazardous waste. Both factories were owned by Luo Fuquan, a 39-year-old Chinese national. He was arrested and charged with: • Operating a factory without notifying authorities • Expanding operations without a permit • Processing hazardous waste without authorisation The suspect was taken to Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station for further legal proceedings. The other factory; • Hong Yue Renewable Resources Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was found melting metal, emitting strong fumes. The factory’s manager, identified as Yee Kwat, failed to comply with previous official orders. She was charged under the Factory Act and also taken into custody. Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on illegal recycling operations, citing environmental and public safety risks. The three factories are now under investigation for potential links to other illegal waste-importing networks. Related articles; https://aseannow.com/topic/1350253-massive-fire-engulfs-plastic-warehouse-in-samut-sakhon/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1350535-illegal-chinese-owned-recycling-factory-raided-4000-tonnes-of-scrap-wiring-seized/ -- 2025-02-12

Restaurant Manager Threatened with Gun Over 45-Baht Bill A restaurant manager in Chumphon has resigned on 10 February, after being threatened with a firearm by an angry customer over an unpaid 45-baht bill. Fearing for his safety, he has reported the incident to the police. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351527-restaurant-manager-threatened-with-gun-over-45-baht-bill/

Picture captured from CCTV. A restaurant manager in Chumphon has resigned on 10 February, after being threatened with a firearm by an angry customer over an unpaid 45-baht bill. Fearing for his safety, he has reported the incident to the police. The altercation took place at a restaurant on Thung Wua Laen Beach, Saplee Subdistrict, Pathio District, during the early hours of 7 February. CCTV footage captured a man known as “Lek,” who appeared intoxicated, brandishing a firearm and threatening Mr Phonsriphum, 53, the restaurant manager, before leaving on a motorcycle. On 8 February, Mr Phonsriphum filed a formal police complaint at Pathio Police Station, seeking legal action against the suspect, identified as Mr Thanawat, also known as Lek. Speaking to reporters, Mr Phonsriphum explained his decision to resign, citing concerns for his safety and the well-being of his family. “I have a family to support, a mother with a visual impairment and children who depend on me. If anything happens to me, they will be left without financial support. I cannot risk my life over a situation like this,” he said. The dispute arose when Lek, a regular customer who often waited at the restaurant for his girlfriend, a staff member, left without paying for a bottle of water (20 baht) and soda (25 baht), totalling 45 baht. As the restaurant was closing around 23.00 a staff member attempted to collect the outstanding amount, only to find that Lek had already left. Mr Phonsriphum then messaged Lek’s girlfriend, requesting payment. Lek later contacted the manager, asking for a QR code to transfer the money. However, he failed to complete the transaction, leading another patron to settle the bill on his behalf. The manager believed the matter was resolved until Lek returned in a rage. While Mr Phonsriphum and his female staff were closing the restaurant, Lek arrived on his motorcycle, verbally abusing the manager with aggressive language. He then pulled out a handgun, chambered a round, and threatened him before holstering the weapon and leaving. Fearing further encounters, Mr Phonsriphum decided to quit his job at the restaurant and instead take a role at a shooting range, where he feels safer. Police are currently investigating the case. -- 2025-02-12

Jealous Husband Kills Ex-Wife and Takes His Own Life in Shocking Murder-Suicide A murder-suicide unfolded in Phichit in the early hours of the morning of 10 February, after a man shot his former wife three times before turning the gun on himself. Friends who arrived at the scene were left in shock after witnessing the aftermath. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351526-jealous-husband-kills-ex-wife-and-takes-his-own-life-in-shocking-murder-suicide/

Picture from responders. A murder-suicide unfolded in Phichit in the early hours of the morning of 10 February, after a man shot his former wife three times before turning the gun on himself. Friends who arrived at the scene were left in shock after witnessing the aftermath. The incident occurred at around 00:30, in a rented room near the Phichit bypass road in Tha Luang subdistrict, Mueang Phichit district. Police and emergency services were alerted, with officers from Mueang Phichit Police Station, led by Police Lieutenant Siroj Phetdee, arriving swiftly at the scene. Upon entry into room number 4, authorities discovered 22-year-old Nattaphon, a resident of Pa Makap, Phichit, lying dead on her back with three gunshot wounds to the head from a .38 calibre revolver. Nearby, 37-year-old Preecha, a resident of Nong Phra, Wang Sai Phun district, was found face down, barely alive, with a gunshot wound to the forehead. Despite being rushed to Phichit Hospital by rescue workers, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. A.38 calibre revolver was found in Preecha's hand, confirming that he was the perpetrator. A key witness, 20-year-old Pojanart, who was visiting Nattaphon with two friends, described the harrowing moment the attack took place. "At around midnight, we were about to leave the room when suddenly, out of nowhere, Preecha, also known as Sia Ball, ran inside before we could react. Then we heard three gunshots, followed by another. We rushed back in and saw them both lying in pools of blood. That's when we called the police," she recounted. According to the police investigation, Nattaphon and Preecha had been married but had separated nearly a month ago. Preecha had repeatedly attempted to reconcile with his ex-wife, but she refused. This rejection is believed to have been the motive behind the fatal shooting. Police continue to investigate the incident, but preliminary findings confirm that Preecha shot Nattaphon before ending his own life in a final act of desperation. -- 2025-02-12

Monk Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident in Ubon Ratchathani A monk was fatally struck while collecting alms in Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani, by a motorcycle and was subsequently run over by two vehicles, both of which fled the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351525-monk-killed-in-hit-and-run-incident-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture from responders. A monk was fatally struck while collecting alms in Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani, by a motorcycle and was subsequently run over by two vehicles, both of which fled the scene. The collision occurred early on the morning of 10 February in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani province, when a Buddhist monk lost his life in a hit-and-run incident while on his daily alms round. At approximately 06:30, Police Lieutenant Songchan Suwannachot, deputy investigator at Warin Chamrap Police Station, received a report of a crash involving a motorcycle and a monk on Warin Chamrap-Det Udom Road, near the Ban That U-turn in Saensuk subdistrict. Emergency medical services from Warin Chamrap Hospital and local rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officials found a blue-and-black Honda motorcycle registered in Ubon Ratchathani at the site of the crash. The rider, a 56-year-old man identified as Mr. Onta, sustained injuries and was taken to Warin Chamrap Hospital for treatment. Nearby, the body of 64-year-old Phra Klin, a resident monk of Ban That Temple, lay motionless on the road. The monk had suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken bones and a fractured skull. Eyewitnesses reported that Phra Klin was walking along the roadside to collect alms when Mr. Onta, travelling at high speed, lost control and struck the monk. The impact caused the motorcyclist to fall and sustain injuries. Moments later, a car and a pickup truck following behind the motorcycle ran over the monk before speeding away from the scene without stopping. Police are now investigating the incident and searching for the drivers of the two fleeing vehicles. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. -- 2025-02-12

Lorry Fire Destroys Entire Cargo in Uthai Thani A lorry fire erupted during the afternoon of 10 February, in Nong Chang district, completely engulfing the vehicle and its cargo before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351523-lorry-fire-destroys-entire-cargo-in-uthai-thani/

Picture from responders. A lorry fire erupted during the afternoon of 10 February, in Nong Chang district, completely engulfing the vehicle and its cargo before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Police from Nong Chang Police Station received reports of a 10-wheel lorry emitting thick smoke while parked along the Nong Chang – Thap Than road in Moo 5, Nong Chang subdistrict. Emergency services, including police officers, members of the Uthai Thani Disaster Prevention Club, and three fire engines, two from Nong Chang Municipality and one from the Nong Chang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found a white Isuzu lorry, registered in Udon Thani, with flames consuming the rear section of the vehicle. Fire crews worked for 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze, but the entire cargo was destroyed. The driver, 60-year-old Pannaphong, recounted the terrifying moment the fire broke out. “I was delivering spare parts, including washing machine components, hoses, and electric bicycles parts, to repair shops. After finishing my deliveries, I stopped at a roadside shop to buy a drink. When I got back into the lorry and prepared to drive off, I heard people shouting that there was smoke coming from the back of the vehicle,” he explained. Panicking, he quickly got out and realising he had no way to contain the fire himself. Locals immediately called emergency services. As the fire spread rapidly through the rear section of the lorry, Pannaphong stated he suspected an electrical fault in the vehicle’s system. He believed a short circuit in the rear compartment may have caused sparks to drip onto the highly flammable rubber hoses, triggering the intense blaze. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause, with forensic investigators set to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle. -- 2025-02-12

Man Under the Influence of Krathom & Alcohol Sets Fire to His Car In a dramatic turn of events, a 35-year-old man, under the influence of alcohol and krathom, went into a violent rage, setting fire to his own car and then threatening to harm himself with a knife before fleeing into a nearby forest. The incident took place in Chaiyaphum province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351522-man-under-the-influence-of-krathom-alcohol-sets-fire-to-his-car/

Picture from responders. In a dramatic turn of events, a 35-year-old man, under the influence of alcohol and krathom, went into a violent rage, setting fire to his own car and then threatening to harm himself with a knife before fleeing into a nearby forest. The incident took place in Chaiyaphum province on the night of 10th February. According to reports, the local emergency services received a distress call at 22:40, alerting them to a man setting fire to his white car parked on a road near a bridge in the Nai Mueang area, heading towards the city's floodgate. Upon arrival, they found the man, later identified as Isara in a state of extreme agitation, using a lighter to set fire to various objects inside the vehicle. The car quickly became engulfed in flames, emitting thick smoke. Isara, a resident of Don Han, Khon Kaen, was seen walking around the car, shirtless, and holding a large knife, which he waved dangerously as if ready to harm himself. Despite a lengthy attempt at negotiation by the police, Isara's erratic behaviour continued, with his incoherent speech revealing deep emotional distress. He repeatedly expressed feelings of abandonment, saying, "No one loves me. My wife doesn't love me. My colleagues don't love me. I'm all alone and I want to die." Witnesses reported that Isara had been drinking alcohol and krathom at his home earlier that evening. After an argument with his wife, who was upset about his daily drinking habits, she had kicked him out of the house. In his anger and despair, he drove his car to the location and set it on fire. Firefighters from the Chaiyaphum Municipal Office and the Provincial Administrative Organisation worked quickly to extinguish the flames, but Isara, upon seeing the police closing in, fled into the forest holding the knife. Authorities launched a search for over an hour before finding him at 01:30 on 10th February. In an effort to subdue him, officers used a taser, and Isara was soon taken into custody and transferred to Chaiyaphum Hospital for medical attention. Initial tests showed no signs of drug use, though investigations into the cause of his outburst are ongoing. Once he recovers, he will undergo further questioning. -- 2025-02-12

72-Year-Old Driver Crashes Into Utility Pole in Bangkok An incident occurred, when a 72-year-old man lost control of his Honda HR-V and crashed into a utility pole in central Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351521-72-year-old-driver-crashes-into-utility-pole-in-bangkok/

Picture from responders An incident occurred on 10 February when a 72-year-old man lost control of his Honda HR-V and crashed into a utility pole in central Bangkok. At around 15:30, emergency services from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation responded to a report of a car crash on Rama 6 Road, near Soi 11, in the Rong Mueang area of Pathumwan District. Upon arrival, responders found the vehicle facing in the wrong direction, on Rama 1 Road, and discovered the driver, Mr. Thanaphong, severely injured and bleeding from his head and body. He was promptly removed from the vehicle and given first aid before being transported to Hua Chiew Hospital. Nearby, a utility pole had been snapped in half from the impact of the crash. A witness, Mr. Chaliyo, 50, who was working across the street at the time of the incident, stated that he saw the car speeding down the road from Rama 1 towards Rama 6. The vehicle appeared to lose control and hit the pole with such force that it broke in two. He further mentioned that the pole slowly toppled after the impact. Mr. Chaliyo clarified that he did not see any other vehicles involved or pedestrians crossing the road, but noted that the Honda did not appear to brake before the crash. It looked like the driver either had a sudden lapse in concentration or might have fallen asleep, he suggested. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, though initial reports point to potential health issues affecting the driver. -- 2025-02-12

Thailand Slips in Global Corruption Ranking for 2024 File photo for reference only Thailand's efforts to combat corruption have taken a step back, as its score fell by one point in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), sliding to 107th place out of 180 countries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351511-thailand-slips-in-global-corruption-ranking-for-2024/

Fire Breaks Out at 7-Eleven Store in Sriracha, Customers and Staff Flee in Panic A fire broke out at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 848/46, Pong Sa Ket, Huai Prap, Sriracha, Chonburi, at 11:05 on 11 February. The emergency services were alerted and quickly dispatched fire crews from the Takian Tia and Bo Win municipal fire departments, along with officers from the Sriracha district administration and local rescue teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351474-fire-breaks-out-at-7-eleven-store-in-sriracha-customers-and-staff-flee-in-panic/

Migrants, Not Tourists, in Pattaya Beach Viral Snooze Drama - video Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail Last week, a video went viral on social media, allegedly showing Indian tourists sprawled out on Pattaya Beach. The video, which showed over 100 individuals sleeping, drinking, and leaving a mess on the sand, sparked outrage. However, it has been revealed that these were not tourists but rather migrants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351480-migrants-not-tourists-in-pattaya-beach-viral-snooze-drama-video/

British Tourist Arrested at Manchester Airport on Drugs Charges Photo courtesy of WhatPub A 21-year-old British man found himself in handcuffs instead of holiday souvenirs upon his return from Thailand. Matthew Crehan, a resident of Dentons Green Lane in St Helens, was arrested on Saturday, February 8th, at Manchester Airport. Authorities acted promptly, charging him with multiple drug-related offences, including possession and supply of class A, B, and C substances such as cocaine, cannabis resin, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351507-british-tourist-arrested-at-manchester-airport-on-drugs-charges/

Foreign Motorcyclist Hit-and-Run: Local Rider Seeks Justice After Accident -video Photo via Pracharthai A Thai food delivery rider named Surasak is searching for justice after a foreign motorcyclist hit him and then sped away on a busy road in Pattaya. The incident unfolded around 2pm yesterday on Khao Phra Tamnak Road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351512-foreign-motorcyclist-hit-and-run-local-rider-seeks-justice-after-accident-video/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 12 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1351506-thailand-live-wednesday-12-february-2025/

Elon Musk helped found OpenAI in 2015 but left the company three years later. (The Washington Post) Elon Musk and a group of investors have launched a $97.4 billion takeover bid for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, in a dramatic escalation of their long-running dispute over the future of artificial intelligence. The offer, which falls significantly below OpenAI’s most recent valuation of $157 billion, was swiftly rejected by the company’s CEO, Sam Altman. In a post on X, Altman responded with a tongue-in-cheek reply: “No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” Musk fired back with a single-word response: “Swindler.” The bid, revealed on Monday 10 February, comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Musk and OpenAI over the firm’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left three years later, has accused the company of betraying its original mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity. Musk’s legal team argues that OpenAI’s restructuring violates its founding principles, and he has sought to block the move through the courts. His bid to acquire the company is seen as an attempt to regain control and steer it back towards open-source AI development. The takeover bid is backed by Musk’s AI firm, xAI, alongside asset management funds linked to Tesla investors Ron Baron and Gavin Baker. Venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC is also part of the consortium. Musk’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, has suggested that as a non-profit entity, OpenAI may be compelled to consider such a substantial offer. However, OpenAI remains focused on its own investment and growth strategy. In October 2024, the company secured $6.6 billion in funding, valuing it at $157 billion, with Microsoft as its primary backer. Recent reports suggest OpenAI is in talks to raise additional funding that could push its valuation to as high as $340 billion. The clash between Musk and Altman has also played out in Washington, where both tech leaders have been active during the early weeks of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Altman recently appeared alongside Trump at the White House to announce a major AI infrastructure project, Stargate, designed to expand AI data centres with an initial investment of $100 billion. Musk, in turn, has launched the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing federal spending. Musk has publicly criticised Stargate, arguing that Altman and his investors lack the financial means to execute such an ambitious project. Trump himself has acknowledged the rift, remarking in a press conference that he is aware of Musk’s strong dislike for a key member of the Stargate initiative, presumably referring to Altman. OpenAI’s leadership remains committed to restructuring the company into a for-profit entity while maintaining its original mission. The proposed changes would see the non-profit arm retain equity in the commercial business but relinquish control over its operations. Musk, however, insists that OpenAI must return to its open-source roots. “It’s time for OpenAI to return to the safety-focused force for good it once was. We will make sure that happens,” he said in a statement. Despite the high-profile nature of Musk’s bid, analysts believe OpenAI is unlikely to entertain the offer, given its backing from Microsoft and other investors. For now, the battle for control of AI’s future continues, both in the boardroom and the courtroom. Based on a report in The Washington Post 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Farmers protested in Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury More than 70 tractors took to the roads in Gloucestershire as farmers staged a major protest against upcoming changes to inheritance tax laws. Convoys of agricultural vehicles moved through Gloucester, Stroud, and Tewkesbury, joining similar demonstrations across England, including outside Westminster. The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million from April 2026. While exemptions will allow many farming families to avoid paying tax on the first £3 million of assets, industry leaders warn that the new rules could devastate small and medium-sized farms. Alan Hocken said the future for young farmers is "doom and gloom" Speaking at the protest in Gloucester, Alan Hocken of Grange Farm described the changes as a direct threat to farming livelihoods. “We’re working on very, very tight margins as it is,” he said. “We do this job because we have a passion for it and to feed the country. The government needs to wake up and understand the pressures we’re under. This inheritance tax will ruin us,it’s as simple as that.” Farmers argue that the increased tax burden will force many to sell land or assets, making family-run farms unviable and potentially pushing up food prices. Under the new rules, the first £1.325 million of agricultural assets will remain tax-free due to general exemptions, and farmers can transfer assets to their spouse without incurring tax. For farming couples, this could raise the total untaxed amount to £3 million. The government insists that most farms will not be affected. The Prime Minister defended the changes, stating that the policy ensures fairness while generating revenue for essential public services. Dr Simon Opher, who was elected as Stroud's MP in July, said the new measures were "tough but necessary" Labour MP:Stroud MP Simon Opher, speaking in support of the tax, acknowledged the concerns of farmers but insisted the policy was needed to fund services such as the NHS. “In normal circumstances, farmers will get £3 million tax-free, and after that, they’ll pay half the usual inheritance tax rate,” Dr Opher explained. “I realise this is tough because it’s new, but we feel it is necessary to ensure we can properly fund key public services and the NHS.” The tax debate has ignited political tensions, with opposition MPs and farming groups calling for further exemptions or a complete rollback of the policy. The protests coincided with a parliamentary debate on tax exemptions for working farms, increasing pressure on ministers to reconsider the changes. As protests continue, farming unions warn that this could be just the beginning of sustained action unless the government revisits its decision. Based on an article from The BBC 11.02.2025 -- 2025-02-12

A World Food Program's flag flutters on the roof of WFP's headquaters after the WFP won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, in Rome, Italy October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo The United States has lifted its pause on food donations to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), allowing the resumption of crucial aid deliveries that had been left in limbo for weeks. The suspension had halted the shipment of 500,000 metric tons of food, leaving millions of dollars’ worth of assistance stranded at sea or in storage. The WFP confirmed the reversal in a statement on social media, saying: “We can confirm that the recent pause concerning in-kind food assistance to WFP, purchased from U.S. farmers with Title II funds, has been rescinded. This allows for the resumption of food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID agreements.” The suspension stemmed from U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause all foreign aid for 90 days while reviewing its alignment with his administration’s “America First” foreign policy. Despite a waiver issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to allow emergency food assistance to continue, the U.S. government still instructed the WFP to stop work on dozens of American-funded grants. The move disrupted the Food for Peace Title II programme, a $2 billion initiative that forms the backbone of U.S. international food aid, jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The sudden halt in funding affected food aid operations in several of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Haiti, and Mali. Humanitarian organisations criticised the suspension, warning that the uncertainty put $489 million worth of food assistance at risk. Many aid groups were left scrambling to decide whether to continue their programmes without any financial guarantees from Washington. A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the situation. Aid officials have voiced frustration at what they describe as a lack of clarity surrounding the Trump administration’s foreign aid review. Many organisations were left uncertain whether their programmes fell under the waiver or whether they risked financial losses by continuing operations. Despite the resumption of food donations, experts warn that the pause has already disrupted supply chains and delayed deliveries, potentially worsening food insecurity in conflict zones and impoverished nations. While the immediate crisis may have been averted, the long-term future of U.S. foreign aid remains uncertain as the administration continues its review of international assistance policies. Based on a article from Reuters 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Locals laid flowers at the school's gate to mourn the eight-year-old student A female teacher has fatally stabbed an eight-year-old girl at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon, in a crime that has deeply shocked the nation. The teacher, who is in her 40s, confessed to the attack, according to police. The young student was found with stab wounds on the second floor of the school building at around 18:00 local time on Monday 10 February and was later pronounced dead at hospital. The teacher was discovered beside her with injuries that police believe may have been self-inflicted. South Korea’s acting president, has ordered a full investigation into the case and urged authorities to introduce measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “It pains me to see such an incident because a school should be our safest space,” he said. “I offer my deep condolences to the victim’s family, who have suffered great shock and agony.” The school was closed on Tuesday 11 February, as a mark of respect, with local residents laying flowers and a stuffed doll at the school gate to mourn the loss of the young girl. Authorities confirmed that the teacher had no prior relationship with the victim. However, she had exhibited violent behaviour in the days leading up to the attack, including putting a colleague in a headlock. The teacher had initially requested a six-month leave of absence on 9 December 2024, due to depression but returned to work just 20 days later after being assessed as fit for duty. Since her return, she had not been assigned to any classes and had been kept under close supervision. Education officials had visited the school on Monday morning, just hours before the stabbing, to investigate the teacher’s previous altercation with a co-worker. Following that attack, the education office had recommended placing her on leave and physically separating her from other staff. She had been instructed to sit beside the vice-principal’s desk to be monitored closely. The eight-year-old girl was first reported missing on Monday evening when a school bus driver alerted the school that she had not arrived for pickup. Shortly afterward, she was discovered on the second floor of the building with fatal injuries. Police have stated that they will continue questioning the teacher once she recovers from surgery. South Korea is considered one of the world’s safest countries, with strict gun control laws and low rates of violent crime. However, recent years have seen several high-profile stabbing incidents, raising concerns among the public. This latest tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stronger mental health assessments for teachers and stricter safety measures in schools. Authorities have pledged to review current policies to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. Based on an article from BBC 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in New York. A top official at the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered federal prosecutors to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams and halt the ongoing investigation. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) The U.S. Justice Department has ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns that the case was interfering with his ability to support President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. In a rare intervention, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove issued a two-page memo directing prosecutors in New York to “dismiss” the bribery charges against Adams immediately. The memo stated that the order was not based on the strength of evidence but on the timing of the prosecution, which Bove argued was distracting the mayor from his duties. “The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime,” Bove wrote. The Justice Department’s decision has sparked outrage among legal experts and political figures, who say it marks a significant departure from long-standing norms. Public officials, including President Trump himself during his first term, have been investigated without claims that their duties should shield them from legal scrutiny. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the order. The case against Adams was brought under former U.S. Attorney Damien Williams, who stepped down before Trump returned to the presidency. Critics argue that the Justice Department’s intervention raises serious concerns about political interference in the legal process. The memo also instructed prosecutors not to take any further investigative steps against Adams until after the November mayoral election, though it left open the possibility of refiling charges at a later date. The bribery case against Adams stemmed from allegations that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel perks worth over $100,000 while serving as Brooklyn Borough President. Prosecutors claimed that a Turkish official who facilitated the trips later sought political favours, including asking Adams to lobby the New York Fire Department to approve a 36-story diplomatic building for Turkey’s president. Adams, a Democrat who campaigned on a centrist platform, has shifted noticeably to the right following his indictment, which has led to speculation that he sought leniency from the Trump administration. Previously an advocate for protecting undocumented migrants, Adams has since softened his stance, suggesting that Trump’s policies may be better for New York than those of former President Joe Biden. He has also pledged to roll back the city’s “sanctuary” policies, aligning himself more closely with the Trump administration’s law-and-order agenda. Several of Adams’ Democratic rivals in the upcoming mayoral primary have accused him of striking a political deal to secure the Justice Department’s intervention. “Instead of standing up for New Yorkers, Adams is standing up for precisely one person,” said Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller and a mayoral challenger. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called for an investigation into whether Adams had “cut any kind of deal with the Trump administration that involves breaking city law.” The mayor’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, welcomed the Justice Department’s decision, stating: “Now, thankfully, the mayor and New York can put this unfortunate and misguided prosecution behind them.” Trump has previously suggested that Adams was being unfairly targeted for criticising Biden’s immigration policies. In December, the former president hinted at a possible pardon for Adams, telling reporters: “He’s been treated pretty unfairly.” Trump has often drawn parallels between his own legal troubles and those of Adams, saying in October: “I know what it’s like to be persecuted by the DOJ for speaking out against open borders. We were persecuted, Eric. I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric.” Despite the Justice Department’s order to drop the case, prosecutors had recently stated that their investigation into Adams was ongoing. In January, court filings suggested that investigators were still uncovering additional evidence of criminal conduct. New York City mayor Eric Adams departs Manhattan federal court after an appearance, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File) Federal agents had also been probing other senior officials in Adams’ administration. Prior to his indictment, authorities seized phones from a police commissioner, the schools chancellor, multiple deputy mayors, and the mayor’s director of Asian affairs—all of whom have since resigned. In December, Adams’ chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was indicted on state corruption charges related to real estate bribery. The Justice Department’s decision to halt the prosecution of a sitting mayor so close to an election is highly unusual and raises concerns about the politicisation of law enforcement. Legal analysts warn that allowing a high-ranking official to evade prosecution due to political convenience could set a dangerous precedent. Whether the charges will be reinstated after the election remains to be seen, but the controversy is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Based on an article from AP 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12