https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenDavid Miliband is once again at the centre of Westminster speculation, with growing reports that the former foreign secretary could return to frontline politics under an Andy Burnham government. As Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, allies see Miliband as an experienced heavyweight who could strengthen Britain's international standing. But his return is already exposing tensions inside Labour before the new administration has even begun. Foreign Office Role Gains Momentum Miliband, who left Parliament more than a decade ago and now heads the International Rescue Committee, is widely regarded within Labour as one of the party's most accomplished foreign policy figures. Supporters believe appointing him as foreign secretary would allow Burnham to focus on his domestic agenda while entrusting global crises to a seasoned operator. To join the Cabinet, however, Miliband would first need to enter the House of Lords. Succession Talk Starts Early Even before Burnham officially takes office, some Labour MPs are reportedly discussing who could succeed him if his premiership falters. Persistent pressure from Reform UK in the polls, continued wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and Britain's uncertain economic outlook have fuelled concerns among some MPs about the scale of the challenge ahead. According to reports, a handful of Labour figures already view Miliband as a potential future party leader should Burnham fail to reverse Labour's fortunes. Cabinet Balance Sparks Backlash The prospect of David Miliband returning alongside his brother Ed Miliband has prompted unease among some Labour MPs, who fear too many of the party's most powerful posts could be dominated by familiar New Labour-era figures. Critics also argue such appointments risk reviving accusations that Labour is relying on political veterans rather than promoting a new generation of leaders. A High-Stakes Choice for Burnham For Burnham, the decision extends beyond one Cabinet appointment. Bringing back Miliband could add immediate experience at a time of international instability, but it also risks creating a powerful alternative centre of authority within government. As Labour prepares for office, personnel decisions are already becoming an early test of how Burnham intends to balance renewal with experience—and manage ambitions within his own ranks. Why Andy Burnham should bring back David MilibandSun, 05 Jul 2026 18:29:42 +0000Jeez, brainiac, the only terrorists in that part of the world are the Jews. You know the genocide. You know the people shooting starving kids in the crotch and blowing up little girls for fun. Got it? Good. Hezbollah, Hamas, the Good Lord bless them, are fighting the terror. And with Iran giving the Evil Ones a good arse whoopin it's a matter of time before they win. And, hopefully, unexist Israel. I don't want to hear another word from you, Nick, or its off to school in the morning without breakfast.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:29:10 +0000The price and scarcity of fuel effects everything. Harvest season is coming up, takes lots of fuel This is where the common person is affected by vlads empire ambitions.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:27:26 +0000The Trump administration has ruled out reopening the bidding process for repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, pressing ahead with the same contractor despite mounting political scrutiny over the troubled renovation. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum insisted the company responsible for the project had "done a fantastic job", even as questions continue over damage to the pool, no-bid contracts and the cost to taxpayers. Vandalism Claim Drives White House Response Burgum backed President Donald Trump's claim that the newly installed liner was deliberately damaged by vandals, saying multiple cuts would require parts of the century-old pool to be drained again for repairs. He said the administration believed the damage could amount to a felony because of the repair costs, which he estimated could run into tens of thousands of dollars. When asked whether photographic evidence existed to support the vandalism claims, Burgum did not give a direct answer. Project Faces Mounting Scrutiny The refurbishment was launched ahead of America's 250th Independence Day celebrations, with Trump ordering the pool to be repainted in what he described as "American flag blue". But the project quickly ran into problems. An algae bloom developed after the pool was refilled, while reports emerged that sections of the new protective coating had begun peeling away. Despite the setbacks, Burgum insisted the work itself met a high standard and said safety concerns linked to fireworks—not construction issues—were responsible for the pool's temporary closure. Political Pressure Intensifies Federal prosecutors have charged several people over alleged damage to the pool, including former Olympian David Hearn, who denies wrongdoing. His lawyers have accused the government of pursuing an exaggerated and politically motivated case. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are investigating the awarding of multimillion-dollar no-bid contracts to companies with previous ties to Trump. They are demanding answers over project failures, procurement decisions and whether taxpayers are receiving value for money. With repairs now set to continue under the original contractor, the dispute is evolving from a maintenance problem into another politically charged battle over accountability, public spending and presidential decision-making. Trump's administration won't seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting PoolSun, 05 Jul 2026 18:21:35 +0000Debunked during the Comer/Jordan Committee investigation! You have nothing! 😅Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:20:55 +0000Make sure you get the condo fees reimbursed.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:15:56 +0000The real modern day Nazi have the same emblem as your profile pic.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:15:50 +0000Ukraine has struck deep into St Petersburg, targeting a major oil terminal and military facilities in a high-profile attack that piles fresh pressure on Russia's air defences, fuel supplies and political leadership. The strikes hit President Vladimir Putin's hometown, a city long regarded as one of Russia's most heavily protected. Analysts say the attack carries both strategic and symbolic weight, demonstrating Kyiv's growing ability to reach targets far from the front line. Heartland No Longer Untouchable St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed the city came under a "large-scale" drone attack, saying the oil facility was hit but reporting no casualties. Ukrainian officials also said military sites, including the Kronstadt naval base, were targeted. The latest operation follows a series of long-range Ukrainian strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, part of a campaign designed to disrupt the economy that supports Moscow's war effort. Pressure Mounts on Kremlin Defences Military analysts say attacks on St Petersburg force Russia into increasingly difficult choices over where to deploy limited air defence resources. Protecting major cities, strategic infrastructure and frontline forces simultaneously is becoming more demanding as Ukraine extends the range and frequency of its operations. The strikes also threaten fuel production and exports. Kyiv claims repeated attacks have significantly reduced Russia's oil refining capacity, although the figures have not been independently verified. Political Symbolism Raises the Stakes Beyond the military impact, the attack strikes at a city closely associated with Putin's political rise. St Petersburg is not only Russia's second-largest city but also a major economic hub and the birthplace of the President's career in public office. Analysts argue successful strikes there challenge the Kremlin's long-standing narrative that Russia's heartland remains insulated from the war, potentially increasing pressure from business leaders and ordinary citizens affected by disruption. Diplomacy Meets Escalation The attacks come as diplomatic efforts continue ahead of high-level international meetings expected to focus on the conflict. Both Moscow and Kyiv are seeking to shape the political landscape while intensifying military operations on the ground. For Ukraine, the strategy is clear: increase the cost of the war for Russia while demonstrating to allies that continued military support can produce tangible results. For the Kremlin, defending the homeland has become an increasingly visible—and increasingly difficult—part of the conflict. Powerless Putin is being humiliated in his home citySun, 05 Jul 2026 18:10:09 +0000Let's discuss this further, Jing. This is not one of my usual issues so, you're right, I have a lot to learn. Maybe it's a blind spot, maybe not.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:09:07 +0000Nope. Living rent free in your head is cheaper.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:08:51 +0000You can use it for whatever you like. I was just stating that there's no need to change it to turn it into something that it is not intended to be.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:08:30 +0000Right. Those 10s of millions just flowed for years into your man Bidens web of dozens of LLCs from the worlds worst despots for absolutely no reason. Not as if we had text messages outlining the extortion or foreign state prosecutors interfering with the Bidens gravy train got fired. Liberals🤣Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:07:32 +0000You mean those operations they do during lunch hour at primary schools?Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:06:51 +0000My son and I ended up in a gay hotel in Vienna--the kind where you never see anyone, key and card are passed through a window. First time we slept in the same bed since he was a boy. Anyway, we wanted beer and walked into the bar across the street. It was a lesbian bar. It was quite clear we weren't welcomed so drank our beers in the street. Great trip!Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:05:56 +0000These are quite old images. Most of these categories do not qualify for Fast Track anymore. This is what the list looks like today.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:05:30 +0000It's definitely part of the equation we're discussing. Sorry to make you uncomfortable.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:01:41 +0000I think you may mean this in a different sense than I have. Schools teach control and obedience. Flag, national anthem, be on time. They prepare a child to be a wage-slave.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:59:58 +0000Actually, this dissenting group was founded in 1970. 😄Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:59:30 +0000All fine and good but this is about the interaction between certified males and females.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:57:33 +0000Nope, because he's a troll, same as you are. Still can't afford to return to Thailand?Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:57:26 +0000No, nothing like that. She's a bit shy and timid but she seems happy inside herself.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:57:19 +0000To quote Peter Sellers, "I like to watch."Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:55:42 +0000We are talking about the Hezbollah political party and terrorist group , unclever boySun, 05 Jul 2026 17:54:49 +0000Yes a pathetic post. Reflecting reality in a freightening way. Does your wife/girlfriend fundamentally disagree of what I said? Never mind what you think.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:51:08 +0000Hezbollah are Lebanese people, brainiac.Sun, 05 Jul 2026 17:48:47 +0000