Thailand news

Austrian to be Deported For Drunken Behaviour in Phuket

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:29:39 +0000

Oh well, at least he'll go back to Austria with a nice sun tan. It seems the troublemakers from the west have nice sun tans.

Tourist Uses Thai Rider to Pass Phuket Checkpoint

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:29:13 +0000

150 baht and a pair of firm, young teats pressed up against him. Not a bad deal.

Russian Fighters Force RAF Plane Emergency

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:28:03 +0000

Two Russian fighter jets carried out what the UK has described as dangerous interceptions of an unarmed Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea last month, according to the Ministry of Defence. Get today's headlines by email The incident involved a British RC-135W Rivet Joint intelligence aircraft operating in international airspace as part of a routine mission supporting NATO’s eastern flank. British officials said a Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached the aircraft closely enough to trigger its emergency safety systems, temporarily disabling the plane’s autopilot. A second aircraft, a Su-27, reportedly made six separate passes directly in front of the RAF aircraft, at one point coming within six metres of its nose. Rising tensions over the Black SeaUK Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the manoeuvres as “dangerous and unacceptable”, praising the RAF crew for what he described as their professionalism during the encounter. Healey said the incident highlighted the risks posed by Russian military activity near NATO operations. “These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation,” he said. The Ministry of Defence described the interceptions as the most serious Russian aerial encounter involving the RAF since 2022, when a Russian pilot fired a missile near another Rivet Joint aircraft over the Black Sea. British and foreign office officials have since summoned representatives from the Russian embassy and called on Moscow to condemn the conduct of its pilots. Concerns over Russian military activityThe latest confrontation comes amid broader concerns in London and among NATO allies over increased Russian military activity around Europe’s borders. The MoD pointed to recent Russian submarine operations near critical underwater infrastructure in the North Sea as further evidence of heightened aggression. Officials stressed that the RAF aircraft involved in the Black Sea incident was unarmed and flying legally in international airspace. Despite the encounter, the UK said it would continue surveillance and support operations alongside NATO allies. “We remain committed to defending NATO, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression,” Healey said. Echoes of the 2022 missile incidentThe encounter has drawn comparisons with a September 2022 incident involving another RAF Rivet Joint aircraft over the Black Sea. At the time, a Russian pilot fired two missiles towards the British aircraft. Russia initially claimed the launch resulted from a technical malfunction. However, later reports citing Western defence sources said the missile firing followed confusion over instructions received from a Russian ground station, suggesting the pilot may have misunderstood an order. The UK government publicly accepted Moscow’s explanation at the time in an effort to avoid escalation. The RAF’s RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft, operated by No. 51 Squadron from Lincolnshire, is used for signals intelligence missions. According to the RAF, the aircraft collects and analyses electronic signals to provide strategic and tactical intelligence in real time. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 May 2026 View full article

Pai's Long-Stay Tourists Affected by Visa Policy Shift

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:25:04 +0000

Dirty Bibi should send a delegation over to negotiate a better deal for his tribe.

Tens Of Thousands Flood London For Tommy Robinson March

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:24:58 +0000

Austrian to be Deported For Drunken Behaviour in Phuket

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:23:45 +0000

A 39-year-old Austrian man has been ordered deported from Thailand after Phuket immigration authorities revoked his visa over repeated drunken and disruptive behaviour in the Rawai area. Officers said the man, identified only as Raphael, had repeatedly harassed local residents, intimidated people in public and damaged Thailand’s tourism image. Get today's headlines by email Police and immigration officers took action on May 19, 2026 after videos circulated on local social media showing the man riding a motorcycle aggressively, blocking traffic and demanding money from people while appearing intoxicated. The posts, shared under the headline “Locals fed up with Austrian man causing trouble in Rawai”, prompted an investigation by Phuket Immigration and Chalong Police Station. Investigators found that Raphael had entered Thailand legally on a temporary stay permit before obtaining an education visa to study Thai language and culture. Authorities said he had previously received a warning and minor punishment for similar conduct but later reoffended within a short period. Immigration officials stated that his behaviour included consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances to the point of losing self-control and causing disturbances in public places. They said his actions affected public order, local customs and morality, and harmed the country’s image as a tourist destination. The operation was carried out under the direction of Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, along with other senior immigration commanders. Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, commander of Immigration Division 6, also supervised the case, while the investigation team was led by Acting Pol Maj Trin Khampathee. Authorities said the crackdown forms part of wider efforts targeting foreign nationals whose conduct damages Thailand’s tourism reputation. Phuket immigration officers formally revoked Raphael’s permission to remain in the kingdom under Section 54 of the Immigration Act BE 2522. Bangkokpost reported that officials confirmed that the Austrian national will now be processed for deportation and removed from Thailand in accordance with immigration law. Immigration authorities have not disclosed when the deportation will take place or whether further legal proceedings are pending. Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 21 May 2026

Austrian to be Deported For Drunken Behaviour in Phuket

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:23:45 +0000

New Cannabis Bill Heads Towards Thai Cabinet

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:23:10 +0000

For users, I see this right here as the biggest problem. I doubt the genie will go back in the bottle as far as being able to actually obtain cannabis. The issue will be that the new law will provide an avenue for corruption such as people caught with it being shaken down, etc.

Thailand Eyes Higher Tourist Tax for Foreign Visitors

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:22:39 +0000

Why not sell them a comprehensive insurance policy instead? Because then the money couldn't disappear into the void known as 'general revenue'. This is a missed opportunity to enrich friends and cronies at the foreigners' expense.

Iran Seeks Reparations and US Withdrawal in Peace Proposal

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:18:21 +0000

Iran has outlined new conditions for ending hostilities with the United States and Israel, including reparations for war damage, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iran and an end to attacks on Tehran and its allied group in Lebanon. Get today's headlines by email According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the proposal also calls for sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds and the removal of what Tehran describes as a U.S. blockade through the Strait of Hormuz. The demands represent Tehran’s first public comments on its latest peace offer. Reports indicate the proposal remains largely unchanged from an earlier version rejected by President Donald Trump last week. Diplomatic Efforts ContinueThe revised plan was reportedly passed to Washington through Pakistan in recent days as regional mediation efforts intensified. The proposal emerged as Trump announced on Monday that he would delay planned renewed military strikes against Iran. The president said the decision followed requests from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who are seeking to prevent further escalation in the conflict. Trump said “serious negotiations are now taking place” to find a diplomatic solution to the war. Despite the delay, Trump signalled that military action remains under consideration. He is expected to meet senior national security officials on Tuesday to discuss possible next steps, according to sources cited by Axios. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was “an hour away from making the decision” on whether to launch strikes. “The attacks would have been happening right now,” he said, adding that military assets were fully prepared. He also warned that Iran had “two or three days” to show progress in negotiations, though he suggested he could extend the timeframe to a week. Stalemate Over TalksEfforts to reach a settlement have repeatedly stalled in recent weeks, with both Washington and Tehran rejecting proposals from the other side. Last week, Trump dismissed an Iranian request to separate nuclear negotiations from broader peace discussions, calling the idea “totally unacceptable.” Iran has continued to insist that any agreement must address the wider conflict and economic restrictions imposed on the country. Economic Pressure BuildsThe conflict has also created mounting economic concerns for the United States and its allies, particularly over disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Rising energy prices and fears of prolonged instability in the region have increased pressure on the Trump administration to avoid a wider war and secure a negotiated settlement. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy markets, with a significant share of the world’s oil exports passing through the narrow waterway. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 May 2026 View full article

Foreigner Accused of Monkey Abuse in Jomtien

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:18:04 +0000

Cannabis .... and the rest. Who removed the 'death penalty' sign at the airport for drugs ?

‘Rhiannon’s Law’ Demand After Failed Asylum Seeker Killed Young

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:17:06 +0000

Even a 6 year old knows the difference between 'too' and 'to'. You fail, now back to India with you.

Pattaya Supports Thailand's Visa-Free Stay Reduction

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:13:47 +0000

Add the British to the top of that list. Count the times their nationality appears in crime or self harm stories and there's your leader. Is it reasonable to keep all of them out? No more so than painting the others on your list with the same brush.

Thailand Eyes Higher Tourist Tax for Foreign Visitors

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:10:55 +0000

Thailand is considering raising its proposed tourist entry fee for foreign visitors above 300 baht as officials review rising insurance and healthcare costs linked to the tourism sector. Get today's headlines by email Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the long-delayed tourism levy, first proposed in 2020, may need to increase because of inflation and higher insurance premiums. Most of the revenue would be used to provide insurance coverage for foreign tourists, particularly for treatment at private hospitals, while the remainder would fund maintenance of tourist attractions and infrastructure improvements. The discussion comes just one day after the government announced plans to end the current 60-day visa exemption scheme for travellers from 93 countries. Authorities intend to return to shorter visa-free stays similar to the system used before 2024. Officials are considering two possible methods for collecting the fee. One option would add the charge to airline tickets, while another would collect it through the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, which foreign visitors are already required to complete before entry. Airlines have reportedly raised objections to charging only foreign passengers while exempting Thai nationals, warning the system could create discrimination concerns. One proposal under review would require all passengers to pay the fee initially, with Thai citizens later applying for refunds. Using the TDAC platform is viewed by officials as a more practical alternative because it is already integrated into the arrival process for foreign travellers. Authorities said further discussions are needed before a final decision is made. The final amount of the tourism fee will depend largely on the projected cost of accident insurance and unpaid medical treatment involving foreign tourists. Studies cited by officials estimate that unpaid medical bills from overseas visitors cost Thai hospitals around 2.5 billion baht each year. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is expected to continue talks with the Thai General Insurance Association to determine suitable insurance premium levels before the levy is finalised. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the government must clearly explain what incidents would be covered by the insurance fund. He questioned whether protection would extend to floods, construction accidents or motorcycle crashes involving riders without licences. Bangkok Post reported that he also called for greater transparency regarding how much revenue from the tourism levy would be directed towards infrastructure projects. Related story Cabinet-cuts-visa-free-stay-back-to-30-days Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 21 May 2026

Thailand Eyes Higher Tourist Tax for Foreign Visitors

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:10:55 +0000

Word Association - 2026

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:09:28 +0000

Bone

Tens Of Thousands Flood London For Tommy Robinson March

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:09:10 +0000

Ask any member on here if numerouse cases of jihadi involvement and child groomers have been brought out in the open by Tommy Robinson, if it wasn't for him we could have a jihadi or a radical islamist as your next door neighbour. He exposes them and the government don't like it and they would rather silence him, when we ask questions we are called racist's, islamaphobes and right wing dangers to the UK. I know the 3 members will no doubt call me out but its expected from them.

Xi Showcases Global Clout With Putin Visit

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:06:41 +0000

China’s leader Xi Jinping has hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing just days after receiving US President Donald Trump, staging two high-profile meetings that underline China’s ambition to position itself at the centre of global diplomacy. Get today's headlines by email Putin’s arrival outside the Great Hall of the People followed a carefully choreographed welcome: cheering schoolchildren, a military honour guard, cannon fire and a marching band. The ceremony closely resembled the reception given to Trump during his own visit the previous week. Two major presidential visits in such quick succession highlight the image Beijing appears keen to project — a global power able to engage with rival leaders while remaining aligned with none. For Chinese officials, the visits demonstrate the country’s growing economic weight and diplomatic reach. “The new era of world affairs is less centered around the West,” said Samir Puri of King’s College London, noting that China often uses its influence gradually rather than directly intervening in conflicts. Russia leans on BeijingDespite the similar ceremonial treatment, the political context surrounding Putin’s visit differed significantly from Trump’s. Putin has travelled to China more than 20 times and is widely seen as having a close personal relationship with Xi. Yet Russia’s war in Ukraine and sweeping Western sanctions have pushed Moscow into greater dependence on Beijing. China is now Russia’s largest trading partner and its biggest customer for oil and gas, strengthening what analysts describe as an already uneven relationship. Talks between the two leaders concluded with more than 20 agreements covering trade and technology. However, there was no approval for a long-delayed Russian gas pipeline project that Moscow has sought for years. A lengthy joint statement issued afterwards also produced few major breakthroughs. “Both China and Russia need each other, but Russia clearly needs China more than before on the global stage,” said Zheng Runyu of the Centre for Russian Studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai. China’s shifting diplomatic approachXi also appeared to negotiate from a position of strength in meetings with Trump. China’s expanding trade links worldwide, alongside its dominance in rare earth minerals and advanced manufacturing, have given Beijing greater leverage in its dealings with Washington. Both Trump and Putin also face ongoing military conflicts that have proved costly and prolonged. The war in the Middle East has become a global crisis affecting Trump politically at home, while Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has entered its fifth year and left Moscow increasingly isolated internationally. Against that backdrop, analysts say Beijing has been able to set the tone for its engagements with both leaders. The situation marks a notable shift from just a few years ago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China closed its borders and faced rising tensions with Western governments. Relations deteriorated further amid confrontational “wolf warrior” diplomacy and criticism over human rights concerns in Xinjiang and Beijing’s tightening control over Hong Kong. Western countries imposed sanctions and export controls, while China responded with countermeasures. Diplomatic ambitions and limitsFive years later, China has sought to reposition itself as an indispensable centre for diplomacy and trade. Beijing has moderated its diplomatic tone and worked to repair ties with countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Leaders from several Western nations have visited Beijing to strengthen economic cooperation with the world’s second-largest economy. Xi has long promised what he calls the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”, and the recent sequence of state visits provides a powerful domestic image of China as a country courted by global leaders. Yet the meetings have also highlighted limits to Beijing’s influence. During discussions with Putin, Xi urged an end to the conflict involving Iran, describing a halt to the war as “of utmost urgency”. However, he made no mention of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China has attempted to maintain a neutral position on the war in Ukraine, though the United States and European governments have repeatedly urged Beijing to cut the economic support they say is helping sustain Russia’s war effort. Analysts say China faces a difficult balancing act. While calling for peace in some conflicts, its reluctance to criticise Moscow risks undermining its claim to act as a neutral global broker. At the same time, instability in Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz directly affect Chinese economic interests, particularly energy supplies. Xi’s diplomatic push therefore comes with challenges, especially in Europe, where governments remain wary of China’s intentions and its close ties with Moscow. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 May 2026 View full article

Plot to install Ahmadinejad in Iran collapsed after war erupted

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:03:33 +0000

The goal was to deflect from Epstein. Next up invade Cuba, Canada, California. Anything to distract and deflect.

UK Committee Calls Digital ID Launch a ‘Fiasco’

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:00:24 +0000

A parliamentary committee has sharply criticised the British government’s handling of plans to introduce digital identification, describing the initial rollout as “nothing short of a fiasco”. Get today's headlines by email In a report examining the policy, the UK Home Affairs Select Committee said ministers failed to properly explain their intentions when the scheme was first announced, sparking public concern and political backlash. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans in September last year to introduce compulsory digital identification for workers. The proposal was designed in part to combat illegal employment by making identity checks easier for employers. However, the government reversed course three months later after strong criticism from opposition politicians and civil liberties groups. Sudden announcement sparks backlashAccording to the committee’s findings, the initial announcement came as a surprise to the public and lacked sufficient detail. Committee chair Karen Bradley said the government’s communication had created unnecessary alarm about the scope of the programme. “The government’s early attempts to set out its plans for digital ID were nothing short of a fiasco,” she said in the report. Bradley said the proposal appeared suddenly and left ministers unable to answer key questions about how the system would operate or how personal data would be protected. As a result, many people feared the policy could represent excessive government intrusion into private life. She added that public opinion had previously been broadly supportive of moving away from paper documents toward digital identification but that the poorly explained rollout had unsettled voters. Shift from mandatory to voluntary systemThe government has since abandoned the idea of compulsory digital identification. Instead, it is continuing with plans to offer a voluntary digital ID that people can store on their smartphones, similar to digital payment cards. The app-based identification would include basic personal information such as name, nationality, date of birth, photograph and residency status. It could be used to confirm a person’s age or their right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Ministers initially argued that digital verification could help reduce the use of fraudulent documents or borrowed National Insurance numbers by people working illegally. But the proposal quickly attracted criticism from privacy advocates. Campaign group Big Brother Watch warned that digital identification systems could raise serious privacy concerns. A petition submitted to UK Parliament opposing digital ID gathered around three million signatures, with critics arguing the policy risked enabling mass surveillance. By January, the government dropped the requirement that digital IDs be mandatory. Effort to rebuild trustThe policy was relaunched in March as a voluntary programme, with ministers presenting it as a tool to simplify access to government services. Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones opened an eight-week public consultation and established a “people’s panel” of 100 individuals from across the country to help shape the scheme. Bradley welcomed the decision to remove the mandatory element but said consultation should have taken place earlier rather than after the policy was relaunched. She also welcomed assurances that the government would not create a centralised database for the digital identification system. However, the committee warned that public trust would be crucial for the project’s success. Bradley said digital ID could only gain widespread use if people believed their information was secure, stressing the need for strong privacy protections and cyber security standards. “Digital ID will not achieve widespread adoption unless the majority of people can trust that their data is secure,” she said. She added that rebuilding confidence would take time and warned that further mistakes could seriously damage public support for the programme. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 May 2026 View full article

Plot to install Ahmadinejad in Iran collapsed after war erupted

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:59:40 +0000

Virtually everything that Trump and Netanyahu planned for this war has gone sideways, and the extent of the poor information they must have had is really quite astonishing. Either that or both simply suffered from ridiculous and dangerous levels of hubris. Which is quite possible knowing Disaster Don.

Is quality of life worse in developed countries than in SE Asia?

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:57:44 +0000

Yes. Unless you are quite wealthy or own a home free and clear. Southeast Asia is infinitely more reasonable than America as an example. I am back here right now and the prices of goods and services are both stunning and ridiculous. Anyone who buys into that 3% inflation garbage is living an alternate reality.

Irish Filmmaker & GF Killed in Thailand Crash

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:54:30 +0000

Very tragic. The only way to survive here on the road, is to be patient, have eyes in the back of your head, drive with caution, and always, and I mean always watch out of the other guy. Chances are, he does not have much driving skill, nor patience, nor reason, nor common sense. You cannot be too careful on the road here. Especially considering that the toy police offer no traffic safety, prevention, enforcement of the law, or concern toward the prosecution of very reckless drivers. Those of us with driving skill, and a strong desire for not only survival, but the avoidance of terrible injury, are constantly scanning the road, in front of us, beside us, and behind us. There are an exceptionally high number of reckless fools on these roads, and it is the only way to preserve our lives, and those of our families, and friends, who may be driving with us, and depending on us.

US Indicts Cuba's Raul Castro Over 1996 Plane Attack

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:52:34 +0000

The administration of US President Donald Trump has indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two aircraft operated by the Miami-based exile organisation Brothers to the Rescue, escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. Get today's headlines by email Federal prosecutors unsealed the indictment on Wednesday, accusing Castro, who was Cuba’s defence minister at the time, of helping direct the attack in which Cuban fighter jets destroyed two civilian planes on February 24, 1996. US authorities charged Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder and two counts of destroying an aircraft. Five additional defendants were also named in the case. Four men were killed in the attack: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr, Mario de la Pena and Pablo Morales. US frames charges as long-awaited justiceAnnouncing the indictment at Miami’s Freedom Tower, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the families of the victims had waited nearly three decades for accountability. Blanche described the victims as “unarmed civilians” carrying out humanitarian missions aimed at helping Cuban migrants crossing the Florida Straits. “Nations and their leaders cannot be permitted to target Americans, kill them, and not face accountability,” he said. Kash Patel called the indictment “a major step toward accountability”. Brothers to the Rescue was founded in 1991 by Cuban exile Jose Basulto during a period of increased migration from Cuba to the United States. The group used aircraft to search for Cuban rafters at sea and alert the US Coast Guard. The United States and international investigators concluded the planes were shot down over international waters. Cuba has long maintained the aircraft violated or approached its airspace. Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro previously denied that he or Raul Castro directly ordered the attack. Havana rejects accusationsCuba’s current president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, dismissed the indictment as politically motivated and accused the Trump administration of distorting the events of 1996. Writing on social media, Diaz-Canel said the case was intended to justify possible military action against Cuba. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla also criticised the White House after it issued a statement marking Cuba’s independence day and condemning the island’s communist leadership. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos de Cossio accused the administration of catering to anti-Castro Cuban exiles in South Florida, a key Republican support base. Analysts see broader pressure campaignPolitical analysts said the indictment appeared to fit within a wider US campaign to increase pressure on Havana. Orlando Perez, a political science professor at the University of North Texas at Dallas, said Washington seemed to be pursuing both private negotiations and public confrontation with Cuba’s leadership. Perez pointed to recent reports involving alleged Cuban interest in drone and asymmetric warfare capabilities, including possible threats targeting the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay and nearby areas in Florida. He warned that the indictment could strengthen hardline elements within Cuba’s ruling establishment rather than weaken them. William Leogrande, a specialist in Latin American politics at American University School of Public Affairs, said the move would likely be popular among Cuban Americans in South Florida but could further damage prospects for diplomacy between the two countries. “It appears that the Trump administration is trying to lay the political groundwork for military action against Cuba,” he said. Debate grows over possible military actionThe Trump administration has repeatedly threatened military action against Cuba in recent months, though critics argue such a move would face broad opposition in the United States. Lee Schlenker of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft said Cuba posed little direct threat to US national security and warned harsher sanctions or military action could trigger a humanitarian crisis and increased migration. Some Democrats in Congress have already sought to restrict potential military action. Senators Ruben Gallego, Tim Kaine and Adam Schiff introduced a Senate war powers resolution earlier this year requiring congressional approval before any aggressive action against Cuba. The lawmakers renewed those efforts following Wednesday’s announcement. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 May 2026 View full article

Tens Of Thousands Flood London For Tommy Robinson March

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:47:11 +0000

The Danish Free Press Society has a research arm that publishes only research critical of Islam. I'm sure there are lots of other things in the world going on that can also be criticised. The Danish Free Press Society likes to present itself as a noble barricade for free speech, butit long ago drifted into something far narrower. Its nothing more than a grievance machine fixated on Islam, immigration and the fantasy that Europe is forever on the brink of collapse. What began as a defensible stand against intimidation after the cartoons crisis has become more like a permanent culture-war performance; all doom, provocation and self-appointed truth-telling. Its habit of fraternising with populist firebrands and “counter-jihad” agitators shows it has no real interest in defending free speech in general, but only the speech that flatters its own worldview. It has said all about media intimidation by politicians, government pressure on American journalists, surveillance of reporters, attacks on whistleblowers, or police raids on newsrooms. It has said nothing to defend Glenn Greenwald, Julian Assange, Jamal Khashoggi or Edward Snowden. Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in October 2018, essentially for criticising the Saudi government in public. The Sappho Awards are given out in January. You honestly thought Tommy Ten Names was more deserving, when he was awarded it in january 2019?