https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenWatched it yesterday. AwfulWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:52:33 +0000Travel insurance would have helped,once again the begging bowl comes out.Sorry that is something for the family or man injured to have correct instead of begging it happens too much nowWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:50:51 +0000It was David Steel, at the Liberal Party conference, shortly after the SDP-Liberal pact was formed. Danny Kruger used very similar language 44 years later.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:49:59 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thai-woman-appears-in-myanmar-court-over-us-diplomat-case-r2466/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:47:58 +0000Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:47:58 +0000President Donald Trump has abruptly cancelled plans to sign a major bipartisan housing bill designed to reduce housing costs and increase the supply of homes across the United States. Get today's headlines by email The legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, had already passed both chambers of Congress with support from Republicans and Democrats, marking a rare example of bipartisan cooperation on a major domestic issue. Surprise Delay for Housing LegislationA signing ceremony had been scheduled at the US Capitol, but Trump called it off just hours before it was due to take place. In a social media post, the president said he would not approve the measure until lawmakers pass a separate voter identification bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. “Today's Housing News Conference and Signing is hereby cancelled until such time as we pass the desperately needed SAVE AMERICA ACT, which I consider to be a National Emergency,” Trump wrote. Lawmakers Caught Off GuardThe decision surprised many lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including some who had already arrived for the planned ceremony and learned of the cancellation from reporters. While some Republicans said they believed Trump would ultimately sign the housing legislation, others expressed uncertainty about the sudden change. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the measure had been developed over a long period and addressed a significant affordability challenge. “It’s an affordability issue, and eventually I hope he’ll find his way to sign it,” Thune told CNN. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the bill’s sponsors, said she had no explanation for the decision, arguing that housing affordability remains a pressing concern for American families. Later on Wednesday, Trump appeared before reporters while attending a lunch with Senate Republicans but did not address questions about the housing legislation, instead discussing the voter ID proposal. Addressing Housing AffordabilityHousing affordability has become a growing concern nationwide. According to a survey conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly nine in ten voters want Congress to take action to make housing more affordable. Experts have described the ROAD to Housing Act as the most comprehensive congressional housing package of the century. The bill contains more than 40 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and removing barriers to development. Among its measures are incentives to accelerate home construction, efforts to reduce regulatory hurdles and restrictions on the number of single-family homes that institutional investors can purchase nationwide. The legislation also seeks to give local governments greater flexibility to expand housing development while streamlining approval processes. Supply Shortage and Rising CostsSupporters argue that increasing housing supply is essential to easing affordability pressures. The United States faced a shortage of more than four million housing units last year, according to Realtor.com estimates. Analysts say expanding construction could help moderate prices over time. The median US home price has risen to about $403,000, compared with roughly $223,000 in 2010. Meanwhile, Redfin estimates that a household now needs an annual income of around $117,000 to afford the average home on the market, significantly above typical household earnings. High inflation and elevated interest rates have further complicated homeownership prospects for many Americans. In addition to housing development measures, the bill includes provisions to speed disaster-recovery funding for affected communities and protect affordable housing in rural areas. Policy experts said the legislation is unlikely to deliver immediate reductions in housing costs but could represent an important federal step toward addressing long-term supply shortages and affordability challenges. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 June 2026 View full articleWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:47:42 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/thailand-education-ranking-rises-to-52-globally-r2465/Thailand’s education ranking improved in 2026, rising three places to 52nd globally in the latest World Competitiveness Center (WCC) report released on Monday, June 22. The update was announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Patdadarasm Thongsaluaykorn, during a press briefing. Get today's headlines by email According to the report from the World Competitiveness Center under the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the improvement follows several years of decline. Supporting indicators also showed gains, with literacy rates among people aged 15 and above rising nine places to rank 48th globally, while education spending per student increased five places to 50th. The government said it will continue proactive strategies to strengthen national competitiveness, including improving English language proficiency, developing workforce skills and expanding knowledge of artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Education is advancing a proactive plan focusing on updating and linking education databases with international systems, alongside developing future skills in technology, data management, English and STEM subjects. Authorities are also promoting cooperation between the public sector, private sector and industry, and encouraging the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms with an emphasis on critical and effective application. Guidelines for electronic device use in schools will be adapted to suit different age groups, aiming to support appropriate development rather than replacing traditional teaching methods. The approach is intended to ensure students and teachers can apply technology, including AI, responsibly while maintaining educational balance. Implementation of the plan is expected to continue through further policy development and integration across the education system. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 25 June 2026Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:37:45 +0000Thailand’s education ranking improved in 2026, rising three places to 52nd globally in the latest World Competitiveness Center (WCC) report released on Monday, June 22. The update was announced by Deputy Government Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Patdadarasm Thongsaluaykorn, during a press briefing. Get today's headlines by email According to the report from the World Competitiveness Center under the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the improvement follows several years of decline. Supporting indicators also showed gains, with literacy rates among people aged 15 and above rising nine places to rank 48th globally, while education spending per student increased five places to 50th. The government said it will continue proactive strategies to strengthen national competitiveness, including improving English language proficiency, developing workforce skills and expanding knowledge of artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Education is advancing a proactive plan focusing on updating and linking education databases with international systems, alongside developing future skills in technology, data management, English and STEM subjects. Authorities are also promoting cooperation between the public sector, private sector and industry, and encouraging the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms with an emphasis on critical and effective application. Guidelines for electronic device use in schools will be adapted to suit different age groups, aiming to support appropriate development rather than replacing traditional teaching methods. The approach is intended to ensure students and teachers can apply technology, including AI, responsibly while maintaining educational balance. Implementation of the plan is expected to continue through further policy development and integration across the education system. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now The Thaiger 25 June 2026 View full articleWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:37:45 +0000Music to my ears, Tourist. Unfortunately, I cannot help you as I don't know how to block posters either (at least we have that much in common). Hopefully, someone with a greater understanding of this forum's functionality will be able to assist you sooner rather than later. All the best.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:37:29 +0000PassoverWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:33:59 +0000Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:32:16 +0000Depends what you mean as "vast majority" https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10590/ Data plotted from https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a05e3b7ee62840dba48a2c7/illegal-entry-routes-to-the-uk-dataset-mar-2026.xlsx It works out as about 75% male, if you include children.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:31:55 +0000Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:18:31 +0000I currently have AXA (4M max and 100k Deductible per incident)....seems to meet the LTR requirements. But looking around... for my renewal that is due soon. Under 70 and healthy... no pre-con. I heard of Falcon (no quote yet) but wonder if anyone had them or others they recommend? Thanks!Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:12:51 +0000Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure to produce evidence for explosive claims that vandals sabotaged the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as critics question whether the troubled project was flawed from the start. The row comes just days before America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with the $14.7 million refurbishment engulfed by controversy over algae blooms, peeling coatings and dead wildlife. Where’s The Evidence? Trump has repeatedly alleged that vandals deliberately damaged the pool, claiming a 350-foot gash was “purposefully and criminally” carved into its lining. He promised photographs and video footage would prove the case. So far, no such evidence has been released. Fresh scrutiny intensified after reports that government documents obtained by US media contained no indication that the damage was caused intentionally. The White House and Department of the Interior now face growing demands to back up claims that have triggered a major security response around one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks. Project Spirals Into Political Storm The reflecting pool was drained and resurfaced as part of a renovation personally championed by Trump, who selected a deep blue coating intended to create what he described as a striking visual centrepiece. Instead, the project quickly ran into trouble. Thick green algae spread across the water, sections of the lining reportedly began peeling away, and concerns grew after several dead birds were discovered in and around the area. Environmental groups have called for investigations, while experts suggested the darker surface may have contributed to warmer water temperatures that encourage algae growth. Senator Demands Answers Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has demanded documents related to the project, accusing officials of a lack of transparency and questioning how the renovation deteriorated so quickly. His intervention raises the political stakes for an administration already under pressure over procurement decisions, including the awarding of a no-bid contract for the work. Repairs Loom As Questions Mount Workers continue efforts to control the algae problem, while plans are in place to drain parts of the pool again for repairs. The scale and cost of the additional work remain unclear. For Trump, the issue is becoming more than a maintenance headache. Until evidence emerges, critics are likely to keep asking the same question: was the pool sabotaged—or simply badly designed? Trump under pressure to back up claim of sabotage at reflecting pool | Washington DC | The GuardianWed, 24 Jun 2026 20:12:43 +0000Got his eye on a Lamborghini. Made a 56 year old look an utter stud. Farage is now 62.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:10:33 +0000By leveraging his Muay Thai skills? Weight means nothing.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 20:09:43 +0000PasskeyWed, 24 Jun 2026 19:50:18 +0000More beautiful 7-Eleven news...Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:49:51 +0000Have the people of Europe discovered the benefits of air conditioning? It could cool them during those hot summers.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:21:07 +0000They just don't want kids to access alternative information lest they lose control. This is trash people. 100 percent trash. 💯%Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:19:51 +0000Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:19:30 +0000https://humanprogress.org/trends/a-safer-world/Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:18:39 +0000Some months or years in Thai prison would be too kind for this cretin.Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:18:33 +0000gas prices below 3, oil below 70, iran prostate at our feet*, down up, quiet in lebanon......guess your america hating ilk dont share in prosperity, but my money dude is sure happy... *analogy. iran is a dude in a 3 foot deep foxhole with a jezail. trump is smoking a doobie sitting on quad miniguns 20 yards away. there will be a new govt in iran soonWed, 24 Jun 2026 19:18:30 +0000