https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenPrime Minister Keir Starmer has told supporters he will stand in any Labour leadership contest that may emerge, signalling a firmer stance as speculation over his future intensifies. Get today's headlines by email Until now, Starmer and his allies had maintained that he would not step aside if a challenge materialised, but questions remained over whether he would actively seek re-election as party leader. The BBC understands that position has now hardened, with the prime minister informing supporters that he would contest any leadership vote. Position Hardens Amid Leadership SpeculationThe shift comes after Andy Burnham indicated he would seek to enter any future leadership race. According to the BBC, Burnham’s comments prompted Starmer to make clear that he would defend his position if challenged. The prime minister is said to believe that a leadership contest could create political instability and distract from the government’s agenda. He has argued that Labour’s large election victory two years ago provided him with a mandate that he intends to fulfil. For weeks, Westminster has been dominated by speculation over Starmer’s future following growing unrest within Labour ranks. Dozens of Labour MPs have reportedly urged him to resign, while potential rivals have begun positioning themselves for a possible contest. Burnham and Streeting Signal InterestFormer Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Burnham are widely regarded as potential contenders should a leadership election be called. Speaking on the BBC’s Question Time on Thursday, Burnham suggested he would enter the race if one took place. “I think Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it,” he said, while acknowledging he would first need support from Labour MPs. Streeting has already confirmed that he would stand in any leadership election. He has also publicly encouraged voters to back Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, saying he wants a competitive contest featuring the strongest candidates. Makerfield Vote Could Prove CrucialAttention is now focused on the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. Burnham must win the seat to return to Westminster and become eligible to stand in a Labour leadership contest. Starmer’s decision to fight any challenge increases the likelihood of a full leadership battle should one be triggered. As the incumbent Labour leader, he would automatically secure a place on the ballot presented to party members. Pressure After Election SetbacksThe pressure on Starmer has grown following a poor set of election results last month. Labour lost control of the Welsh Senedd and suffered the loss of nearly 1,500 councillors across England. The aftermath saw Streeting and several junior ministers leave the government, while Burnham began pursuing a return to national politics through the Makerfield contest. Although no formal leadership challenge has yet been launched, the prospect of a contest has become increasingly prominent, with several senior Labour figures openly discussing their intentions should the opportunity arise. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 June 2026 View full articleSun, 07 Jun 2026 20:32:58 +0000Seriously....PLEASE check out the vid of Ms. Pyne's NYC apartment...because.... She has a MAGNIFICENT POODLE.....! I watched her great video about her home...and the pride she takes in it.... Very nice.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:30:30 +0000And you can do that without a copy of the owner's ID? Without a copy of the owner's blue book? How about with the owner not having registered in the new, or relatively new, online TM30 system? Which immigration office do you use? I'd like to find out how you can do your own TM30 without involving the owner, or having anything to do with the owner. That would make things easier for sure, regarding the TM30. It is a drag to have to ask the agent TM30 help (have never met the owner, but agent has filed the TM30 with owner docs...at least that's how I assume they've done it. I don't think they're inclined to give me control of the email account used for the registration.)Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:27:03 +0000Israel carried out air strikes on southern Beirut on Sunday, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered truce was announced last week. Get today's headlines by email According to Lebanon's health ministry, two people were killed and at least 20 others injured when two apartment buildings in the Dahieh district, a Hezbollah stronghold, were hit. The wounded included four women and four children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes targeted what he described as "terrorist headquarters" in response to Hezbollah rocket fire into Israeli territory. Hezbollah later confirmed it had launched attacks against Israeli military positions. Strike Hits Residential AreaOne of the strikes heavily damaged a residential building, exposing lower-floor apartments and scattering debris across nearby streets. Videos shared on social media showed residents and emergency workers rushing to assist those injured in the attack. Before the strikes, an Israeli military spokesperson issued a warning in Arabic on X, saying Hezbollah infrastructure was being targeted and suggesting additional operations could follow, ending the message with the words: "To be continued." The Israeli military said it intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon into Israel. Hezbollah Claims ResponsibilityIn a statement issued later on Sunday, Hezbollah said it had fired rockets at Israeli artillery positions at Yiftah Barracks and at troops near al-Marj Pond. The group said the attacks were retaliation for what it described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire and continuing strikes on villages in southern Lebanon. Iran also reacted strongly. Ebrahim Rezaie, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's foreign policy and national security committee, warned that Israel would face a "decisive and painful response" for the Beirut attack. Concerns Over Ceasefire StabilityThe strike comes despite diplomatic efforts by the United States to contain the conflict. In the days before the 3 June truce, Israel had threatened a wider offensive against Dahieh, prompting many residents to flee and triggering intensive US diplomatic intervention. US President Donald Trump later announced that there would be "no troops going to Beirut" following discussions with Netanyahu. Washington also informed Qatar, which had been involved in mediation efforts, that it had urged Israel to stand down. However, speaking to NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Trump said Lebanon was not a required part of any broader peace agreement involving Iran, effectively separating the Lebanese conflict from negotiations with Tehran. Conflict Continues Despite TruceThe latest violence follows months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon became directly involved in the conflict on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel after an Israeli strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with a large-scale air campaign across Lebanon and later launched a ground offensive in the country's south. Although a ceasefire has officially been in place since 17 April, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating it. Sunday's attack was the third Israeli strike on Beirut since the ceasefire began and the first targeting the capital since last week's truce announcement. The previous two strikes reportedly targeted Hezbollah commanders. Political tensions also remain high within Lebanon. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah and leader of the Amal movement, recently rejected the US-brokered agreement, arguing it failed to address Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said this week that disarming the group would serve "the enemy's objectives", underscoring the continuing divisions over any long-term settlement. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 8 June 2026 View full articleSun, 07 Jun 2026 20:23:53 +0000Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:22:22 +0000I would if she had dentures.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:21:47 +0000Moved to Pattaya in my 20s… for the local Chonburi temples of course.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:20:42 +0000I hear ya. These Buriram money-laundering old biddies are getting worse.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:17:04 +0000And just like that the US atty lists the activity. "California allows first-time voters to register using forms of ID that most Americans would find surprising, including: -Gym membership card -Employer ID card -Credit or debit card -Prescription drug label -Insurance card (California provides free health coverage to undocumented immigrants").Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:15:49 +0000That's quite enlightening. Have one member, 'disagrees' with me quite a bit, but has only made 1 post in almost 8 years. (RH) Interesting who does disagree with me, and even more surprising, a few that haven't 'disagreed' with me. Actually expected to see their names.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:10:24 +0000Not sure, really. What did you come for?Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:05:29 +0000Didn't we all?Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:04:01 +0000My WASP Generation: Is this girl HOT, or not? Dear Folks, These days, on YouTube, I rarely find a video which so closely resonates with my culture, my views, my sense of upper-crust sensibility. Finally, I have found one, thanks to the Google YouTube algorithm. What do you think? Is this girl HOT, or not? She, this girl, is pretty close to my idea of what a woman should be. Why do I start this Topic? Because, I know that there will be a large fraction of TV members who will very much appreciate this precious view into a life which has been lived at a higher plane, completely different than lives lived in places such as GoGo Bars. Personally, I did not come to Thailand for sex. I came for the culture And, this video reminds me that there is culture, everywhere, even in NYC, but probably not in the Bronx. When I was young, I was a huge fan of Sidney Poitier. And, to Sir with love. (PLEASE ENTER SIDNEY'S images HERE...THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TV server....sorry) So, anyway, I really enjoyed this great video about a girl who loves books. She is NO INTELLECTUAL, by any means, of course. She would NOT have enjoyed the company of my fellow alum, Noam, for example. BUT, she is a true WASP, and Noam was not, of course. So, the question is: Would YOU be able to live with her, this NYC lady, with all the stuff she has packed into her tiny NYC apartment? Or, do you think she might be a borderline hoarder of nothing of value? Just a question. Because, I ask you: What is REALLY of value in this life? Still, a great video. And, I thank this woman for sharing with us her home. Best regards, Gamma Note: When I think of MY generation, I think of this song… Note2: Getting Old is a Very Sad Thing to Do….. Note3: I just hope that this Topic is CLEAR….. Note4: You know...Life, these days, is not what it once was when I was growing up; I mean the pretentious life that I once valued. I miss it so.....Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:50:37 +0000That's not a high number at all comparing to other countries. If they are promoting this as something good, it does make you shudder how many they were denying before?Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:48:03 +0000Good article about the power of the First Lie and cognitive psychology: https://policeprofessional.com/feature/first-lie-wins/Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:42:39 +0000I agree, TCL is better than Samsung, I am very happy with mine.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:42:32 +0000https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/06/leaked-whatsapps-emails-british-politics-privacy-mandelson-papers The Guardian (U.K. left wing newspaper) thinks politicians should keep their secrets. I think “they work for us” so any communication should be available to the public (with the exception of national security and anything that could compromise ongoing trade negotiations). Appreciate there may be complications with costs and admin but talking about general principles.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:30:35 +0000-Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:19:50 +0000AftermathSun, 07 Jun 2026 19:17:29 +0000Is the reputation score an important feature in your life?Sun, 07 Jun 2026 19:04:39 +0000ConsequenceSun, 07 Jun 2026 19:01:24 +0000Paul Canoville suite , Stamford Bridge , ChelseaSun, 07 Jun 2026 18:59:00 +0000ResultSun, 07 Jun 2026 18:57:38 +0000Oh…I miss 36 baht to the dollar. Maybe the fed will raise rates and restore arbitrage between the USD and THB.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 18:51:17 +0000Not to mention some really gorgeous rural areas and some amazing areas along the Hudson River, but I think it's the whole South Amboy, Meadowlands, South Kearny, Elizabeth area that really gives it a bad name. I remember Hoboken back in the day when it was a pretty nasty area, but it certainly has changed.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 18:50:27 +0000