https://aseannow.com/rss/44-thailand-news.xml/National and regional news from all around ThailandenExpletiveMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:43:43 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/anutin-orders-nationwide-nominee-land-crackdown-r2642/Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered police and other relevant agencies to inspect suspected nominee landholdings across Thailand following concerns over Chinese-linked capital acquiring large plots in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to develop illegal industrial estates. Get today's headlines by email Anutin said the government was expanding investigations into nominee networks involved in unlawful land ownership and warned that anyone found violating Thai land ownership laws would face legal action. He said the crackdown was intended to reinforce confidence that Thailand remained governed by the rule of law. The move follows growing concerns over foreign-linked nominee arrangements, particularly involving land acquisitions in the EEC. Anutin rejected claims that illegal industrial estates could already be operating in the region, stating that such developments require official approval, utility infrastructure and compliance with multiple legal requirements before they can proceed. He stressed that establishing an industrial estate was subject to strict legal procedures and could not be carried out informally or outside the law. Relevant agencies have therefore been instructed to investigate suspected violations and widen existing probes into nominee ownership networks. Anutin said the government had already taken action against nominee arrangements in Phuket and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, where authorities recently raided suspected illegal sites and revoked unlawful land rights. He said these operations demonstrated the government’s commitment to enforcing land ownership laws nationwide. The prime minister said the enforcement campaign was designed to protect both the public and legitimate investors. He added that ordinary citizens earning an honest living should not be intimidated or placed at a disadvantage by illegal business practices and said he was closely monitoring the issue while ordering the strongest possible enforcement. Responding to questions about the role of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office and the government’s Fast Track policy for investment approvals, Anutin said every agency must operate within its own legal framework. He warned that overlapping authority or jurisdictional disputes should be avoided. He also said investment promotion should not be confined to the EEC, adding that the government wanted to encourage investment throughout Thailand in line with wider national economic policy. The Nation reported that Anutin said, “Under this administration, when we act, we act with full force. We have warned against challenging Thai law because it damages investor confidence. The country is governed by law, and those who break it will be punished.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:34:57 +0000Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered police and other relevant agencies to inspect suspected nominee landholdings across Thailand following concerns over Chinese-linked capital acquiring large plots in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to develop illegal industrial estates. Get today's headlines by email Anutin said the government was expanding investigations into nominee networks involved in unlawful land ownership and warned that anyone found violating Thai land ownership laws would face legal action. He said the crackdown was intended to reinforce confidence that Thailand remained governed by the rule of law. The move follows growing concerns over foreign-linked nominee arrangements, particularly involving land acquisitions in the EEC. Anutin rejected claims that illegal industrial estates could already be operating in the region, stating that such developments require official approval, utility infrastructure and compliance with multiple legal requirements before they can proceed. He stressed that establishing an industrial estate was subject to strict legal procedures and could not be carried out informally or outside the law. Relevant agencies have therefore been instructed to investigate suspected violations and widen existing probes into nominee ownership networks. Anutin said the government had already taken action against nominee arrangements in Phuket and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, where authorities recently raided suspected illegal sites and revoked unlawful land rights. He said these operations demonstrated the government’s commitment to enforcing land ownership laws nationwide. The prime minister said the enforcement campaign was designed to protect both the public and legitimate investors. He added that ordinary citizens earning an honest living should not be intimidated or placed at a disadvantage by illegal business practices and said he was closely monitoring the issue while ordering the strongest possible enforcement. Responding to questions about the role of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office and the government’s Fast Track policy for investment approvals, Anutin said every agency must operate within its own legal framework. He warned that overlapping authority or jurisdictional disputes should be avoided. He also said investment promotion should not be confined to the EEC, adding that the government wanted to encourage investment throughout Thailand in line with wider national economic policy. The Nation reported that Anutin said, “Under this administration, when we act, we act with full force. We have warned against challenging Thai law because it damages investor confidence. The country is governed by law, and those who break it will be punished.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:34:57 +0000Australian suspect in Thailand teen murder case went about 'normal life', police allege Australian Simon Peter Carman "lived his normal life", going out, washing his clothes and talking to neighbours after allegedly murdering a teenage girl and stuffing her body inside a suitcase in Thailand, police say. Going out from the condo room, getting his clothes washed, chatting with surrounding people, no clue that he had done something bad." https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-30/police-reveal-details-on-australian-suspect-in-thai-murder/106859506 NB and no clue from reports or cctv that anybody else was with him that day prior to his motorcycle ride. Still from video in article:Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:30:13 +0000Work out what's wrong with the card, frozen maybeMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:26:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/indian-duo-caught-with-zombie-vape-drug-at-suvarnabhumi-r2641/Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:25:20 +0000Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:25:20 +0000The one with the highest cover and I have is Axa, 200k medical cover about 6k baht or double the cover and premium. Covers motorbikes I claimed recently and Bangkok Pattaya Hospital did the claim direct, hand over the card, a friend did the same. I would go direct to their office on Sukhumvit Naklua if near Pattaya, i find dealing with the broker a ball acheMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:22:10 +0000Out of interest do you have symptoms?Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:18:22 +0000Vermont there will be far less of the knuckle dragging brain dead MAGIdiotsMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:18:09 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/school-van-hits-power-pole-in-pathum-thani-r2640/A newly registered school transport van crashed into a power pole in Pathum Thani on 6 July 2026, leaving 13 people with injuries after the vehicle mounted a footpath and brought down the pole. The crash happened near the Demonstration School of Rangsit University inside Muang Ake village, where the van came to rest after the impact. Get today's headlines by email Police from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station responded to the scene and found a white Toyota Commuter school van with red registration plate from Uthai Thani wedged against the fallen power pole. Emergency teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Hongsakul volunteers transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Those hurt included 12 male secondary school students from Wat Nawong School and the driver. Police said all 13 sustained minor injuries. According to one student, the van was carrying 17 students at the time of the crash. The student said passengers noticed the driver appeared drowsy before the vehicle reached the crash site. The student told investigators that a motorcycle and sidecar vehicle was parked beside the road, prompting the driver to swerve suddenly. The van then climbed onto the footpath and struck the power pole with force. After the collision, students reported seeing sparks, prompting everyone to open the doors and run from the vehicle in fear of a possible fire or electrical hazard. All passengers were able to leave the van. Police documented the scene and collected evidence as part of their investigation. Officers said the driver will be questioned in detail to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators will also examine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the student’s claim that the driver appeared drowsy before the incident. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. The findings of the investigation will determine whether any legal action will be taken against the driver. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:15:57 +0000A newly registered school transport van crashed into a power pole in Pathum Thani on 6 July 2026, leaving 13 people with injuries after the vehicle mounted a footpath and brought down the pole. The crash happened near the Demonstration School of Rangsit University inside Muang Ake village, where the van came to rest after the impact. Get today's headlines by email Police from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station responded to the scene and found a white Toyota Commuter school van with red registration plate from Uthai Thani wedged against the fallen power pole. Emergency teams from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Hongsakul volunteers transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Those hurt included 12 male secondary school students from Wat Nawong School and the driver. Police said all 13 sustained minor injuries. According to one student, the van was carrying 17 students at the time of the crash. The student said passengers noticed the driver appeared drowsy before the vehicle reached the crash site. The student told investigators that a motorcycle and sidecar vehicle was parked beside the road, prompting the driver to swerve suddenly. The van then climbed onto the footpath and struck the power pole with force. After the collision, students reported seeing sparks, prompting everyone to open the doors and run from the vehicle in fear of a possible fire or electrical hazard. All passengers were able to leave the van. Police documented the scene and collected evidence as part of their investigation. Officers said the driver will be questioned in detail to determine the exact cause of the crash. Investigators will also examine the circumstances leading up to the collision, including the student’s claim that the driver appeared drowsy before the incident. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. The findings of the investigation will determine whether any legal action will be taken against the driver. Picture courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:15:57 +0000If the USA team beats Belgium it will be a tainted victory. Trump turns everything he touches into sheit. Making Americans embarassed again.Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:15:02 +0000There's no need to use a gas stove outside, there's induction hobs and air fryers nowMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:13:46 +0000You lost your sex drive a long time ago, or maybe just AsexualMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:10:50 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/pattaya-baht-bus-driver-suspended-over-fare-r2639/A Pattaya baht bus driver has been suspended from service for seven days after admitting to charging two passengers 300 baht for a short journey that normally costs far less. The disciplinary action followed a complaint posted on social media, where the passengers said they felt they had been unfairly overcharged rather than simply making an expensive mistake. Get today's headlines by email The complaint, published on Facebook, described a journey on 5 July at about 11pm. The passengers said they had earlier travelled from Walking Street to the Runway Market area for the standard fare of 15 baht per person before attempting to return to Terminal 21 after heavy rain began. According to the post, they asked a waiting baht bus outside Runway Market whether it was going to Terminal 21. The driver replied that it was, and they stood at the rear of the already full vehicle for the journey. After arriving, the passengers asked how much they owed and said the driver demanded 300 baht. Believing he was joking, they initially offered two 20-baht notes before being told the fare was a fixed charter price rather than the normal shared service fare. The passengers said they did not have enough cash and offered to transfer the money electronically, but claimed the driver refused. They eventually paid the full 300 baht by scanning a payment code shown by another passenger. Although they said they were not seeking a refund, they explained that they felt disappointed after frequently visiting Pattaya without previous problems. They also contacted the Department of Land Transport but were told that a vehicle registration number would be needed to pursue the complaint, which they had been unable to record. Following the online criticism, reporters visited the Pattaya Baht Bus Cooperative and spoke with its chairman, Thongchai Sukkhochai. He said the cooperative immediately contacted the complainants and assured them that the matter would be handled strictly under both cooperative and transport regulations, adding that no protection would be given to anyone found at fault. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Thongchai confirmed that the driver had been summoned for questioning and had received an initial penalty requiring him to stop operating his vehicle for seven days, with the vehicle parked at the cooperative’s office and marked accordingly. He added that the driver’s disciplinary history would be reviewed before the case is referred to the Chon Buri Provincial Transport Office for further action. Matichon reported that the driver, identified only as Somphong, publicly apologised for his actions. He said he wished to apologise to the public, the two passengers and Pattaya, adding that he accepted responsibility for his mistake and was prepared to accept punishment from both the cooperative and the transport authorities. AQNX1UzYQwRsHhCSOW5usdnh-yWCRDP7HhmnAcN9_gcY5Yc-MxBJvU4MCqjb63poVWXjmTqZxaJf9QFHhTt1SB2UKxAM4cpDuuHvKUIDSQ.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:04:48 +0000A Pattaya baht bus driver has been suspended from service for seven days after admitting to charging two passengers 300 baht for a short journey that normally costs far less. The disciplinary action followed a complaint posted on social media, where the passengers said they felt they had been unfairly overcharged rather than simply making an expensive mistake. Get today's headlines by email The complaint, published on Facebook, described a journey on 5 July at about 11pm. The passengers said they had earlier travelled from Walking Street to the Runway Market area for the standard fare of 15 baht per person before attempting to return to Terminal 21 after heavy rain began. According to the post, they asked a waiting baht bus outside Runway Market whether it was going to Terminal 21. The driver replied that it was, and they stood at the rear of the already full vehicle for the journey. After arriving, the passengers asked how much they owed and said the driver demanded 300 baht. Believing he was joking, they initially offered two 20-baht notes before being told the fare was a fixed charter price rather than the normal shared service fare. The passengers said they did not have enough cash and offered to transfer the money electronically, but claimed the driver refused. They eventually paid the full 300 baht by scanning a payment code shown by another passenger. Although they said they were not seeking a refund, they explained that they felt disappointed after frequently visiting Pattaya without previous problems. They also contacted the Department of Land Transport but were told that a vehicle registration number would be needed to pursue the complaint, which they had been unable to record. Following the online criticism, reporters visited the Pattaya Baht Bus Cooperative and spoke with its chairman, Thongchai Sukkhochai. He said the cooperative immediately contacted the complainants and assured them that the matter would be handled strictly under both cooperative and transport regulations, adding that no protection would be given to anyone found at fault. Pictures courtesy of Matichon Thongchai confirmed that the driver had been summoned for questioning and had received an initial penalty requiring him to stop operating his vehicle for seven days, with the vehicle parked at the cooperative’s office and marked accordingly. He added that the driver’s disciplinary history would be reviewed before the case is referred to the Chon Buri Provincial Transport Office for further action. Matichon reported that the driver, identified only as Somphong, publicly apologised for his actions. He said he wished to apologise to the public, the two passengers and Pattaya, adding that he accepted responsibility for his mistake and was prepared to accept punishment from both the cooperative and the transport authorities. AQNX1UzYQwRsHhCSOW5usdnh-yWCRDP7HhmnAcN9_gcY5Yc-MxBJvU4MCqjb63poVWXjmTqZxaJf9QFHhTt1SB2UKxAM4cpDuuHvKUIDSQ.mp4 Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:04:48 +0000The family of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk attended court on Monday as prosecutors began presenting evidence against the man accused of killing him during a preliminary hearing in Utah. Get today's headlines by email Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead on 10 September 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting sparked a two-day manhunt before authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 23. Family attends preliminary court proceedingsRobinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors in Utah County are seeking the death penalty. The hearing is expected to continue through Friday. Family asks for privacyAhead of the proceedings, Kirk's family released a statement describing the continuing impact of his death. "Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," said the statement from his widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn, and his sister, Mary. The family said every court appearance was "a painful reminder" of their loss and thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness since the shooting. "Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time," the statement said. "We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief." Kirk's widow and parents arrived at the courthouse separately on Monday. Prosecutors outline evidenceRobinson, dressed in a light-coloured suit, sat between his lawyers during the hearing. Prosecutors said four law enforcement officers were expected to testify on the opening day. Tyler Robinson, 23. Picture courtesy of Rick Egan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo Before the hearing, defence lawyers had unsuccessfully sought to exclude some evidence, prevent cameras from covering the proceedings and remove the death penalty as a possible sentence. Prosecutors revisited the events of 10 September, when Kirk was speaking under a tent as part of his American Comeback college campus tour, during which he invited audience members to debate him. According to testimony, a gunshot was heard at about 12:20 p.m. while Kirk was discussing gun violence, causing him to collapse. Investigator describes crime sceneOne of the first witnesses, investigator Bagley, testified that he had been positioned on a nearby building and believed from the sound that the shot had been fired from a rifle rather than a handgun. He described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with people shouting and fleeing, and said he was initially informed that law enforcement had detained a suspect. However, Bagley testified that evidence found later raised questions for him about whether the person first taken into custody was responsible. He told the court he discovered a screwdriver and marks in gravel on a rooftop that he believed were consistent with a sniper's firing position. He also said security camera footage showed an individual dropping from the roof and leaving the area. Bagley testified that the marks appeared to show where someone had been lying in a prone position with "markings of elbows, knees and feet" aligned with the line of sight toward the tent where Kirk had been speaking. Defence attorney Kathryn Nestor raised several objections during Bagley's testimony and is expected to question him, along with other witnesses, as the preliminary hearing continues. Charlie Kirk. Picture courtesy of Reuters Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:31 +0000Yes, 9,99 % are decent.Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:57:22 +0000https://aseannow.com/thailand-news/foreign-chambers-urge-thailand-to-curb-corruption-r2638/Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag. She said foreign investors closely assess a country’s anti-corruption record before making investment decisions, with concerns over transparency, regulatory uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement causing some existing and prospective investors to reconsider expanding or relocating operations in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Leirvag said Thailand continues to offer a strong business environment and remains an attractive destination for international companies. However, she warned that global businesses are required to follow international standards wherever they operate, leaving “no space for doing business in a different way”, adding that transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption are essential for long-term success. The JFCCT represents 31 foreign chambers of commerce and around 8,000 companies operating in Thailand. Speaking on The Next Move programme, Leirvag said foreign direct investors consider predictable regulations, consistent implementation and respect for the rule of law to be just as important as investment incentives when selecting a destination. Her comments come as Thailand remains near the bottom of global rankings in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), placing 116th out of 180 countries in the latest assessment. She said that despite government efforts to promote investment through incentives and industrial policies, weaker governance indicators send a negative signal to international investors. Leirvag also highlighted Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), describing it as an opportunity to improve governance and align the country with international standards. She said discussions at OECD headquarters in Paris earlier this year showed Thailand scored about 78% for regulatory design but only 11% for implementation, indicating that enforcement remains the country’s biggest weakness. She called for comprehensive regulatory reform, including updating outdated laws, removing unnecessary regulations and ensuring new legislation is practical for businesses. According to Leirvag, some regulations are introduced without sufficient consultation with the private sector, creating rules that are difficult or impossible to implement. The Nation reported that she said closer cooperation between government and businesses would help develop practical, transparent regulations while strengthening investor confidence. Following a recent luncheon with Prime Minister Antin Charnvirakul, the JFCCT urged the government to establish a dedicated team to review existing legislation, accelerate regulatory reform and work closely with the private sector. Leirvag added that enforcement agencies should receive adequate training and resources, while businesses should also be informed about new legal requirements to improve compliance. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:55:07 +0000Thailand must strengthen anti-corruption efforts, improve law enforcement and reform regulations to restore investor confidence and maintain its competitiveness, according to Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag. She said foreign investors closely assess a country’s anti-corruption record before making investment decisions, with concerns over transparency, regulatory uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement causing some existing and prospective investors to reconsider expanding or relocating operations in Thailand. Get today's headlines by email Leirvag said Thailand continues to offer a strong business environment and remains an attractive destination for international companies. However, she warned that global businesses are required to follow international standards wherever they operate, leaving “no space for doing business in a different way”, adding that transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption are essential for long-term success. The JFCCT represents 31 foreign chambers of commerce and around 8,000 companies operating in Thailand. Speaking on The Next Move programme, Leirvag said foreign direct investors consider predictable regulations, consistent implementation and respect for the rule of law to be just as important as investment incentives when selecting a destination. Her comments come as Thailand remains near the bottom of global rankings in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), placing 116th out of 180 countries in the latest assessment. She said that despite government efforts to promote investment through incentives and industrial policies, weaker governance indicators send a negative signal to international investors. Leirvag also highlighted Thailand’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), describing it as an opportunity to improve governance and align the country with international standards. She said discussions at OECD headquarters in Paris earlier this year showed Thailand scored about 78% for regulatory design but only 11% for implementation, indicating that enforcement remains the country’s biggest weakness. She called for comprehensive regulatory reform, including updating outdated laws, removing unnecessary regulations and ensuring new legislation is practical for businesses. According to Leirvag, some regulations are introduced without sufficient consultation with the private sector, creating rules that are difficult or impossible to implement. The Nation reported that she said closer cooperation between government and businesses would help develop practical, transparent regulations while strengthening investor confidence. Following a recent luncheon with Prime Minister Antin Charnvirakul, the JFCCT urged the government to establish a dedicated team to review existing legislation, accelerate regulatory reform and work closely with the private sector. Leirvag added that enforcement agencies should receive adequate training and resources, while businesses should also be informed about new legal requirements to improve compliance. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 20:55:07 +0000You'll maybe have to find some other way to happily help him: GoFundMe strictly prohibits raising money for the legal defense of alleged violent crimes, terrorism, or the promotion of illegal activities, violence, and harassment. If a campaign violates these policies, GoFundMe will remove the page, block donations, issue refunds, and may share information with law enforcement.Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:49:11 +0000Microsoft has announced 4,800 job cuts, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, with Xbox accounting for a significant share of the reductions as part of what the company describes as a major restructuring. Get today's headlines by email Company-wide layoffs announcedIn a memo to employees, executive vice president Amy Coleman said the technology company must focus on areas that best serve customers as it adapts to a rapidly changing industry. She said businesses cannot control changes within their sectors but can choose how they respond. More than 1,600 Xbox positions will be eliminated immediately, with a further 1,600 roles expected to be cut over the next year. Xbox begins major overhaulIn a separate message to staff, Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma described the changes as "the most significant restructure in Xbox history." She said the overhaul was intended to strengthen Xbox's long-term future rather than reduce its ambitions. "These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one," Sharma wrote, adding that companies should not assume long-term success is guaranteed without adapting. As part of the restructuring, four Xbox game development studios — Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory and Undead Lab — will be spun off from the company. Sharma also acknowledged the impact on employees, saying the cuts were painful but arguing that Xbox required a broad reset across its content portfolio, platform and operations. Industry pressures continueColeman said the eliminated positions would not be directly replaced by artificial intelligence, although she noted that AI is changing how work is performed across the business. The announcement comes as the video game industry continues to face significant challenges following several years of widespread layoffs. In 2024, Xbox cut more than 2,000 jobs and closed four studios it had acquired before Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty. More recently, Microsoft announced plans to cut up to 9,000 jobs while continuing to increase its multibillion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence. Rising hardware costs have also led Microsoft and other technology companies to increase prices for gaming consoles and consumer devices, with growing demand for AI data centres contributing to supply pressures. Studios move to independent ownershipUnder the new structure, Minecraft developer Mojang and Candy Crush developer King will report directly to Sharma. Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst, said the changes represented a "major reset" for Xbox, adding that the company's challenge now is to define its identity as gaming increasingly spans consoles, PCs, cloud services and subscription platforms. Piers Harding-Rolls of Ampere Analysis said the restructuring reflects Microsoft's intention to concentrate on its largest gaming franchises and audiences. He said the company had previously expanded its studio network to strengthen its Game Pass subscription service but had concluded that some development teams would be better positioned outside the Xbox organisation. He added that allowing the studios to become independent, rather than shutting them down, was a positive outcome despite the difficult circumstances. Double Fine and Compulsion Games will both return to independent ownership, taking their intellectual property with them. Double Fine, acquired by Microsoft in 2019, thanked Xbox for seven years of support and said the agreement preserved its history and culture while restoring ownership of its games. Compulsion said its immediate focus would be supporting employees through the transition and expressed confidence about its future. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 20:48:29 +0000Er no. It was Trump who had to make the wedding about himself- (the) spotlight did not stay on the couple for long. The official White House social media account soon shared an AI-generated parody image that altered the giant pink displays. Instead of celebrating the wedding, the edited version declared: "TRUMP IS YOUR PRESIDENT."Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:46:16 +0000Nigel Farage has insisted he "has done no wrongdoing" after reports that he failed to declare benefits allegedly provided by a long-time ally before entering Parliament. Get today's headlines by email The Reform UK leader said he had "followed the rules" and accused the political establishment of mounting a campaign against him, adding that he was considering legal action against The Sunday Times, which published the claims. Farage rejects allegationsThe newspaper reported that George Cottrell funded security and social media staff who worked on Farage's online content in the year before he was elected as MP for Clacton. It also alleged that Farage used a property near Buckingham Palace rented by Cottrell. Calls for investigationThe allegations have prompted Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde to ask the parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate whether Farage complied with parliamentary disclosure rules. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Babarinde said Farage should be "straight with the British people" about who supports him financially. Under House of Commons rules, newly elected MPs must declare financial interests and registrable benefits received during the 12 months before their election. However, the guidance states that purely personal gifts or benefits do not have to be registered. Farage is already the subject of a separate parliamentary investigation over an unregistered £5 million gift from a billionaire Reform UK donor. He has argued that the gift did not require declaration because it was received before he entered Parliament and was not political in nature. His team has made a similar argument regarding the alleged non-cash support from Cottrell. Previous declarations and responseCottrell, 32, is a cryptocurrency entrepreneur and a long-standing Farage ally who volunteered for UKIP ahead of the Brexit referendum. In 2017, he pleaded guilty in the United States to a wire fraud offence and was jailed for eight months after admitting he attempted to defraud criminals on the dark web while posing as a money launderer. Farage has previously declared two benefits from Cottrell: a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024 and a £15,276 donation covering a domestic flight in the United States later that year. No other support from Cottrell appears in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Lawyers acting for Cottrell said he "categorically disputes" the allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times and is reviewing the matter with his legal representatives. Standards concerns and political impactLabour peer Baroness Harman, a former chair of the House of Commons Committee on Standards, defended the parliamentary disclosure system, saying it is designed to maintain public confidence in Parliament. She said Farage should focus on demonstrating compliance with the rules and cooperating with the investigation, rather than portraying it as an "establishment hit job". Harman added that if the commissioner concluded Farage had breached the rules, his conduct while under investigation could be considered when determining any penalty. Farage returned as Reform UK leader in June 2024 after previously stepping down in 2021, and was elected MP for Clacton the following month. Sophie Stowers, of polling company More in Common, said the allegations could resonate with undecided voters considering backing Reform UK because the party's appeal is based partly on presenting itself as an outsider challenging the political establishment. However, she added that many of the party's core supporters are more likely to view the reports as evidence that the establishment is targeting Farage. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026 View full articleMon, 06 Jul 2026 20:42:11 +0000