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BBC Contributor in Gaza Sparks Outrage ‘We’ll burn Jews like Hitler did’
He was probably after a full time gig at The BBC and thought he'd make it perfectly clear that his political stance was in line with theirs. In hindsight, it would have been easier to just lie on his CV like the BBC's fact checker girl. -
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Immigration Final Three Uyghurs Find Freedom in Canada after Decade of Detention in Thailand
FILE: This photo provided by Thailand's daily web newspaper Prachatai shows a truck with black tape covering the windows leave a detention center in Bangkok, Thailand Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.(Nuttaphol Meksobhon/Prachatai via AP) The last three Uyghur detainees at Bangkok's Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre have been resettled in Canada, putting an end to a protracted diplomatic ordeal spanning over a decade. Confounding a recent wave of deportations to China, these individuals found refuge due to passports issued by Kyrgyzstan, according to sources close to the matter. This transfer follows Thailand's controversial decision to deport 40 Uyghurs to China, which sparked international outcry. The remaining ones, who have now settled in Canada, were part of a larger group of about 300 Uyghurs apprehended under Yingluck Shinawatra's administration in March 2014, near the Thai-Malaysian border. The National Council for Peace and Order allowed 173 women and children from this group to seek asylum in Turkey in June 2015. However, the subsequent repatriation of 109 Uyghurs to China at Beijing's behest created waves of international disapproval. Images of hooded individuals escorted by Chinese authorities ignited widespread condemnation. The plight of the Uyghur detainees at Suan Phlu included harsh living conditions marked by overcrowding, unsanitary environments, and a dearth of essential provisions including food, water, and medical care. Reports indicated they were deprived of halal meals and denied basic healthcare, resulting in deaths during detention over the years. The detainees were allegedly without legal support or contact with family, humanitarian groups, or the UNHCR, significantly hindering their ability to claim asylum status. Recently, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra repatriated 40 Uyghurs to China, citing assurances of their safety from the Chinese government. The successful resettlement in Canada came after a concerted effort by Uyghur refugees in Australia, who appealed to various embassies to accept the three detainees. Suitably, Canada agreed to the request, and the UNHCR facilitated their transition to a new life in the North American nation. These individuals’ arrival in Canada signifies a conclusion to just one chapter of the broader Uyghur diaspora’s stories of trying times and seeking safety. Whether these measures could lead to a change in treatment of detained ethnic minorities remains to be watched closely. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-28 -
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Opinion Nearly Half of Thais Say Casinos Crucial to Entertainment Bill’s Survival
Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun In a revealing result from a recent Nida Poll, it appears that the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill in Thailand is widely seen as dependent on its casino component. The survey, conducted from April 21-23, showed that 46% of participants believed that without the casino element, the bill would likely face rejection. Still, there's division, as 33% felt that the bill might pass even without the casinos. Interestingly, 19% of those surveyed insisted it would be impossible to remove the casino aspect altogether, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposal. Meanwhile, a small 2% expressed disinterest in the topic. The poll gathered input from 1,310 individuals aged 18 and over, from diverse educational, occupational, and income backgrounds across the country. It was conducted after the government pulled back efforts to advance the bill through parliament due to opposition. The debate heated further when Bhumjaithai Party's secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, unexpectedly opposed casinos in a House meeting, despite prior government efforts to delay the bill's discussion. The poll found that 35.8% backed Mr Chaichanok’s stance, while 28% saw it as a personal viewpoint. About 22% believed he was aligning with public opinion to potentially reinforce his party’s official stand. Around 29% viewed his antics as a political manoeuvre for the Bhumjaithai Party to gain negotiation leverage. On the other hand, 20% of participants thought the ruling Pheu Thai Party might eventually succeed in lobbying for the casino-entertainment complexes. Conversely, about 17% doubted the likelihood of these venues coming to fruition. Mr Chaichanok's opposition seems to have also triggered concerns over political alignments. Approximately 9% of those surveyed interpreted the stance as a signal that Bhumjaithai might sever ties with the present political coalition. Moreover, 10.84% hinted at a growing internal discord within Bhumjaithai. Only a smaller portion—about 7%—predicts the party could be expelled from the government, while 6% think the party made an ill-judged decision. In summary, the fate of Thailand's Entertainment Complex Bill appears intricately tied to the inclusion of casinos, according to public opinion. The issue remains a hotbed of political intrigue and manoeuvrings, making the government's next steps highly anticipated. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-28 -
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Report Rangsiman Rome Refutes Rolex Rumours with Seiko Revelation
Rangsiman Rome. Picture courtesy: Naewna Rangsiman Rome, a prominent MP of Thailand's People's Party, has swiftly dismantled rumours regarding his wristwear. Allegations surfaced on Facebook, claiming Rangsiman sported a Rolex valued at ฿500,000, but he confirmed the watch was actually a gift from his wife—a Seiko. Such claims erupted online with accusations of dishonesty towards the Orange party, sparking debate and controversy. The accusations suggested that Rangsiman's financial disclosures lacked transparency, particularly concerning luxury items not declared publicly. However, the MP quickly countered these claims, stressing the baseless nature of the accusations. He highlighted a major online outlet's failure to verify facts by reaching out to him or consulting a watch expert. Rangsiman reiterated that his financial declarations, submitted to Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in March, were accurate. Together with his wife, Ivana Kurniawati, they are recorded to have assets amounting to ฿13.38 million and debts totalling ฿6.6 million. Notably, Rangsiman's assets include cash savings, property in Bangkok, and digital currencies. Ivana, of Indonesian origin, also shares a robust asset portfolio. Her possessions include a plethora of international currencies, a diverse jewellery collection, and profits from literary pursuits. It is evident that both Rangsiman and Ivana have established a secure financial standing independent of spurious luxury accusations. The rumour of Rangsiman's Rolex watch can be seen as an exaggerated tale, focused more on stirring political unrest than uncovering any genuine misconduct. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the need for scrutiny in dispersing unverified claims, especially when they relate to public figures and their reputations. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-04-28 -
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Politics Thaksin Straightens Out Coalition Rumours in Thailand
Picture courtesy Thai Rath Chiang Mai witnessed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tackling rumours head-on about potential unrest within Thailand's ruling coalition. The buzz that the Bhumjaithai Party may be shown the door from the coalition has been quashed by Thaksin, who asserts that any Cabinet reshuffle decisions are firmly in the hands of his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Addressing the swirling speculations, Thaksin, a significant political figure, quashed claims of a potential ousting of Bhumjaithai, stating any changes would be wide-ranging across parties, not confined to the ruling Pheu Thai Party alone. Contrary to reports of rising frictions and a possible reshuffle involving PPRP replacing Bhumjaithai, Thaksin assured that no party is slated for opposition and that the coalition's structure remains steady. He emphasised that any future adjustments are likely to be more about internal reshuffling rather than a complete overhaul of the coalition's existing form. Despite the noise, Thaksin confidently downplayed concerns about discontent or a need for cross-party defections, citing the coalition’s comfortable majority. In a parallel political development, Thaksin dismissed a petition targeting his hospital detention, filed by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak. This petition contends that Thaksin evaded serving any jail time, sparking calls for an in-depth probe. Meanwhile, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) reinforced its disinterest in coalition talks, standing firm against joining forces with Pheu Thai under current circumstances. The PPRP stance was articulated by party spokesman Police Lieutenant General Piya Tawichai, who reiterated that while decisions rest with General Prawit Wongsuwon, the message remains clear: no collaboration with Pheu Thai. General Prawit’s firm stance leaves Pheu Thai navigating its complex interactions with Bhumjaithai amid concerns that upsetting the balance could stir Senate displeasure or prompt a withdrawal by members of the United Thai Nation Party. Additionally, Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya turned the spotlight onto the government’s economic strategies, critiquing the proposed 500 billion baht borrowing plan in response to rising US trade tariffs. The financial gamble, he implied, casts shadows of doubt over the government’s repayment capabilities, presenting yet another challenge amidst the political undercurrents. Thaksin’s dismissals and ongoing coalition dynamics highlight the political intricacies defining the landscape, with all eyes keenly watching any developing shifts or reshuffles that might alter the current power balance in Thailand. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-28 -
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Economy Gold Price Surge Spurs Imitation Jewellery Boom in Thailand
Gold ornaments Real gold prices have hit a stunning high, with 96.5% gold jewellery now fetching 53,500 Thai Baht per baht weight. This sharp uptick in gold value has prompted a Nonthaburi shop to raise its imitation gold jewellery prices by 50 Baht, according to TV Channel 7. As luxury eludes many, imitation gold jewellery sales have surged by nearly 20%, offering a budget-friendly alternative for shoppers. Thailand's Thai Gold Traders Association set this morning’s rates for 96.5% gold bars at 52,700 Baht selling and 52,600 Baht buying per baht weight. While authentic gold jewellery prices have reached a high, with a buying price at 51,650.12 Thai Baht, imitation pieces have stepped in as an affordable choice amid the real gold spike. However, imitation is not without its own issues. Production costs have spiked due to the presence of real gold in some fake items, forcing price hikes to maintain quality. The Nonthaburi shop's owner warns that unscrupulous traders are capitalising on the demand, pushing inferior goods at full price, making vigilance crucial for consumers. In a market swayed by the soaring cost of real gold, imitation jewellery fills the gap, albeit with caution due to varying quality. As gold prices reach unprecedented heights, the allure of bargain bling grows, yet must be balanced with a discerning eye to ensure quality. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-04-28
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