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Two week wait for tourist & non-immigrant visa appointments at Thai Embassy in Vientiane
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13
Which movies you never get tired about?
Reservoir dogs, Pulp Fictions I can watch the scene where a man is tied up on a chair and on the background a music is playing, "Stuck in the middle with you" 1000000 times.. -
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EV Charger Recommendations
I have asked on that forum as well. Decided on a 7kW/23A single phase charger. Just waiting for any responses on brand recommendations.. There are many brands on Shoppe and Lazada. Great forum and knowlegable people on Electric Vehicles in Thailand forum. -
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Indian tourist targeted in daring Pattaya necklace snatch
Maybe he thought that the chunk of rare metal around his neck would mask the undesirable personal traits that not only the Thai ladies of the night, are well aware of,🤮 but we as westerners in this new multi cultural society that is being forced upon us all, are also well aware of, 🤮 even from a distance... -
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Ireland’s Move at the ICJ Redefining The Meaning of Genocide to get a Conviction
Ireland wants to change what words mean in order to prosecute ? Change the word "Not guilty" to mean guilty and then send them to jail -
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Ireland’s Move at the ICJ Redefining The Meaning of Genocide to get a Conviction
Deputy Premier Micheál Martin’s recent announcement has placed Ireland at the center of a growing international controversy. Martin revealed that Ireland would file an intervention with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the ongoing case concerning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Member states are permitted to contribute statements during ICJ proceedings, but the purpose of Ireland’s intervention has sparked heated debate. According to Martin, the filing aims to “broaden [the ICJ’s] interpretation of what constitutes the commission of genocide by a State.” This statement, bold in its implications, has drawn criticism for suggesting a reinterpretation of international law mid-trial to potentially achieve a predetermined outcome. Critics argue that this undermines the very essence of due process. Observers have compared Martin’s stance to notorious historical abuses of legal systems, accusing him of prioritizing political outcomes over legal integrity. Martin’s position, however, does not emerge in isolation. It draws inspiration from a recent Amnesty International report on the conflict. The report controversially claimed that Israel was not guilty of genocide under traditional international law but proposed redefining the term to fit their conclusion. This shift in approach damaged Amnesty’s credibility; leaks, disavowals from its Israel chapter, and widespread criticism followed the report’s publication. Despite the backlash, the Irish government appears willing to follow Amnesty’s lead, potentially sacrificing the integrity of international law to align with the organization’s narrative. Amnesty, as a pressure group, wields influence but not legal authority. Ireland, as a sovereign state and member of the ICJ, occupies a far weightier position. Its intervention, critics warn, risks setting a precedent that could erode the foundation of international law itself. The implications of reshaping legal definitions to suit political objectives could have far-reaching consequences beyond the current case. This move also raises broader questions about the motivations driving such actions. Some see it as rooted in anti-Zionism or fear of anti-Zionist sentiment within Ireland and beyond. The obsession with Israel, they argue, has led to counterproductive outcomes, distracting from rational policymaking and undermining moral authority. The current geopolitical landscape adds further context. The October 7, 2023, attacks and their aftermath intensified global scrutiny of Israel. Nations and organizations across the spectrum appeared eager to capitalize on perceived vulnerabilities, whether through military, diplomatic, or symbolic means. Yet, as events unfold, many of these efforts have faltered. Iran, despite activating proxies, faced significant setbacks. Russia’s pro-Hamas positions have seen limited success, and Western diplomatic antagonism appears increasingly out of step with unfolding realities. Amid this shifting landscape, Ireland’s leadership persists in its ICJ initiative. For critics, this reflects an obsession rather than a measured response to global dynamics. They argue that Dublin’s alliance with a discredited Amnesty report and its pursuit of legally questionable strategies highlight a troubling fixation on undermining Israel, regardless of broader consequences. However, one thing remains clear: Ireland’s approach has illuminated the underlying purpose of certain campaigns against Israel. For many, the actions speak not of a commitment to international law but of a willingness to manipulate it. Based on reports by Sky News | Commentary 2024-12-13 -
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Donald Trump Honored as Time Magazine's Person of the Year Once Again
Donald Trump has been named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for the second time, a recognition highlighting his remarkable political resurgence and enduring influence on the national and global stage. "For marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America's role in the world, Donald Trump is TIME'S 2024 Person of the Year," Time Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs wrote in a letter to readers. This announcement comes as the Republican president-elect prepares to mark the occasion by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, accompanied by several members of his family. Trump first received the title in 2016 following his unexpected victory in the U.S. presidential election. The honor, which Time has bestowed annually since 1927 under the original title “Man of the Year,” is awarded to an individual or group that has significantly influenced the events of the year, for better or worse. Past recipients include diverse figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg, former President Barack Obama, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Pope Francis, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Time Magazine’s editors make the final decision from a shortlist of contenders each year. This year, Trump’s competition for the title included Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Princess of Wales, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk, who has become a close ally of Trump, is expected to chair a newly established advisory board, the Department of Government Efficiency. In their profile of Trump as a finalist, Time described his 2024 election victory as "a stunning political comeback." They noted that he redefined the American electorate by energizing a new wave of young male voters, ultimately winning the popular vote for the first time and flipping every swing state to Republican control. "He has reshaped the American electorate, activating young male voters who propelled him to a decisive victory that saw him win the popular vote for the first time and turn every swing state red," Time wrote. "His 2024 win is history-making in multiple ways: he will be the oldest President in U.S. history, and he was convicted earlier this year by a New York jury of 34 counts of fraud, making him the first convicted felon to be elected President." Trump has been candid about his plans for his second term. In interviews with Time earlier this year during his campaign, he outlined a bold agenda that includes reforming immigration policies and deporting millions of individuals. The relationship between Trump and Time Magazine has not always been smooth. He openly expressed frustration in 2015 when he was not chosen as Person of the Year during his initial presidential campaign, a title that went to then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel. However, after winning the honor in 2016, he referred to it as a "great honor," noting how significant the magazine had been throughout his life. "It means a lot, especially me growing up reading Time magazine. And, you know, it's a very important magazine," Trump said at the time. Despite his accolades, Trump has continued to voice disapproval of the magazine’s subsequent choices, including its selection of Taylor Swift as Person of the Year for 2024. Nonetheless, his return to the cover as the 2024 Person of the Year underscores the enduring political and cultural impact he continues to wield. Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-13 -
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Decline in Cousin Marriages Among UK’s Pakistani Community
The practice of cousin marriages within the UK’s Pakistani community, once prevalent, has seen a significant decline, particularly in Bradford, a city with one of the largest Pakistani populations in the country. A decade ago, a government-backed surveillance study revealed that 62 percent of Pakistani heritage women in Bradford were in consanguineous relationships. New research shows that this figure has dropped to 46 percent, indicating a notable shift in societal norms and awareness. This decline coincides with increasing discussions about the risks associated with such unions, particularly congenital anomalies in offspring. Dr. John Wright, chief investigator of the Born in Bradford study, highlighted this change as a “significant shift,” moving from a “majority activity to now being just about a minority activity.” He emphasized that this transition is expected to result in fewer children being born with birth defects. The Born in Bradford project, which began tracking the prevalence of cousin marriages in the late 2000s, surveyed nearly 12,500 pregnant women and later repeated the study with an additional cohort of 2,400 women between 2016 and 2019. Published last month by Wellcome Open Research, the findings suggest that this trend might extend across the UK, not just Bradford. Experts attribute the decline to several factors, including increased educational attainment among Pakistani women, stricter immigration laws, and evolving family dynamics. The researchers noted that these changes might signal a generational shift but stressed the importance of continued monitoring to determine if these reductions are part of a broader, lasting trend. Despite this progress, the issue of cousin marriages remains contentious. Former Conservative minister Richard Holden recently proposed a bill to outlaw the practice, citing its association with heightened risks of birth defects and its potential to perpetuate harmful cultural norms. “People already think it is illegal and then are surprised when you mention it isn’t,” he stated, arguing that now is a “sensible time” to address the issue. However, this proposal has faced criticism, particularly from Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed, who represents Dewsbury and Batley. Mohamed called for a more nuanced approach, advocating for advanced genetic testing for prospective cousin couples rather than an outright ban. He urged MPs to avoid stigmatizing a practice viewed as “very positive” in some communities, suggesting that a “more positive approach” would yield better outcomes. The debate has drawn sharp reactions. Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick expressed shock at Mohamed’s stance, labeling cousin marriages as a “revolting practice” linked to birth defects and abusive relationships. Meanwhile, Bradford, where over half of the population in the West constituency is of Pakistani heritage, continues to reflect the broader changes within this community. While cousin marriages remain legal in the UK, calls for reform and growing awareness about associated risks may lead to further shifts in public opinion and policy. The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between cultural sensitivity and public health concerns, as communities navigate evolving norms in a modern context. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-13- 1
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Starmer Stands Firm on Pay Amid Union Strike Threats
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made it clear that he will not waver on his proposed public sector pay increase of 2.8 percent, even as trade unions voice strong opposition and threaten industrial action. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister defended the pay proposal on Wednesday, describing it as a necessary balance to be “fair for both the taxpayer and the worker.” Public sector pay, including that of teachers, doctors, and other essential workers, is determined by an independent review body. On Tuesday, the Government announced that it believed a 2.8 percent pay rise was a reasonable provision, with a formal decision to follow next year. However, unions have branded the offer “an insult,” arguing that it barely outpaces the 2.6 percent inflation rate, leaving workers with negligible real-term gains. Responding to union criticisms, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson reiterated the Government's stance, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility in the wake of economic challenges. “It’s vital that pay awards are fair for both taxpayers and workers,” he stated. He also pointed to the tough financial situation the Government faces, citing a £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous Conservative administration. “Departmental settlements for next year and beyond will need to fund the next round of public sector pay awards,” he added. The Government has hinted that higher pay increases may be feasible in the medium term, but only if public sector workforces become more efficient. This position has drawn fierce criticism from professional bodies and unions. The British Medical Association, which represents doctors, warned that the offer posed “a very real risk of further industrial action.” Similarly, the Royal College of Nursing condemned the proposal as “deeply offensive” and called for immediate negotiations to avert strike action. Union leaders are adamant in their opposition. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, issued a stern warning to the Government, saying he was “putting them on notice” over the proposed pay rise. He criticized it as falling “well short of the urgent action needed” and predicted it would “only deepen the crisis in education.” With tensions rising, the prospect of coordinated strikes looms large, as unions argue that the proposed pay increase fails to adequately address the financial pressures faced by public sector workers. Despite the mounting backlash, Starmer’s Government appears resolute, insisting that its offer strikes the right balance between fiscal prudence and fairness for all. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-13
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