Calls grow for investigation over missing Cambodian land activist
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 July 2025
Thai Comedian Thongthong Mokjok Involved in Road Crash in Ayutthaya Pictures courtesy of Matichon. Popular Thai comedian Thongthong Mokjok (real name: Khatchathep Iamsiri), 54, was involved in a road crash in the early hours of morning of 22 July, when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle at a junction in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, leaving the 19-year-old rider critically injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367534-thai-comedian-thongthong-mokjok-involved-in-road-crash-in-ayutthaya/ -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 July 2025
Thailand Bets on Medical Tourism to Revive Economy Bumrungrad International Hospital | File photo courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand is diving into medical and wellness tourism to tackle slow economic growth amid global uncertainties. With a focus on medical tourism, manufacturing, and eldercare, the nation aims to boost its economy, according to Messe Düsseldorf Asia, a global trade organiser. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1367535-thailand-bets-on-medical-tourism-to-revive-economy/ -
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Report Thailand Bets on Medical Tourism to Revive Economy
Bumrungrad International Hospital | File photo courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand is diving into medical and wellness tourism to tackle slow economic growth amid global uncertainties. With a focus on medical tourism, manufacturing, and eldercare, the nation aims to boost its economy, according to Messe Düsseldorf Asia, a global trade organiser. These sectors are set to expand the domestic market by 5.5 to 7% annually, while exports are expected to rise by 6.5 to 7.5% each year. See Lay Eng, from Messe Düsseldorf Asia, emphasises Thailand's strategic position in Southeast Asia for medical innovations, benefiting from government support and international cooperation. ASEAN is emerging as a hotspot for medical and wellness tourism, with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore at the forefront. These nations attract visitors by offering affordable, high-quality treatments and holistic care. In 2024, Thailand's medical tourism market was valued at over 15.2 billion Thai Baht, projected to grow by 15% annually, potentially reaching 45.6 billion Thai Baht by 2035. The domestic medical device market is expected to grow by 7% yearly, with exports increasing by 7.5%. Thailand stands as a major exporter in ASEAN, especially in consumables and diagnostic equipment. Messe Düsseldorf Asia is gearing up for the 2025 Medical Fair Thailand, starting 10 September at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. The event will showcase cutting-edge medical technologies and foster business interactions. The National Innovation Agency is boosting medical tech development among local businesses, directing 70% of financial support to startups and 30% to small and medium enterprises, says Krithpaka Boonfueng, the agency's executive director. Despite local advancements, Thailand imports over 2.1 trillion Thai Baht in medical devices annually, notes Termsak Sirikirin from the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre. This dependence stems from limited investment in research and development and support systems. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-23 -
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UK UK Rents Jump £221/Month Since 2021: Tenants Feel the Squeeze
File photo for reference only In a startling development, renting a home in the UK now costs £221 more each month than it did three years ago, according to a study by property portal Zoopla. This spike has serious repercussions, with tenants making career choices and familial financial support decisions based on escalating rental costs. The hike in rents mirrors the typical rise in mortgage payments for homeowners. Increased rental costs are largely due to high tenant demand while the available rental properties have stagnated or decreased. Zoopla's analysis, shared with the BBC, reports that rents for new tenancies have surged by 21%, amounting to an average monthly increase of £221. This spring, the average rent peaked at £54,264. For some renters, the financial pressure has led to turning down job opportunities or relocating. Neysa Killeen, working in musical theatre, recounted having to reject a promising school job due to insufficient wages to cover Dublin's rent. Similar struggles continue as she now considers yet another move to manage costs in northern England. Parents like Karen are stepping in, providing financial assistance to their grown children amid soaring rents. Her son, a father and a professional, relies on parental support due to the unsustainable cost of living. However, this dependency is challenged by Karen's upcoming retirement, raising concerns about the longevity of such support. Savills' Lucian Cook notes the increasing trend of parents acting as guarantors for rental agreements. Furthermore, informal financial assistance has become commonplace as rental growth outpaces incomes. Aneisha Beveridge from Hamptons highlights a noticeable delay in young people leaving their family homes, driven by exorbitant rental increases. Despite the sobering statistics, there's a flicker of hope for renters. Zoopla reports a slowdown in rent hikes, especially in cities. Yearly growth in new tenancy rents has declined to 2.8% from last year's 6.4%. Cities like Leeds, Dundee, and areas of London are witnessing declining prices, although rents continue climbing in more affordable areas near major cities, such as Wigan and Blackburn. Comparing renters to homeowners, both have seen similar financial strains, with mortgage payments rising by an average of £218. However, homeowners often possess larger properties, with the added benefit of reducing debt through each payment—a luxury typically unavailable to renters. As rent growth begins to ease in certain locales, the long-term effects on living arrangements and financial planning remain to be seen, impacting both individual renters and the wider housing market. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-23- 1
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Report Press Freedom in Question as White House Ousts WSJ Over Epstein-Linked Coverage
File photo President Trump's administration has removed The Wall Street Journal from the press pool for his visit to Scotland. This decision follows a controversial article that links Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, which the White House has deemed "fake and defamatory." The Journal’s involvement in the trip was cancelled after Trump sued the paper for defamation in response to the report. The press pool, which is managed by the White House, includes journalists who cover presidential events. PPreviously coordinated by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), the press pool is now under the strict control of the Trump administration. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision, citing the Wall Street Journal's recent conduct. The July 17 article detailed letters allegedly connected to Trump and Epstein, sparking a defamation lawsuit. The administration claims this justifies exclusion from the press pool. The decision adds fuel to ongoing disputes about press freedom, highlighted by the AP’s similar experience after a Gulf of Mexico naming disagreement. WHCA President Weijia Jiang expressed concern, emphasising the importance of free speech and independent media. The Journal, meanwhile, maintains its stance on the reporting and is prepared to defend itself against the legal challenge. Calls for the White House to reconsider and uphold media access persist, yet the administration remains resolute. First Amendment organisations have criticised the action as an infringement on press freedom. Critics argue it's a punitive measure that undermines democratic principles. The White House has yet to specify which outlet will replace the Journal in the Scotland press pool. As tensions escalate, the situation underscores the precarious balance between media access and governmental control. The staff decisions continue to spotlight President Trump’s contentious relationship with the press, leaving lasting implications for future media interactions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-23 -
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USA Alligator Alcatraz Horror: Families Demand Release of Italians
Donald Trump touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025 | Picture courtesy of The White House via Wikipedia Two Italian nationals, Fernando Eduardo Artese, 63, and Gaetano Cateno Mirabella Costa, 45, are being held in the notorious ICE detention centre dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida for immigration violations. Italy’s foreign ministry has acknowledged their detention but remains tight-lipped on specifics, citing privacy. The Italian government has yet to publicly address the situation or the conditions in the controversial facility. Italian opposition figure Laura Boldrini has called on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to intervene. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the detentions, labelling both men as "criminal illegal aliens." Boldrini has criticised the current conditions, calling them unacceptable and seeking action from the Italian government to assist in their release. Artese's daughter, Carla, explained that her father, who has dual Italian-Argentinian citizenship, had been living legally in the US but was caught over an outstanding warrant for a driving violation. He was detained during a family road trip intended to document their journey back to Argentina on YouTube. According to the DHS, Artese has overstayed his visa since 2015. His daughter Carla has started a fundraising campaign to secure an attorney, expressing anguish over the inhumane conditions and lack of legal access her father faces. Artese described the detention centre as a “concentration camp” in a previous interview. Gaetano Mirabella Costa, also detained, spoke to Italy’s state broadcaster RAI, describing cramped and degrading conditions. Costa, with a criminal record including domestic violence and drug possession, overstayed his B2 visa by nearly seven years, as per DHS. His mother has criticised the harsh treatment he’s received, comparing it to being treated like a "dog." The Italian Consulate in Miami remains in contact, though they haven’t disclosed further details. This international incident underscores ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and human rights within detention facilities. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-23
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