American expat avoids jail for negative review - reaches settlement with Koh Chang hotel
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UK Protesters Plan to Block Mass Arrests in Palestine Action Ban
"Protesters Plan to Overwhelm Police at Palestine Action Rally" Demonstrators aim to challenge arrest procedures in mass protest. Protesters planning the next major demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action intend to withhold their details from police, aiming to overwhelm the processing system and make mass arrests “practically impossible.” Defend Our Juries, the group organizing the protest, intends to proceed with the event on 6 September in London if over 1,000 participants pledge to join. More than 2,500 people have already shown interest in what could be the largest protest since Palestine Action was banned in June. Earlier this month, 532 arrests were made at a previous demonstration. The Metropolitan Police reported that 212 of these individuals refused to provide details or were already on bail, leading to their transportation to police stations. The rest were arrested and bailed after cooperating with makeshift processing points near Parliament Square, thus avoiding the need for external police stations. Protesters must sign an online pledge committing to the demonstration and acknowledging the risk of arrest. They are advised against complying with “street bail,” which involves being processed on the spot and released with a requirement to report to a station later. Instead, protestors are urged not to give any personal information, necessitating their transport to a police station for processing. Defend Our Juries argues that this tactic would expose the current system and force police to reconsider their approach. Tim Crosland, a spokesperson for the group, asserts that the police’s use of mass "street bail" denied detainees immediate legal counsel. He claims that if enough participants demand station processing, it will become impossible to enforce the arrests. Crosland emphasizes, “If 1,000 people sign the pledge and insist on their rights, the charade will be exposed.” He likens the situation to past public opposition movements, such as the poll tax protests of 1990, suggesting laws facing mass dissent often become unenforceable. The protest is set to last indefinitely as organisers encourage participants to remain steadfast. A Survation poll recently found that 70% of Labour members disagreed with the government’s decision to label Palestine Action a terrorist group. The group had been proscribed following an incident at RAF Brize Norton. Recent criticism includes former cabinet minister Peter Hain’s remarks about the government’s handling of the situation, highlighting internal Labour Party divisions. In a Guardian article, Labour MP Stella Creasy, who voted to ban the group, expressed concern alongside Hain about the impact on protest rights. Crosland denounces the government’s extensive use of resources against peaceful protests, claiming significant political and public support against the ban. With momentum building, the upcoming protest aims to challenge perceptions and actions surrounding protest rights in the UK. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-22 -
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UK-Asylum crisis Nationwide Protests Expected as Tensions Escalate Across UK
Pressure mounts as UK towns brace for demonstrations against asylum seeker accommodations. Protests are planned across the UK this weekend as tensions rise over the housing of asylum seekers in hotels. Recent figures reveal that more than 32,000 asylum seekers are currently accommodated in these facilities, marking an 8% increase during Labour’s first year in office. Counter-protests organised by Stand Up To Racism are set to take place in cities including Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Leeds. These actions follow a High Court decision granting Epping Forest District Council a temporary injunction to prevent migrants from being housed in a local hotel after days of protests. Recent data sheds light on the distribution of migrants across 122 UK council areas, with 32,059 migrants living in taxpayer-funded hotels as of June. This transparency helps residents and policymakers better understand the regional management of migrant accommodation, influencing future policy decisions. The uneven distribution of asylum seekers has prompted Scottish councils to consider following Epping's example. The legal victory was achieved after an incident involving a migrant charged with assault in the town, further fuelling local tensions. Epping’s success has drawn attention to the potential for local authorities to challenge government decisions on migrant housing. Since 2020, the UK has relied on hotels to meet its legal obligation to house asylum seekers amid a sharp rise in arrivals. This year, under Labour, there have been over 27,000 unauthorised arrivals, nearly 50% higher than the same period last year. As of June, over 32,000 asylum seekers were in hotel accommodation, up from 29,500 the previous year but still below a peak of more than 56,000 in September 2023. The year also saw 111,084 asylum applications—the highest since 2001, according to Home Office figures. The National Audit Office has reported that those in hotels account for 35% of the current asylum accommodation. This statistic has contributed to public frustration, as voiced by Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, who praised Epping’s leadership in opposing hotel use, stating that "our country's patience has snapped." Conservative figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, have expressed support for people's right to protest against asylum accommodations in their communities. The debate highlights the complexities surrounding immigration and the impact on local communities. Labour has pledged to halt the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029, promising alternative solutions to address the ongoing challenges. As protests unfold, the government faces increasing pressure to balance humanitarian obligations with public sentiment and policy reform. The unfolding events underscore the contentious nature of immigration policies in the UK, with protestors demanding action and reform to address the issues and concerns raised by affected communities. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-22 -
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UK Rachel Reeves Pensions Tax Raid Sparks Outrage Among Older Brits
An economist warned tax raises are inevitable due to the "chronically weak condition" of public finances with a an estimated black hole of up to £51 billion. Financial expert warns tax hikes are on the horizon as UK faces massive deficit. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly planning a "pensions tax raid" to address a significant £51 billion shortfall in the UK’s public finances. As the autumn budget looms, experts predict the Chancellor may need to implement tax increases or spending cuts to manage government u-turns, including changes to the welfare bill. Economist Elliott Jordan-Doak from Pantheon Macroeconomics suggests that tax hikes are now inevitable. Describing the state of the public finances as "chronically weak," he foresees possible new levies on pensions as essential for adhering to fiscal rules. He commented, "The big picture remains that the public finances are in a fragile condition. Stealth taxes, duty increases, and a pensions tax raid may be unavoidable if the Chancellor aims to keep headline tax rates unchanged." Positive news from official figures released in July showed government borrowing slowed to £1.1 billion—a £2.3 billion decrease from the previous year, marking the lowest July borrowing figure in three years. Despite this, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research warned of a looming fiscal gap, with an estimated £51 billion deficit. To address this, the government is considering measures such as overhauling capital gains tax on high-value homes and adjusting stamp duty on property sales. These explorations come as increases in income tax, national insurance, and VAT have been ruled out, limiting Reeves’ options for addressing the budget shortfall. Critics argue that imminent tax hikes could significantly impact homeowners and retirees as the government seeks ways to balance the budget without raising prominent taxes. This has sparked warnings about the potential consequences on older Britons if pensions become a target for additional revenue. The financial strategy has raised concerns, with some experts cautioning that focusing on alternative tax avenues like pensions could place undue burden on certain demographics. The challenge lies in addressing economic pressures without deepening financial strain on the public. As the budget discussions progress, the balance between fiscal responsibility and public impact is at the forefront of government strategy. Reeves faces the tough task of navigating economic recovery while ensuring that policies do not disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. In light of these challenges, experts and policymakers alike are watching closely to see how Reeves’ decisions in the upcoming budget will impact the broader economic landscape. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-22 -
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Ukraine Russia Rejects EU Troops in Ukraine Amid Trump’s Veiled Threats
Moscow has thrown a wrench into US President Donald Trump’s initiative to broker peace in Ukraine, demanding a veto over any postwar support. This declaration coincided with a large-scale missile barrage on Ukraine, spotlighting ongoing tensions. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, denounced European plans to deploy troops in Ukraine post-conflict, labeling it “foreign intervention” unacceptable to Russia. Lavrov suggested reverting to a 2022 proposal that envisaged Moscow and Beijing providing security guarantees—terms Kyiv finds unacceptable. Despite Trump’s push for negotiations, Lavrov’s comments cast significant doubt on the prospects for peace talks. European leaders are contemplating security guarantees for Ukraine, building on Trump’s assurance of support. Nations like France, Britain, and Estonia have indicated the possibility of sending troops to a postwar Ukraine, though their involvement heavily depends on the US taking the lead. In the backdrop of these diplomatic maneuvers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s aerial strikes, which notably targeted a major US electronics manufacturer. Zelenskyy interpreted the attack as a direct affront to US-brokered peace efforts, asserting that the targeting was deliberate and aimed at undermining foreign investments. The missile barrage, consisting of 574 drones and 40 missiles, impacted western Ukraine, resulting in one death and injuries to 15 others. A significant strike on a US-owned factory in Lviv injured six workers, highlighting the persistent threat to foreign assets in the region. Andy Hunder, from the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, remarked that the attack sends a clear message that “Russia is not looking for peace.” Russia claims its assaults were aimed at Ukrainian military-industrial sites, steadfastly denying civilian targets. However, reports from Lviv recount damage to residential buildings, kindergartens, and administrative structures, directly contradicting Russian proclamations. Amid these developments, Trump expressed frustration on his social media platform, blaming his predecessor Joe Biden for limiting Ukraine’s military response. Though subtly veiled, Trump’s remarks signal his increasing impatience with Russia’s unyielding stance and underline the difficulties in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough. Prospects of a summit between Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin remain uncertain, with Lavrov dismissing such talks unless Russia’s preconditions—implying Ukraine's capitulation—are accepted. Lavrov further questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, reflecting Kremlin narratives that undermine Ukrainian leadership. Despite Trump’s diplomatic engagements, Moscow’s stringent demands reveal the complexities of securing a viable peace agreement. The White House maintains a hopeful stance, continuing dialogues with Russian and Ukrainian officials to halt the ongoing violence. Zelenskyy remains committed to dialogue, urging Russia to engage genuinely in talks aimed at resolving the conflict. However, as exemplified by Moscow’s recent military actions, the road to peace is fraught with challenges and skepticism. As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, with the stark reality of entrenched positions making a resolution appear distant. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-22 -
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Middle East Israeli Data: 83% Civilian Death Rate in Gaza Conflict Revealed
Figures from classified IDF database listed 8,900 named fighters as dead or probably dead in May, as overall death toll reached 53,000 Investigation exposes high civilian casualty rates as the conflict continues. Figures from a classified Israeli military intelligence database indicate that five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza are civilians, representing an 83% civilian death rate. This extreme rate of civilian casualties is rarely seen in modern warfare. By May 2025, 19 months into the war, Israeli intelligence listed 8,900 deaths among named fighters from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). However, according to Gaza health authorities, the total death toll stands at 53,000, including both combatants and civilians. The high civilian casualty rate in Gaza is notable, even when compared to conflicts infamous for indiscriminate killing, such as the Syrian and Sudanese wars. Therése Pettersson from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program highlighted the unusually high proportion of civilian deaths over a prolonged period. Historically, only the atrocities at Srebrenica, the Rwandan genocide, and the Russian siege of Mariupol have reported comparable ratios of civilian to combatant deaths. Many genocide scholars and human rights activists, including Israeli campaign groups, argue that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing mass civilian killings and imposed starvation. The Israeli military acknowledges the database but disputes the exact figures reported. They claim that the numbers in the IDF systems do not corroborate external reports. Officials have provided varying responses, sometimes inflating militant death tolls. The database, naming 47,653 individuals as active in the military wings of Hamas and PIJ, highlights the complexities in casualty reporting. Intelligence sources admit that both Israeli and Gaza health ministry figures may underestimate real numbers, excluding those buried under rubble. Critics like retired general Itzhak Brik contend that official numbers are misleading, with many Palestinians labeled as militants posthumously. Israeli soldiers' testimonies support these claims, detailing indiscriminate targeting and inflated militant counts. Mary Kaldor, a professor at the LSE, suggests that Israel's engagement in densely populated areas like Gaza leads to high civilian casualties. This strategy resembles conflicts where armed groups avoid direct battles, focusing on territorial and population control. Ongoing rhetoric from Israeli officials often reflects extreme positions, describing civilian casualties as 'necessary' for deterrence. Such approaches have drawn significant humanitarian concerns from international observers. As the conflict persists, the impact on civilians remains a critical issue, raising broader questions about human rights and future conflict engagements. The unprecedented civilian toll calls for urgent international attention to address and mitigate further humanitarian crises. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-22 -
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International Mail To United States Ended Indefinitely
OK, I also found it on the Thai Post FB page. But it's not on the Thai Post website....strange
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