PHUKET XTRA: VIDEO: Record daily Covid cases in Phuket, Partying monks expelled, Thai Paralympians win |:| August 31
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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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UK Suitcase Slayer: Mosquera Guilty of Gruesome Double Murder
In a chilling verdict, Yostin Mosquera has been found guilty of murdering Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, whose bodies he callously disposed of in suitcases. The horrific acts occurred on 8 July 2024, while Mosquera stayed at the victims' flat in Shepherd's Bush, London. After killing the pair, he transported their remains to Bristol, aiming to dump them off Clifton Suspension Bridge. At Woolwich Crown Court, Mr Justice Bennathan revealed that jurors witnessed graphic footage during the trial. After a brief deliberation, the jury convicted Mosquera of both murders and announced their decision after just over five hours. The judge has ordered a psychiatric report, with sentencing set for 24 October. During the trial, it emerged that Colombian national Mosquera was involved in "extreme sex" with Mr Alfonso, whom he initially met online in 2012. Having visited the men in London in 2023, Mosquera attacked Mr Alfonso during a filmed session, claiming he acted in fear for his life. Moreover, he brutally killed Mr Longworth earlier the same day with a hammer, concealing the body in a bed. The prosecution labelled the killings as "calculated" and "premeditated," arguing that Mosquera intended to dispose of evidence by throwing suitcases off the bridge. His strength failed him, leaving the luggage on the bridge instead. While Mosquera admitted to killing Mr Alfonso, he insisted it was manslaughter due to loss of control, denying the murder accusations and alleging Mr Alfonso had been responsible for Mr Longworth’s death. Despite these claims, the jury delivered a decisive guilty verdict for both murders. Justice Bennathan addressed the convict, clarifying that life imprisonment was inevitable but expressing the need for a psychiatric evaluation to determine Mosquera’s minimum term. He acknowledged the gruelling nature of the trial for the jury, noting the distressing evidence they had to endure. Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride of the Metropolitan Police described the investigation as one of the most harrowing cases of murder that his team has encountered. He lauded their relentless efforts to ensure justice for the victims. The tragic story of best friends Paul and Albert, who suffered such brutality, has deeply affected all involved. The conclusion of the trial leaves the victims' families to grapple with their loss, while Mosquera awaits official sentencing. This case stands as a stark reminder of the depths of human brutality. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-22 -
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Accident 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. The incident occurred at approximately 00:40 at the Sataranasuk T-junction on U-Thong Road in Hor Rattanachai subdistrict. Police and emergency services from Ayutthaya Ruamjai Association were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a collision. At the scene, police found a black Ford Everest SUV with a damaged driver’s side and deployed airbags. Nearby was a damaged Suzuki motorcycle registered in Lopburi. The rider, identified as Mr. Phutthiphon, 19, was found with multiple injuries, including a broken jaw, fractured leg and heavy bleeding. Emergency personnel provided first aid before transferring him to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital for urgent treatment. Thongthong, who was driving the SUV, appeared deeply shocked by the incident and reportedly fainted after seeing the motorcyclist’s injuries. He explained that he had travelled from Bangkok earlier in the evening to deliver meatballs as a treat for schoolchildren at Chomsurang Upatham School, where a student folk band was preparing for a competition. While returning, he experienced sudden stomach pain and drove off in search of a restroom. As he approached the junction, Thongthong said he signalled to turn right and believed the approaching motorcycle was still at a safe distance. However, as he made the turn, the motorcycle crashed into his vehicle at high speed. He attempted to exit the car to help, but the driver’s side door was jammed, forcing him to climb out the other side. Police conducted an alcohol test on Thongthong at the scene, confirming a reading of 0%. Officers have recorded Thongthong’s statement and are awaiting the recovery of the injured motorcyclist to complete further inquiries. CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed to determine the exact cause of the accident. Thongthong Mokjok, known for his longstanding comedic career, has recently focused on his meatball brand and has been active in volunteer work. The incident occurred while en route from a charitable event. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-23 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 23 July 2025
Suspected Myanmar Drone Crashes in Tak Pictures courtesy of Naewna. A suspected drone believed to belong to the Myanmar military crashed inside Thai territory in the morning of 21 July, prompting Thai authorities to declare a danger zone in the affected area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367533-suspected-myanmar-drone-crashes-in-tak/
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