Anyone told within last month what vaccines the U.S. is accepting/requiring for Thais entering with recent visa?
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Crime Man Shot Dead in Palm Plantation Ambush in Surat Thani
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 40-year-old man was fatally shot in the face in what appears to be a targeted ambush in a remote palm oil plantation in Kiri Rat Nikhom district. Police are actively investigating the case and working to identify the perpetrator. The incident occurred around 21:00 on 10 July in Moo 11, Nam Hak subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Pattarawit Kittisrisuwan, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Kiri Rat Nikhom Police Station, received the emergency call and responded immediately with Police Colonel Narong Rakprathum, the station’s superintendent, along with investigators, forensic experts from Region 8 and rescue personnel. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found a black-and-red Honda Wave 110 motorcycle overturned on the ground. Approximately five metres away lay the body of the victim, later identified as Mr. Thawatchai Suphatkaew, aged 40. He was found lying on his back, wearing a navy blue tracksuit jacket and black jeans, with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The location, a secluded palm plantation, offered little immediate evidence. There were no eyewitnesses, as the area was largely deserted at the time of the incident. The circumstances suggest the shooter may have been lying in wait before executing the attack at close range. Investigators are now questioning the victim’s relatives and acquaintances to gather information on possible motives and suspects. Police have yet to determine the calibre of the weapon used or identify any suspects but are treating the case as a premeditated killing. Authorities have vowed to track down those responsible and bring them to justice, with a full forensic examination and continued interviews expected in the coming days. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-12 -
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‘They’re skin and bones’: doctors in Gaza warn babies at risk of death from lack of formula
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that the population in the heavily embattled Gaza Strip is increasingly suffering from hunger. Teams on the ground have observed "a sharp and unprecedented rise in acute malnutrition among people in Gaza," the organization said. In its two health centres in Gaza City and the coastal town of Al-Mawasi, more than 700 pregnant and breastfeeding women and almost 500 children with severe and moderate malnutrition are currently receiving outpatient treatment. MSF doctors warn of sharp rise in malnutrition in Gaza Strip -
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UK Farage Declares Channel Migrant Crisis a ‘Crime’ as He Watches Handover at Sea
Farage Declares Channel Migrant Crisis a ‘Crime’ as He Watches Handover at Sea As dawn broke over the English Channel, Nigel Farage stood aboard a fishing boat, freshly hooked mackerel in hand, when his attention turned from fishing to what he described as a “crime” unfolding on the waters between France and Britain. At 8am, a message crackled over the maritime radio from a French warship, not about a distress call, but a request for something unexpected: the return of 40 lifejackets it had distributed to migrants earlier that morning. Farage, accompanied by The Times and the captain of the charter vessel Louise Jane II, Andy King, had been observing what he assumed would be a routine handover of migrants from French to British authorities. But the request for lifejackets signalled an unusual twist. The French warship had escorted a dinghy launched from Wissant beach, carrying 78 migrants, into British waters, where the UK Border Force ship Hurricane waited to take over. Before the transfer, the French deployed a rigid inflatable boat to collect the lifejackets — a first, according to King, who had never before witnessed the French reclaim equipment ahead of a handover. The handover itself was orderly. From no more than 300 metres away, Farage and others watched as migrants—mostly young African men, along with one woman and three children—climbed aboard Hurricane one by one. Border Force officers called instructions to prevent the dinghy from capsizing, then provided blankets and hot drinks inside the catamaran’s cabin. Once emptied, the dinghy was collected by MCS Taku, the Border Force vessel responsible for recovering the remnants of such crossings. “This is a crime and yet everyone seems happy: Border Force are happy, the French are happy,” said Farage through binoculars, visibly angry. The timing, just hours before a press conference between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron unveiling a new "one in, one out" migrant return deal, could not have been more politically symbolic. Farage used the moment to announce a new Reform UK policy calling for all migrants arriving via small boats to be held in decommissioned migrant camps until deportation. “Do what Trump does. Just fly them back,” he told The Times, proposing mass deportations—even to conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Eritrea—and urging the UK to follow the U.S. example in El Salvador. He insisted the Royal Navy should tow boats back to France if deportations fail. “Ultimately, the last solution would be for the Royal Marines to take them back to France. If it comes to that, it comes to that. But I don’t [think] it would need to.” Farage believes he could end Channel crossings within weeks if elected Prime Minister. “It wouldn’t take us very long,” he said, outlining plans to declare a national emergency on day one and override the European Convention on Human Rights, eventually leading to a full withdrawal from the treaty. That day, more than 200 migrants successfully crossed the Channel, with many more intercepted by French police. The crossings required full deployment of British assets: Hurricane, Taku, two fast ribs to establish a safety perimeter, and even a coastguard helicopter on standby. French authorities, meanwhile, warned Captain King to “alter your course now” as his boat neared the migrant dinghy. For King, the migrant traffic is personal. He now earns his living ferrying swimmers across the Channel, a booming niche industry due to the collapse of fishing. “I’m booked up with swimmers until 2028,” he said, noting that he charges £3,800 per swimmer. But threats from the French ministry to suspend his licence during migrant surges could leave him out of work. He also spoke of routine abuse from migrants as they pass: “They shout things like, ‘Fat English pigs! Dirty bastards!’ They throw the ‘w****r’ sign and flick the middle finger. I’ve also heard people shout, ‘Allahu Akbar’.” By 11am, the boat turned back to Dover. As Farage cleaned mackerel on deck, he reflected on the day’s events with satisfaction. “I could not believe my luck,” he said, “at the timing of this trip.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-07-12 -
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UK Hate Crime Probe Launched After Migrant Effigy Torched on Northern Ireland Bonfire
Hate Crime Probe Launched After Migrant Effigy Torched on Northern Ireland Bonfire Police in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with a model of a migrant boat and a sign reading “stop the boats” was set ablaze during loyalist celebrations in County Tyrone. The effigy, which featured 12 dummies wearing life jackets, was erected in the village of Moygashel near Dungannon as part of the annual July 12 festivities, a date marking the Protestant victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1689. Despite widespread condemnation, the bonfire was ignited at 11pm on Thursday. Alongside the model dinghy, an Irish tricolour was hoisted and another sign that read “veterans before refugees” was placed next to an image of two guns. The display drew swift and widespread outrage from political leaders, church officials, and human rights advocates, all of whom described it as racist and dehumanising. The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed it had received multiple complaints. “Police are investigating this hate incident,” said a spokesperson. “Police are here to help those who are or who feel vulnerable, to keep people safe.” The statement added that officers aim to foster safe communities by working closely with local representatives and stakeholders, but stressed that action must remain within the legal framework. The condemnation was swift. Sinn Féin assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, called it a “vile and deplorable act” and said it was “clearly a hate crime.” John McDowell, the Church of Ireland’s Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, also criticised the display, calling it “racist, threatening and offensive,” and further described it as “inhuman and deeply sub-Christian.” Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Malachy Quinn expressed his outrage to the Irish News, saying: “I am absolutely disgusted to see yet another overtly racist and threatening display appear on the bonfire in Moygashel. Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Let’s be clear: racism and intimidation are not culture. This isn’t pride – it’s poison. It is an affront to every decent person in our community.” Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s director for Northern Ireland, added: “This is a vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism.” Even within the unionist community, the bonfire display drew criticism. Northern Ireland’s largest unionist party, the DUP, said such provocations had no place in cultural celebrations. A party spokesman said, “We oppose placing effigies or other provocative symbols on bonfires. The July 11 bonfires are a historic and cultural tradition… These should be positive cultural celebrations and we support those within our community that wish to celebrate their culture by continuing with that tradition in a peaceful, positive and safe way.” However, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson defended the display, citing a European Court of Human Rights ruling which he said deemed the burning of effigies to be “legitimate political expression.” He added, “Those who have spent recent months defending Kneecap and labelling their performances as artistic expression are the same people criticising this act of political protest,” referencing the pro-united Ireland rap group. In a statement on social media, the Moygashel Bonfire Association rejected accusations of racism or hate, writing: “This year’s bonfire ‘topper’ should not be seen as racist, threatening or offensive... We believe this unfettered invasion is the biggest threat to the UK since Adolph Hitler.” Elsewhere in Belfast, controversy flared around a separate bonfire containing asbestos and situated dangerously close to an electricity substation serving two hospitals. Despite safety concerns and a formal request from Belfast City Council, the PSNI declined to assist in dismantling the structure. In a statement issued Thursday, police said: “Following comprehensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, an evidence-based assessment, and taking into consideration all of the risks associated with the removal, we have determined that police should not assist the proposed actions of Belfast City Council.” This is not the first time Moygashel’s bonfire traditions have drawn criticism. Last year, a mock police car was incinerated, sparking particular concern in a region where law enforcement is frequently the target of violence. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Telegraph 2025-07-12 -
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USA CNN Analyst: Climate Fear Stagnant for Decades Despite Alarming Events
Climate Fear Stagnant for Decades Despite Alarming Events CNN’s data analyst Harry Enten has highlighted a striking lack of change in American attitudes toward climate change over the past quarter-century, arguing that climate activists have failed to persuade the public of the crisis's urgency. Speaking on CNN, Enten cited polling data from 2025 showing that just 40% of Americans report being “afraid” of climate change—exactly the same figure as in the year 2000. “Americans aren't afraid of climate change, climate activists have not successfully made the case to the American people,” he said. “We have data going back to 1989.” Enten pointed out that despite decades of extreme weather events—raging wildfires, deadly heat waves, catastrophic hurricanes, and record-breaking droughts—the level of concern among the public has barely budged. “Despite all of these horrible weather events, the percentage of Americans who are greatly worried has stayed pretty consistent,” he noted. The remarks come at a time when environmental groups and scientific institutions are doubling down on warnings that the window to mitigate global warming is rapidly closing. However, Enten’s analysis suggests that even in the face of overwhelming evidence and visible climate impacts, activists have struggled to shift public opinion in a meaningful way. His comments raise questions about the effectiveness of environmental messaging, the role of political polarization, and whether personal experience with climate-related disasters translates into sustained concern or policy support. As extreme weather continues to affect more communities, the data indicates that fear alone may not be driving broader climate action—or voter behavior—in the United States. Adapted by ASEAN Now from MSN 2025-07-12 -
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USA Inside the Exploitation of Migrant Children at America’s Southern Border
Inside the Exploitation of Migrant Children at America’s Southern Border A staggering number of vulnerable migrant children were swept into a clandestine web of abuse, trafficking, and labor exploitation under the chaotic border policies of the Biden administration, according to whistleblowers and federal insiders. This so-called “conveyor belt” of exploitation is now under scrutiny, as the Trump administration enacts measures to shut it down. Between 2019 and 2023, the Department of Homeland Security encountered 448,000 unaccompanied minors. Many of them, some as young as five, arrived at the border with only phone numbers scrawled on their arms or clothing. These children were swiftly moved to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and handed off to private contractors who, according to insiders, failed to properly verify their supposed sponsors. Morgan Lerette, a former Army intelligence officer and Blackwater contractor, revealed the mechanics of this abuse to The Post. “The officers were literally handing the kids right back off to the other side of the smuggling rings in the US,” he said. Lerette described how smuggling networks used fake paperwork and unverified addresses, some leading to storage units or strip clubs, to claim custody of children. “American taxpayers are essentially paying for child sex trafficking,” Lerette charged. “It’s a conveyor belt. It’s all about using private military companies and nonprofits to shift accountability. But DHS owns the entire supply chain, just through contracts.” In one 2024 case, Homeland Security Investigations uncovered a smuggling operation using melatonin-sedated children under the age of five and the birth certificates of U.S. citizen children to sneak them across the border from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into Texas. ICE reported that the children were later dropped off at stash houses before being dispersed throughout the country. Vanessa Valadez, 23, and five co-conspirators later pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme. A veteran Border Patrol agent, speaking anonymously, echoed Lerette’s concerns. “Anyone could claim they are parents or relatives of the children and there was no way to verify it. All anyone had to go off is unverified claims by the children themselves or phone numbers,” he said. Under the Trump administration, new protocols have been enacted to stop this practice. Sponsors must now present U.S. identification or green card documentation, proof of income, agree to fingerprinting, and, when claiming familial ties, submit to DNA testing. The scale of the problem remains daunting. In March, the DHS Office of the Inspector General revealed that 233,000 children had no formal paperwork filed by ICE and now must be tracked down. Of those, 31,000 had incorrect or commercial addresses listed for sponsors, while 43,000 missed their scheduled court dates. According to the New York Times, the Department of Health and Human Services has lost contact with at least 85,000 migrant children. Tom Homan, a former ICE director, described the harrowing reality faced by some of these missing children: a 14-year-old pregnant girl found living with adult men, children working on ranches or chicken farms, and others trapped in grueling labor conditions in slaughterhouses, clothing factories, and fields supplying major U.S. brands. “It’s sex trafficking, child labor, exploiting the families,” said Lerette. Southwest Key, the largest private provider of shelter for unaccompanied minors, came under fire after a 2023 Department of Justice lawsuit alleged widespread abuse across its 29 shelters. The complaint documented over 100 reports of sexual abuse, including rape and coercion. One disturbing case involved a youth care worker at Casa Franklin in El Paso who allegedly abused several young girls and threatened to harm their families if they spoke out. At Casa Montezuma, another girl wrote of her alleged abuser: “He can do whatever he pleases because he is a Shift Leader, he’s the boss.” Though Southwest Key denied the allegations represented the full scope of its work, Trump’s administration ended the company’s nearly $3 billion contract in March, leading to the furlough of 5,000 staff. The DOJ lawsuit was subsequently dropped. Despite the crackdown, questions remain over how so many children were lost to a system meant to protect them — and whether the damage can ever truly be undone. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP 2025-07-12
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