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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 5 July 2025
Seven Electric Golf Carts Destroyed in Fire at Golf Course in Pathum Thani Picture courtesy of Daily News A dramatic fire engulfed seven electric golf carts at a well-known golf course in Pathum Thani province early morning on 4 July, causing significant damage but no injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause, with an electrical malfunction suspected. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1365763-seven-electric-golf-carts-destroyed-in-fire-at-golf-course-in-pathum-thani/ -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 5 July 2025
Chaos Looms as US Eyes AI Chip Export Curbs to Thailand, Malaysia File photo courtesy of Wikipedia The US government is reportedly planning to impose restrictions on AI chip exports from companies like Nvidia to Malaysia and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365764-chaos-looms-as-us-eyes-ai-chip-export-curbs-to-thailand-malaysia/ -
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Economy Chaos Looms as US Eyes AI Chip Export Curbs to Thailand, Malaysia
File photo courtesy of Wikipedia The US government is reportedly planning to impose restrictions on AI chip exports from companies like Nvidia to Malaysia and Thailand. This move, driven by concerns over semiconductor smuggling into China, aims to prevent China from acquiring these advanced components through intermediaries in Southeast Asia. According to sources, a draft rule from the US Commerce Department seeks to add Malaysia and Thailand to the list of countries with imposed controls. These new restrictions are to supplement existing measures targeting China and over 40 other nations. The regulations are part of an ongoing effort to tackle smuggling and increase market transparency. The proposed rule follows the Trump administration's aim to refine the AI diffusion strategy put in place during President Joe Biden's term. Although not comprehensive, the draft attempts to address security conditions related to US chips used in international data centres. The focus remains sharp on Malaysia and Thailand as the US evaluates its next steps for broader enforcement. Despite the ongoing situation, the final framework is yet to be confirmed, with potential adjustments anticipated. The US Commerce Department and relevant stakeholders, including Nvidia, have remained largely mum on the specifics of the plan. Malaysian and Thai officials have expressed a desire for clear policies to guide the tech sector amidst these changes. The new export controls are likely to be accompanied by temporary exemptions for companies with significant operations in Malaysia and Thailand. This would allow them to continue chip shipments without acquiring licenses for a limited period, aiming to ease immediate disruptions. As global demand for Nvidia's AI technology remains high, the US continues to navigate the delicate balance between fostering international AI development and maintaining stringent controls to restrict Chinese access. This development underscores Southeast Asia's critical role as a focal point in the global semiconductor supply chain and the broader geopolitical landscape. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-05 -
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USA Can Diddy Reclaim His Throne? A Legacy Tarnished and a Future in Question
Can Diddy Reclaim His Throne? A Legacy Tarnished and a Future in Question In the wake of a divisive verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' high-profile trial in New York, tensions flared outside the courthouse as supporters and critics clashed in the summer heat. Some protesters argued the music mogul should have been found guilty on more serious charges, while others—chanting "Free Diddy" and dousing themselves in baby oil—celebrated what they saw as a vindication. The mixed jury verdict offered no easy resolution. While Combs was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, he was convicted on two counts of transporting women, including former girlfriend Cassie, across state lines for sex acts and prostitution. The convictions could carry a sentence of up to 10 years each, though legal experts anticipate a lighter sentence, potentially allowing Combs to walk free within a few years. Despite the serious charges and the salacious details that emerged—graphic accounts of drug-fueled "freak offs" involving male escorts, violence, and baby oil—some industry insiders believe Combs may attempt a comeback. “He was one of the most famous people in hip-hop,” said August Brown, music writer for the Los Angeles Times. “He was an incredibly important figure in evolving both that genre and the music industry as a whole into a commercial juggernaut.” Indeed, Combs’ influence on 1990s and early 2000s music is undeniable. As founder of Bad Boy Records, he launched the careers of iconic artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and 112. He also collaborated with Mariah Carey, Usher, and Busta Rhymes, and earned three Grammy Awards, including for his 1997 hit “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to B.I.G. But the trial dragged a darker side of Combs into the spotlight. The jury was asked to decide whether his actions amounted to criminal coercion or were part of a consensual, albeit extreme, lifestyle. “The jury was just unpersuaded that what amounted to an extremely baroque and violent and drug-stoked sex life on Diddy's behalf amounted to a criminal organisation,” Brown explained to BBC World Service. Still, the two convictions and the sordid revelations may be impossible to erase from the public consciousness. “I cannot imagine any kind of redemption arc as far as him remaining as an artist or a music mogul,” Brown said. “I think the public will remember him as an important figure whose name is now permanently associated with this very-difficult-to-process range of charges.” Others in the industry agree. “He's definitely going to try, but I think the damage is just too irreparable at this point,” said Alvin Blanco, content director of Hiphopwired.com. Mark Anthony Neal, professor at Duke University, echoed the sentiment: “There’s no doubt” Combs’ legacy is tarnished, especially given his role in taking hip-hop “from the ghettos to the mainstream of America to the global mainstream.” Even before the trial, Combs’ relevance in the music world had waned. “He doesn't really have much of a music career any more, and he hasn't for about 15 years,” said Variety’s Jem Aswad. “He just moved on to other businesses—beverages, apparel... Anything he did in music over the last 15 years was almost just for fun.” Yet his profile had not completely faded. His 2023 album The Love Album: Off The Grid was Grammy-nominated, and he received MTV’s Global Icon award. And in the digital age, fallen stars can retain fanbases. R. Kelly, serving 30 years for sex trafficking, still attracts millions of listeners online. Supporters believe Diddy’s fan loyalty might outlast his legal woes. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the Diddy on Trial podcast, said, “I feel like he will be able to reclaim a top spot in hip-hop just because of the sheer amount of support we’ve seen online and here at the courthouse… He won’t be the first musician to be a convicted criminal who carries on having a music career, especially in hip-hop.” But for others, the stains of the case are too indelible. Angela Star, a content creator who watched the verdict live, summed up the lasting impression: “His image is tainted, and when you think of Diddy now, you think of…” She let the sentence trail off, holding up a bottle of baby oil in silence. Whether Sean Combs will stage a comeback or fade into infamy remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the legacy he once built has been irrevocably transformed. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-05 -
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USA Trump's 'Golden Age': A Two-Week Blitz of Political Dominance and Policy Wins
Trump's 'Golden Age': A Two-Week Blitz of Political Dominance and Policy Wins President Donald Trump has entered what allies and even some critics are calling the most powerful phase of his presidency, as he capped a whirlwind fortnight of domestic and international achievements with the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” At 79, the president is riding a wave of political and legislative victories that many consider unprecedented, even as skeptics warn of deepening national divides. The legislation, passed on Thursday, fulfills several of Trump’s long-standing campaign promises, including tax cuts on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. Trump plans to sign the bill at a festive Independence Day event on the White House lawn, where B-2 stealth bombers will conduct a flyover in tribute to their role in the June 21 U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Just two days after the strikes, Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran — a diplomatic breakthrough that stunned foreign policy observers. Trump's influence was also on full display at the recent NATO summit, where he successfully pressured member nations to commit to increasing military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Back home, the Supreme Court handed him key wins on immigration policy and judicial power, while CBS’s parent company agreed to pay $16 million after airing a deceptively edited interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. In a flurry of additional developments, Canada scrapped its digital services tax on American tech companies, the University of Pennsylvania revoked accolades from transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, and the administration unveiled a forthcoming trade deal with Vietnam. The stock market soared to record highs while illegal border crossings dropped to record lows. The sweeping legislation also provides $25 billion for Trump’s "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, expands tax deductions for car loans, and lifts the cap on state and local tax deductions to $40,000. These provisions have drawn praise from Republicans in high-tax states like New York and New Jersey. “I didn’t vote for him and I’m not always aligned with his approach, but his success on the domestic and international front in such a compressed period of time is nothing short of remarkable,” said Michael LaRosa, a former Biden White House spokesman. “It’s all due to his impressive use of political and executive power.” Another former Biden official added, “You voted for it because you’re scared of the guy. And frankly, that’s impressive, given that Biden never invoked fear in anyone.” Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Trump’s 2024 campaign, framed the momentum as a historic political shift. “If you work, pay taxes and aspire for a better tomorrow, you are voting Republican,” he said. “This transformation in political power is because of the leadership and determination of one person — President Trump.” Kellyanne Conway, a longtime Trump ally, declared, “These have been the most consequential two weeks of Trump’s second term, as he makes peace deals, trade deals and tax deals, everywhere all at once. America is in its Golden Age.” Vivek Ramaswamy, now running for governor of Ohio, echoed the enthusiasm. “President Trump is on a roll,” he said. “By 2026, it will be up to the states to lead the way on other critical fronts.” Still, challenges remain. Trump has set a July 9 deadline for finalizing bilateral trade deals to prevent retaliatory tariffs that could spike consumer prices. Thus far, only agreements with China, the UK, Vietnam, and a "roadmap" with India have been announced. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has resisted pressure to lower interest rates, keeping borrowing costs high despite easing inflation. American University professor Leonard Steinhorn noted that Trump’s dominance, while potent, is polarizing. “He presides over half a country that believes he is taking us on a very bad path,” he said, warning of authoritarian tendencies. LaRosa urged fellow Democrats to learn from Trump’s strategy. “Even though I may disagree with him substantively, his effective use of power as an executive and party leader is something to admire,” he said. “Democrats should learn from him and replicate it the next time we have the keys.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP 2025-07-05 -
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UK Mini Mart Workers Caught in the Crossfire of Britain's Illegal Tobacco Trade
Behind the Counter: Mini Mart Workers Caught in the Crossfire of Britain's Illegal Tobacco Trade An undercover BBC investigation has exposed the alarming scale of illegal tobacco sales taking place in mini marts across British high streets, with law enforcement agencies admitting they are struggling to contain the growing problem. Organised crime groups are suspected of being behind the illicit trade, reaping profits comparable to those made from heroin and cocaine, according to Trading Standards. Describing the situation as a "war," Trading Standards officers say their efforts are being hampered by a severe lack of resources. Shops implicated in the scandal have been found to employ asylum seekers who have no legal right to work in the UK — a troubling revelation that points to broader issues of exploitation and illegal employment. HM Revenue and Customs estimates that the illegal tobacco market is costing the UK economy at least £2.2 billion in lost tax revenue. The true figure could be even higher, given the difficulty in tracking underground supply chains. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, responded to the BBC's findings by condemning the actions of the criminal networks involved. “It is a disgrace that criminal gangs are trying to abuse our high streets,” she said. Cooper added that the government has ramped up enforcement since the most recent election: “We have increased raids and arrests for illegal working by 50%.” In a striking moment captured during the BBC’s investigation, UK editor Ed Thomas confronted shop workers outside mini marts where illicit cigarettes had been discovered. Some of the contraband was hidden inside concealed tunnels and secret compartments within the shops — a tactic that highlights the lengths these operations will go to in order to avoid detection. The confrontation quickly turned heated, as workers reacted angrily to being approached by the reporter. The revelation that illegal tobacco sales are not only thriving but are also deeply embedded in high street retail presents a significant challenge for authorities. With limited manpower and rising levels of sophistication from criminal groups, Trading Standards and HMRC appear to be fighting an uphill battle. The use of vulnerable individuals, such as asylum seekers, to front these operations further complicates the issue, blurring the line between perpetrators and victims. As pressure mounts on the government to act decisively, the investigation raises serious questions about how such widespread activity has managed to flourish with so little oversight. Despite recent increases in enforcement activity, many say it is still not enough to keep up with the scale and reach of the illicit trade. Until the government can provide greater support and coordination to law enforcement agencies and address the systemic vulnerabilities being exploited, the illegal tobacco market seems set to remain a lucrative and dangerous fixture on Britain’s high streets. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-05
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