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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 16 July 2025
Nakhon Ratchasima: Man Drowns While Foraging for Lotus Stems, Leg Entangled Underwater Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 49-year-old man has drowned in a rural pond in Nakhon Ratchasima province after his leg became entangled in lotus stems, preventing him from resurfacing. The body was discovered hours later by a specialist underwater rescue team. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366807-nakhon-ratchasima-man-drowns-while-foraging-for-lotus-stems-leg-entangled-underwater/ -
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Report Trump’s Tariff Threats Leave Russia More Relieved Than Rattled
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia In a bold move, President Donald Trump announced new US arms shipments to Ukraine, funded by European governments, along with potential tariffs targeting Russia’s economy. Surprisingly, the Moscow stock exchange reacted by rising 2.7%, as Russia had feared even tougher sanctions. While Trump's announcement signifies a sterner stance, it appears less severe than anticipated. Back in Moscow, there was palpable relief that the secondary tariffs on Russia's trading partners would only take effect in 50 days. This delay affords Russia time to devise counterstrategies and further postpone sanctions, easing immediate concerns. The Moskovsky Komsomolets had cautioned that a fresh confrontation over Ukraine was inevitable, but the initial shock has been somewhat softened. Nonetheless, Trump's actions highlight his growing impatience with Vladimir Putin's reluctance to broker peace. Arriving at the White House in January, Trump prioritised ending the Ukraine conflict as a foreign policy goal. Moscow’s reactions have been tepid, often welcoming ceasefire proposals while demanding an end to Western military support for Kyiv. Russia maintains it wants peace, but on its terms, placing blame for the conflict on external threats from Kyiv and the West. Yet, it was Moscow that initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking Europe’s largest land war since World War Two. Despite Moscow's insistence on peace, its approach has stalled further US sanctions while continuing wartime activities. Trump's administration, seeking better relations with Russia, leaned towards diplomacy over sanctions. Yet critics argued Russia’s hesitance was a ploy to gain time. Trump, however, believed he could coax Putin into an agreement. The Russian president, confident in his battlefield position, remains adamant about stopping Western arms to Ukraine—something Trump has made clear will not cease. The relationship between Trump and Putin is evidently strained. While Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Putin, Russia too harboured frustrations. The Moskovsky Komsomolets remarked, “[Trump] clearly has delusions of grandeur. And a very big mouth.” President Trump remains committed to supporting Ukraine through military supplies, as confirmed by Zelensky. The renewed focus on arms may shift the balance in ongoing negotiations, offering little comfort to Moscow as they navigate these challenging diplomatic waters. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-16 -
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UK UK's Wild Weather: Met Office Warns of Climate Shift
Picture courtesy of Shutterstock Britain is shattering heat and rainfall records as its climate warms, warns the Met Office. The latest report highlights a transformation in the UK's weather, with more scorching days and fewer frosty nights. Climate change is intensifying severe weather events like storms and flooding, affecting wildlife and natural habitats. 2024 saw the second-warmest February, the warmest May, and spring on record, while 2025 is already eclipsing these milestones. This year, a third heatwave has gripped Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and southern England. Yorkshire enforced a hosepipe ban after the warmest June in history, following the driest spring in over a century. The Environment Agency declared parts of Yorkshire and northwest England in drought, expecting more areas to follow. Mike Kendon of the Met Office stated, "Each year marks another step up in our warming climate." The UK, positioned between the Atlantic and Europe, experiences fluctuating weather, but now it’s both hotter and wetter. Winter rainfall from 2015-2024 increased by 16% compared to 1961-1990. Global temperature rises, driven by human emissions, have increased UK temperatures by approximately 0.25°C per decade since 1961-1990. The UK's Central England Temperature record, maintained by the Met Office, shows recent warming outpacing over 300 years of data. The last three years were among the UK's five warmest on record. Even slight temperature shifts can escalate extreme weather events. Flooding and storms have intensified, causing severe damage. Storms in late 2023 led to record flooding by early 2024. Eastern Scotland, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and the West Midlands were notably affected. Flooding even forced the Royal Shakespeare Company to cancel shows. Met Office Chief Scientist Professor Stephen Belcher emphasised the necessity of UK adaptation to future climate extremes. The report also noted that UK sea levels are rising faster than average, increasing future flood risks. The natural world is also changing. Spring 2024 was exceptionally early, affecting species like dormice and hedgehogs, which struggle when warm weather impacts food availability. At Alice Holt research centre, experts are exploring how to enhance the resilience of trees and forests. Many current tree species cannot withstand the changing climate. Coastal redwoods from California, however, show promise for future UK forests. The Met Office's findings underscore the urgent need for climate adaptation and resilience planning as the UK faces an evolving and unpredictable climate future. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-16 -
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Report Trump Takes the Stage: Cantonese Opera Gets Political Makeover
video screenshot A Donald Trump-inspired Cantonese opera is shaking up Hong Kong’s traditional arts scene, offering an unconventional twist on centuries-old performances. "Trump, The Twins President," introduces a lively mix of politics and satire, featuring a fictional Donald Trump in blue suit and red tie, sparring with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky amidst comedic absurdity. The ambitious production is the brainchild of composer Edward Li Kui-Ming, who blends classic opera with contemporary political events. Its latest iteration offers a playful critique of Trump's influence, including a fictional assassination attempt, water gun antics, and a bizarre alien abduction. The performance cleverly references Trump's fraught dealings with Elon Musk and his curious jabs at Harvard, ensuring the opera resonates with modern audiences. The story kicks off with a dream sequence from Ivanka Trump, imagining her father with a fictional twin brother named Chuan Pu in China. When Trump is mysteriously whisked away by Martians, Chuan steps in, navigating political turmoil between the US and China. This eccentric plot draws from Trump's international notoriety, capturing the complexity and chaos of recent political adventures. Performed at the Xiqu Centre, the opera has captivated audiences, drawing sell-out crowds eager for its comic and cutting-edge take on politics. Veteran Cantonese opera actor Loong Koon-tin masterfully portrays Trump, while Roger Chan adds flair as Zelensky, both donning the traditional garb and elaborate makeup synonymous with the genre. Cantonese opera, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, has historically been a staple of entertainment, though its allure has waned in recent decades. By using Trump as a focal point, the opera seeks to rejuvenate the art form, attracting younger audiences who might otherwise bypass traditional performances. Li Kui-Ming believes that modern subjects like Trump breathe new life into Cantonese opera, maintaining its cultural significance while ensuring relevance. Despite its comedic veneer, the production underscores the universal theme of political dramatisation, illustrating how global figures can serve as inspiration for creative expression. This fresh take on Cantonese opera highlights the art form’s versatility, showcasing its ability to adapt and flourish, bridging the gap between history and contemporary storytelling. With its engaging performances and innovative storyline, "Trump, The Twins President" stands out as a compelling example of how traditional arts can evolve. The opera not only highlights the influence of prominent global figures but also revitalises interest in Cantonese opera, reinforcing its place in the modern cultural landscape. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-15 -
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Middle East American-Palestinian Man Beaten to Death by Settlers in West Bank
video screenshot WEST BANK - A young American-Palestinian man, Saif Musallet, was beaten to death by Israeli settlers, as Palestinian families mourn and demand answers. The 20-year-old, on the cusp of his 21st birthday, was visiting his family's land in Sinjil when tragedy struck. Palestinians, backed by eyewitness accounts, are calling out the IDF for allegedly preventing emergency services from reaching the injured man. Musallet, a Florida native, had dreams of building a life and finding a spouse during his visit. But his plans were tragically cut short in what is described as a brutal attack that left him unconscious. As tensions flared hundreds gathered under the sun for the funeral, grieving alongside his family amid a backdrop of an intensifying conflict. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Musallet was one of two killed by settlers in Sinjil—a horrifying addition to the escalating violence since October 7, 2023. The United Nations highlights a grim tally of nearly 1,000 Palestinians killed by military and settler actions in the past few months. Residents of Sinjil say settlers have increasingly invaded their land, leaving terror in their wake. Witnesses recount how Musallet and other Palestinians were attacked with rocks, clubs, and guns. The settlers reportedly surrounded Musallet, delivering a fatal beating. Despite his brother's desperate calls for help, it took crucial hours for an ambulance to arrive, impeded by armed settlers and IDF tear gas. By the time assistance arrived, Musallet had already succumbed to his injuries. Musallet’s father, Kamel, holds the Israeli military accountable for allegedly allowing settlers to act unchecked and delaying aid. He criticises the US for not intervening, questioning why actions aren't being taken against what he terms "settler terrorism." The IDF states it is probing the incident but has not addressed claims of hindered emergency response. Musallet’s tragic fate has sparked calls for a US investigation, though beyond condolences from the consulate, there's been minimal official response. Kamel Musallet points to perceived biases in how American-Palestinian deaths are handled compared to American-Israeli deaths, pleading for equal justice. The violence in Sinjil didn't just claim lives; it endangered a CNN news crew as well. While reporting on the ground, their vehicle was attacked, with one assailant shattering a window. The immediate police response failed to prevent this assault, although an investigation has been launched. Hafez Abdel Jabbar, another US citizen present, laments the delay in aid and believes Musallet might have survived with timely intervention. He too has endured personal loss, with a son killed by settlers earlier this year. Abdel Jabbar criticises global silence in the face of escalating brutality, imploring more international attention. These series of events underscore the complex and volatile tensions gripping the region, with settler violence becoming a persistent threat. As investigations unfold, both local and international eyes are on Sinjil, demanding accountability and swift action. Whether this will lead to tangible changes remains uncertain, but the cries for justice are louder than ever. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-15 -
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USA Trump Slams Biden's Autopen Pardons as 'Tremendous Scandal'
In a war of words, former Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump are at loggerheads over Biden's use of an autopen to sign pardons. Trump, alongside Republicans, has criticised Biden, claiming the practice undermines the validity of the pardons, while Biden defends the method as entirely legitimate. During an interview, Biden stated he personally authorised all clemency and pardon decisions, which involved using an autopen for vast batches based on predefined categories. These decisions included pardoning nonviolent offenders and issuing commutations for those on home confinement. Biden clarified that, while categories and standards were set, he was personally involved in decisions about high-profile cases. The controversy hit a peak with Biden's December pardons, including his son, Hunter Biden, who faced charges for tax evasion and federal gun offences. Additionally, he preemptively pardoned others potentially targeted by the incoming Trump administration, a move that stirred debate. Biden insists the approach was straightforward, aiming to alleviate systemic judicial burdens while abiding by constitutional norms. Trump, conversely, contends Biden's autopen usage for pardons is a "tremendous scandal". He argues it raises questions about whether Biden was aware of what he was signing. Trump's allegations follow his previous claims that the Biden team mishandled decisions during his presidency, something Biden robustly refutes. In June, Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to probe Biden's mental fitness and delve into the implications of using an autopen. Biden, however, stands firm, highlighting the autopen's legality and its use by former presidents, including Trump himself, for non-essential documents. As the debate unfolds, Senate Republicans have announced a probe into Biden's mental fitness and operational decisions during his presidency. The inquiry will scrutinise the use of autopen and the overall decision-making process, maintaining political tensions between the two camps. The exchange between Biden and Trump has been intense. Biden accuses Trump and Republicans of deflecting attention from failures by fabricating claims about his decisions. Meanwhile, Trump again insisted, sans concrete evidence, that Biden was unaware of what was being signed during his term. Ultimately, the ongoing debates underscore the growing divide in American politics, portraying Biden's actions as either legal expedience or procedural negligence, depending on which side of the aisle one's opinion lies. As investigations proceed, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, contributing to the ongoing political drama. Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC NEWS 2025-07-15
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