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Thai gov. to tax (remitted) income from abroad for tax residents starting 2024 - Part I
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Trump Declares Victory and Promises a "Golden Age" for America
I saw the caravan on the tv news and something does not make sense. There were mothers pushing prams for toddlers and loads of children. How did they get from wherever they came from all the way to Mexico? We hear how they have their money stolen by border guards and criminals, so how do they afford to buy food and shoes etc? They didn't look hungry to me. So, who is paying for the criminal gangs. -
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Retention Crisis in UK Armed Forces as Families Warn of Impact from VAT on Private Schools
Concerns are escalating within the UK’s armed forces as military families, advocacy groups, and defense insiders warn that the government’s decision to apply VAT to private school fees could have a severe impact on personnel retention. This potential crisis comes amid concerns that military families will be faced with tough financial decisions, leading to further losses in experienced personnel unless exemptions are granted. A source close to the military revealed to Sky News that frustration has been growing internally over what has been termed a “damaging” policy. The recent budget announcement by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, left many feeling the government had not done enough to shield military families from this additional financial burden. Though a small increase in the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) was proposed to help offset these costs, many families argue it falls far short of what’s needed. Without a substantial revision to the policy, military insiders warn that highly trained officers and enlisted personnel could leave in significant numbers. “I will have to leave military service, as I will not inflict another school move on my child,” said one soldier, speaking anonymously. He added, “On one side, the chancellor wore a poppy during her budget announcement, and then proceeded to deal a damaging blow to members of His Majesty's Armed Forces by not including a simple exemption.” The strain is also felt deeply by military spouses, who often bear the weight of maintaining family stability amid the demands of mobile service life. One army spouse, who wished to remain anonymous to protect her husband’s service status, expressed her frustrations to Sky News: “This is people's children. This is people's money in their pocket.” She explained that with the added costs from VAT, even military families’ loyalty may waver if a civilian job becomes available: “If there is a nice job offer outside the military… that is going to look way, way more attractive than it did a few months ago. The army is in a recruitment and retention crisis, so why would you do something like this?” The Army Families Federation, a UK charity advocating for service members and their families, also weighed in on the issue. The federation reported that nearly 70% of families who shared feedback expressed that without any protection from this VAT burden, they would seriously consider leaving the armed forces. Military life often necessitates frequent relocations within the UK and abroad, forcing service families to uproot and resettle every few years. To minimize the educational disruption for their children, many parents choose private or boarding schools to give their children a stable learning environment. Over 2,000 military personnel, most of whom are in the army, rely on the CEA provided by the MoD, which covers up to 90% of school tuition fees. However, even with the MoD’s help, families are responsible for a minimum of 10% of the cost—an amount that can still reach tens of thousands of pounds per year. With VAT added to this out-of-pocket expense, families could be facing even greater financial strain. For those serving abroad, pulling a child from school mid-year due to affordability issues could become an unavoidable yet devastating outcome. Additionally, there are many military families who do not qualify for the MoD’s education allowance, which has strict eligibility requirements, but still decide to send their children to boarding schools. These families, too, will now have to bear the full cost of the VAT. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge has highlighted the extent of the issue after receiving numerous messages from impacted families. “The emails I've had are saying: I’ve got to choose between my child and serving my country,” Cartlidge said. “The government really needs to respond to this quickly.” A Ministry of Defence spokesperson responded, saying, “We greatly value the contribution of our serving personnel and we provide the Continuity of Education Allowance to ensure that the need for the mobility of service personnel does not interfere with the education of their children.” The MoD spokesperson added that despite the VAT changes, the MoD plans to maintain its commitment by continuing to cover up to 90% of private school fees through updated cap rates. As families and advocates await further action, the pressure on the government to address the unintended consequences of this policy continues to mount. Failure to provide a solution could mean that skilled personnel, pushed to their financial limits, may ultimately choose family stability over their military careers, impacting both retention rates and national security. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-11-11 -
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Donald Trump Secures Historic Swing State Sweep
Donald Trump has secured a sweeping electoral victory, clinching the White House by flipping all seven key battleground states, including Arizona and Nevada. The announcement of Arizona's shift to a Republican majority on Saturday evening marked a significant milestone in Trump’s remarkable electoral comeback, as he garnered all 11 of the state's Electoral Votes. This swing from 2020, when Arizona supported Joe Biden, contributed to Trump's substantial Electoral College total of 312, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris's 226. In Arizona, the Trump campaign found significant traction among voters frustrated with border issues, as many voiced dissatisfaction over the migrant crisis. Trump’s hardline immigration stance resonated with the state’s voters, many of whom echoed his concerns. His recent rally at Arizona State University in Tempe underscored his uncompromising position on illegal immigration. He passionately declared, “It’s the first time I have ever said that and every time I get up and talk about what they’ve done to our country I get angrier and angrier.” He condemned current policies as turning America into “a dumping ground” and “a garbage can for the world.” Politico reports that Trump’s sweeping wins extended across Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In Nevada, Trump took all six of the state’s Electoral College votes with a decisive 51% to 47% margin over the Democrats. This marked the first Republican presidential victory in Nevada in 20 years, the last being George W. Bush’s success. Trump's campaign efforts in Nevada similarly highlighted issues of national security and border control, key concerns for the state's voters. Trump’s victories also imply significant shifts in federal governance. With Republicans expected to hold majorities in both the Senate and the House, along with a strong conservative presence on the U.S. Supreme Court, Trump could wield considerable influence over American policy as he re-enters office. Based on a report by Daily Beast 2024-11-11 -
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U.S. Stations Nuclear-Capable Bombers Near Iran Amid Heightened Tensions
In a significant show of military might, the United States appears to have stationed nuclear-capable bombers at an air base in Qatar, a move aimed at deterring Iran amid ongoing regional tensions. Satellite images shared by Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, show six B-52H Stratofortress bombers at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The images, provided by California-based Planet Labs and posted by Kristensen on X (formerly Twitter), indicate that at least five of the six bombers have the capability to carry nuclear weapons, though they are not currently equipped with them. The B-52H Stratofortress is one of the two types of American bombers capable of deploying nuclear weapons. The U.S. Air Force operates a fleet of 76 Stratofortress bombers, 46 of which are configured to carry the AGM-86B nuclear air-launched cruise missile, boasting a range of over 1,500 miles. In addition to the B-52H, the U.S. possesses a fleet of 19 B-2 Spirit bombers, which can deploy nuclear gravity bombs. Together, these nuclear-capable aircraft form a critical part of the U.S. nuclear triad, a three-pronged strategy that includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers. In January, CNN reported that the U.S. had extended its agreement with Qatar to continue operations at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East, for another ten years. Located southwest of Doha, the base plays a pivotal role in the U.S. military’s global strategic flexibility. The Pentagon underscored that the U.S. can rapidly deploy forces worldwide to address “evolving national security threats” and issued a warning to Iran and its allies, cautioning against any potential attacks on American personnel or interests in the region. Based on a report by Newsweek 2024-11-11 -
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The Dangerous Prospect of RFK Jr.'s Influence on Global Health
One of the most alarming prospects is the potential role Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) could play in the Trump administration's handling of public health. After abandoning his own bid for the presidency, RFK Jr. threw his support behind Donald Trump, helping to fuel his campaign with the promise of significant influence in shaping U.S. health policy. Trump has openly stated that he intends to give Kennedy a “big role” in guiding health initiatives, enabling him to make sweeping changes in areas like food, medicine, and public health. This could have disastrous consequences—not only for the United States but for global health as well. The implications of Kennedy's potential role are wide-ranging. For one, his rhetoric about returning health agencies to a “gold-standard, evidence-based science” is at odds with his history of spreading unproven treatments and rejecting established medical knowledge. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, both Trump and Kennedy promoted unverified treatments like hydroxychloroquine, which has since been proven harmful to many patients. RFK Jr. is also well known for his crusade against fluoride in drinking water—a substance that has played a major role in reducing tooth decay in the U.S. and around the world. His anti-fluoride stance has gained traction among a vocal minority, and should he gain power, he may attempt to roll back fluoridation programs, undermining one of the most significant public health achievements in history. The potential for such a rollback of public health protections is alarming. If Kennedy's influence expands, outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles could rise, especially as vaccine hesitancy grows. His legacy, framed under the banner of “Make America Healthy Again,” could in fact leave the U.S. with a sicker, more vulnerable population. The impact wouldn’t be limited to the U.S. alone. In 2019, Kennedy’s anti-vaccine organization visited Samoa, where a misinformation campaign about the safety of the measles vaccine led to a catastrophic outbreak, killing 83 people. His insistence that a defective vaccine caused the deaths was disproven, but the damage had already been done, with vaccination rates in the country plummeting to just 31%. This is just one example of the global ripple effect that RFK Jr.'s dangerous influence can have. The Trump administration's embrace of Kennedy as a health czar raises troubling questions about the future of public health worldwide. If Kennedy, who has openly criticized the rapid development of COVID vaccines, were to hold a position of power during a future pandemic, the U.S. would likely be much less prepared to respond. The success of Operation Warp Speed, which led to the rapid development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, would be unlikely to repeat itself if Kennedy were in charge. Ultimately, the health of Americans—and the world—could be at risk. With a distorted reality based on misinformation, RFK Jr.’s rise to power would signal a dangerous departure from scientific consensus, and his policies could lead to the erosion of vital health protections. The risk of increased vaccine-preventable diseases, reduced access to safe medicines, and the spread of dangerous pseudoscience could have long-lasting consequences for global health, far beyond the borders of the United States. Based on a report by The Conversation 2024-11-11 -
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The Rise of the Temple of Satan in Chile: A Challenge to Traditional Beliefs
In the heart of Santiago, Chile's bustling capital, a small yet growing group of individuals has begun to challenge the longstanding dominance of Catholicism in the country's spiritual landscape. On a typical Friday night, a diverse group of 15 members of the Temple of Satan gathers in a downtown apartment, their gathering marked by the scent of incense, tobacco, and the glow of black candles flickering atop an altar adorned with symbolic chalices and knives. They are preparing for a ritual, one that does not invoke the worship of Satan as commonly imagined, but instead represents a rebellion against religious dogma and societal expectations. Five years after the Satanic Temple in the United States made headlines by securing legal recognition as a church, a similar movement is gaining momentum in Chile. Despite the country's deeply Catholic roots—about half of its 18 million citizens identify as Catholics—the Temple of Satan in Chile is pushing for government recognition as a legitimate religious entity. The request for official status comes amid a broader cultural shift in Chile, where many have lost faith in the Catholic Church, partly in the wake of ongoing sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the institution. Luis Bahamondes, a professor at the University of Chile's Center for Judaic Studies, explains that Chile's religious landscape is undergoing significant change. "These types of organizations now feel they have greater support to challenge what was virtually impossible before," he says. He notes that the Catholic Church, which historically held considerable influence over the nation’s politics, economics, and social norms, has lost much of its power and credibility. The Temple of Satan in Chile, while invoking the name of Satan, is not what one might expect from popular media portrayals of Satanism. The group, which has around 100 members, does not engage in ritualistic sacrifice or the worship of an evil deity. Instead, its members—who include professionals such as lawyers, psychologists, police officers, and firefighters—embrace Satanism as a philosophy of individualism, rationality, and personal freedom. They view the figure of Satan not as a supernatural being but as a symbol of defiance against oppressive traditions and authority. "You are the owner of your present and future, there is no God that makes decisions for you," says Haborym, a spokesperson for the Temple, as he walks through the General Cemetery of Santiago. The group’s rituals are designed to evoke emotions and foster a connection to the present moment, leaving aside intellectual constraints. Haborym emphasizes that Satan is not a figure they worship but one they use symbolically to represent human autonomy and freedom of thought. Despite its controversial name, the Temple of Satan in Chile is committed to principles that oppose many of the darker, more sensationalized aspects of Satanism depicted in films like *Rosemary’s Baby* or shows like *True Detective*. Modern Satanists, including those in Chile, are staunchly against animal cruelty and violence, particularly in the name of Satan. "We don’t want people killing in the name of Satan," Haborym asserts firmly. The process of becoming a member of the Temple of Satan in Chile is rigorous and includes background checks, interviews, and psychological evaluations to ensure applicants are aligned with the group’s values. Those accepted into the Temple are given the option to adopt a new name—often that of a demon or fallen angel—under which they will be known among fellow members. While the Chilean government has yet to decide whether it will officially recognize the Temple of Satan as a religious organization, the mere existence of the group has already sparked a broader conversation about faith, morality, and the role of religion in a rapidly changing society. The push for recognition reflects the core values of Satanic philosophy: a challenge to the status quo, a rejection of outdated traditions, and a call for greater freedom of thought and expression. "We comply with everything that is requested of us as a religious entity," says Haborym. "So there would be no reason to reject us beyond the fact that we’re a controversial figure." Whether or not the Temple of Satan in Chile receives legal recognition, its presence has undeniably opened a space for dialogue about the future of religion in a country where the traditional dominance of Catholicism is slowly, but surely, being questioned. Based on a report by ABC News 2024-11-11 -
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Trump Pledges to Restore Churchill’s Bust to Oval Office as ‘Mark of Respect’
Donald Trump has made a pledge that, when returns to the White House, he will immediately restore the bust of Winston Churchill to its rightful place in the Oval Office as a tribute to the iconic British leader. The move would reverse a controversial decision made by President Joe Biden, who replaced the bronze bust of Churchill with one of Hispanic civil rights leader Cesar Chavez following his victory in 2020. Trump, a self-professed Anglophile with Scottish heritage, has long expressed his admiration for Churchill, often referring to him as his idol. A source close to the former president revealed that returning the bust of Churchill would be one of Trump's first acts upon taking office. "Donald idolizes Churchill and believes he’s the greatest leader the world has ever seen," the source said. "He will restore him to a position of honor as a mark of respect." Trump’s admiration for Churchill is no secret. He has called the film *The Darkest Hour*, in which Gary Oldman portrays Churchill, "my favorite film ever." The bronze bust of Churchill, crafted by renowned British sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein, was originally gifted to President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 by the Wartime Friends of Winston Churchill. It remained in the Oval Office until 2009 when Barack Obama replaced it with a bust of Martin Luther King Jr., a gesture that sparked criticism in the UK. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a biographer of Churchill, had famously described Obama’s decision as a sign of "an ancestral dislike of the British Empire." When Trump won the presidency in 2016, he immediately reinstated the Churchill bust, removing the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. in the process. Trump had condemned the Black Lives Matter protesters who defaced a statue of Churchill in London, calling their actions "shameful" and a disrespect to the man who "saved the world from the tyranny of Hitler." Trump’s commitment to Churchill goes beyond mere symbolism. During his first term, Trump formed a close bond with Churchill’s descendants, including the 12th Duke of Marlborough, whom Trump affectionately refers to as "The Dook." The two men became fast friends, with the Duke even visiting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2019. This new promise to bring back the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office is likely to draw mixed reactions. While it is seen as a symbol of the enduring bond between the United States and Britain, it also has the potential to stir political tensions. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, a vocal critic of Trump, once described him as a "deluded, dishonest, xenophobic narcissist," making it unclear whether the return of Churchill’s bust will ease relations between Trump and the UK’s Labour government. Despite these potential tensions, historians and public figures have praised Trump’s decision. Andrew Roberts, a renowned Churchill biographer, expressed approval, calling it "excellent news," though he urged Trump to back up the gesture with action. "This makes sense if President Trump also adopts Churchill’s policy of defiance against totalitarian regimes that invade their neighbors," Roberts said. Rory Stewart, a broadcaster and former Conservative MP, also welcomed the news, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship between the UK and the U.S. "Whatever we all think of Donald Trump—and I am, to put it mildly, no fan—it’s very important for Britain that we retain a positive relationship with the President of the United States," Stewart remarked. "The U.S. remains the indispensable power in the world and the linchpin of the international order." Lord Michael Dobbs, author of the *House of Cards* trilogy, also expressed his support for Trump’s decision, noting Churchill’s American roots. "It’s a beautiful sculpture. Churchill himself was half-American—his mother was born in Brooklyn," Dobbs said. "He believed that the partnership between our two countries was the best guarantee of a safe world." Even Churchill’s grandson, Lord Nicholas Soames, shared his approval. "I am very glad, obviously. That’s lovely. I am delighted," Soames told the *Mail on Sunday*. The potential return of the Churchill bust to the Oval Office stands as a potent symbol of Trump’s enduring admiration for the British leader, one that could shape both the cultural and political dynamics of his second term in office, should he win the presidency once again. The move underscores the significance of U.S.-UK relations, even as it highlights the deep divisions within the political landscape. Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-11 -
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Court Hears Accusations of 'Web of Lies' in Conor McGregor Rape Trial
A woman who alleges she was raped by Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor in 2018 has faced intense cross-examination in a Dublin court, with defense lawyers accusing her of fabricating parts of her story. Nikita Hand, who is seeking civil damages from McGregor and another man, claims she was sexually assaulted by McGregor in a hotel room in December 2018. During her testimony, Hand described a harrowing encounter in which she says McGregor pinned her to a bed and raped her. The case, which has drawn considerable attention, saw Hand recount the trauma of the alleged assault, though her credibility came under close scrutiny as the defense raised inconsistencies in her statements. Hand's emotional testimony was followed by pointed cross-examination from Remy Farrell SC, the defense attorney representing McGregor. Farrell highlighted a key contradiction in Hand’s account: she had allegedly told her ex-partner that McGregor had threatened to kill her after the assault. However, when questioned, Hand struggled to recall whether McGregor had made such a threat. "You told your former partner that 'he told me he'd kill me'. That was a reference to McGregor, wasn't it?" Farrell asked. Hand confirmed the statement but then failed to substantiate the claim during subsequent police interviews or in court. "Is that something that happened or didn’t?" Farrell pressed. Hand’s response was unclear: "I can't remember." Further discrepancies were uncovered as the defense challenged Hand on statements she made about the events following the alleged assault. She had reportedly told her ex-partner she had taken a taxi with a friend after leaving the Beacon Hotel, where the attack supposedly took place. Hand admitted under cross-examination that this was untrue and that she had been alone in the taxi. She explained she had made the statement to reassure her ex-partner that she was okay, but Farrell suggested that these fabrications were part of a broader "web of lies" she had woven. "You were telling lies to your ex-partner and he was catching you out on some," Farrell remarked. Hand responded tearfully, explaining that she had been in a state of shock and distress after the alleged assault. "I was raped and battered a few hours before that, so my mind wasn’t perfect at the time," she said. "I didn’t care about anything at the time. All I cared about was my body and how hurt I was." Meanwhile, another aspect of the case involving James Lawrence, a co-defendant, was raised during the trial. Lawrence, who is accused of being involved in the events of that night, was implicated in the case primarily due to his own statements to police. Lawrence had reportedly told authorities in January 2019 that he and Hand had engaged in consensual sex. His defense lawyer, John Fitzgerald SC, further claimed that during the evening in question, McGregor and Hand were heard having "pleasurable" sex in the hotel room, while Lawrence and Hand’s friend were also engaged in sexual activity in the next room. Fitzgerald suggested that Hand was fully aware of what was happening with her friend and Lawrence, alleging that she had seen them together. "I think this is another made-up story," Hand responded firmly, denying Fitzgerald's assertions. The defense also questioned Hand's denial of having sex with Lawrence, who reportedly told police they had engaged in intercourse twice. "Lies," Hand declared, dismissing the claim as untrue. When asked directly by Fitzgerald, "You think he's lying about having sex with you?" she responded with a resolute "Absolutely." As the trial continues, the contrast between Hand's testimony and the defense’s claims has raised significant questions about the truth of her allegations. Hand’s emotional distress and contradictions in her statements have complicated the narrative of what transpired on that night in December 2018, as the court grapples with the complex and contentious nature of the case. The trial is set to continue as both sides prepare to present further evidence. Hand’s pursuit of civil damages remains at the heart of the legal battle, while McGregor and Lawrence continue to deny all allegations. Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-11
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