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What game are you playing
Right now, I’m diving into Escape from Tarkov, which is a totally different vibe. It’s super intense and challenging, but that’s part of the appeal. The loot system and the high-stakes gameplay keep you on the edge of your seat. If you ever feel like trying something a bit more hardcore, Tarkov is definitely worth a shot. And if it gets too brutal, you can always get EFT cheats here to help make those raids a bit easier. -
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Comparisons Between Trump and Dictators Spark Backlash: Atlantic Article Under Fire
Applebaum is spot on. -
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Thai gov. to tax (remitted) income from abroad for tax residents starting 2024 - Part II
A number of reported posts and the replies have been removed as being off topic and were acting as a distraction. -
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Why Are You Even Here? The Surprising Attitudes of Some Expats in Thailand
Well there are some very distinct populations of farangs in Thailand. We all know the sexpat mongers who frequent the usual hangouts The real expats who actually work in Thailand, usually in Bangkok Older guys who end up marring a farm girl half his age and moving to the village Guys who met their spouse overseas and move to Thailand. I'll admit I'm in the latter one. Thought it would be fun after we married in Singapore Mrs G fought tooth and nail about it wanted to move to the US. Of course she was right 10 years and I was done, now Thailand is was it is a vacation destination -
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Big C Extra is becoming too dangerous to visit
There is only 1 Big C Extra and that's Pattaya Klang. The other one is Big C Supercentre. -
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Comparisons Between Trump and Dictators Spark Backlash: Atlantic Article Under Fire
An article published by *The Atlantic* comparing former President Donald Trump to dictators such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Benito Mussolini has stirred controversy among journalists and political commentators. The piece, titled "Trump Is Speaking Like Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini," was penned by Anne Applebaum and published on Friday, quickly igniting fierce responses on social media. In her article, Applebaum argued that Trump’s use of dehumanizing language mirrors that of fascist regimes. "The former president has brought dehumanizing language into American presidential politics," Applebaum claimed. She went on to analyze Trump’s rhetoric, drawing historical parallels to infamous dictators. "These words belong to a particular tradition. Adolf Hitler used these kinds of terms often," Applebaum wrote, citing examples from Nazi propaganda. The article drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his disdain for the comparisons. "When you spend 8 years calling a person every bad name you can think of — including Hitler — only to see that it’s not working, so you desperately decide the only thing left for you to do is call him all the bad names at once," Greenwald wrote, mocking the nature of the headline. RealClearPolitics co-founder and president Tom Bevan joined the chorus of critics, sarcastically referring to the article as “The Atlantic with a threefer,” while Margot Cleveland, senior legal correspondent for *The Federalist*, simply responded, “When Hitler isn’t bad enough!” In defense of the article, *The Atlantic*'s national editor Scott Stossel praised Applebaum’s knowledge of authoritarian regimes. "My colleague [Applebaum] knows as much about the history of authoritarian regimes as anyone. When she says that Trump has begun using the language of Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini with clear intentionality, pay attention." Applebaum’s article delved deeply into the rhetoric used by these dictators. She referenced Hitler’s praise in 1938 of those who "helped cleanse Germany of all those parasites who drank at the well of the despair of the Fatherland and the People," and compared this to Trump’s vilification of political opponents. In another example, she cited a 1941 Nazi propaganda poster depicting Jews as lice, with the slogan, “Jews are lice: they cause typhus,” arguing that such dehumanizing language resonates in Trump's political rhetoric. Trump’s campaign was quick to respond to the article, labeling it as another attempt by the media to vilify the former president. In a statement to *Fox News Digital*, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed the piece as "fake news by a third-rate media outlet." Cheung criticized the tone of the article, arguing that Democrats and their allies are the ones fostering dangerous rhetoric. “There have been two heinous assassination attempts on President Trump’s life, and their violent rhetoric is directly to blame,” Cheung said. He further accused Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris of inciting violence, calling their rhetoric "disgusting and abhorrent." Cheung concluded by asserting that Democrats are exploiting these assassination attempts for political gain, stating, "The only people trying to take political advantage of the attempted assassination are Democrats who continue to use loaded and dangerous rhetoric that have emboldened those who threaten the safety of President Trump." Based on a report from the NYP 2024-10-22 -
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Seoul Demands Immediate Withdrawal of North Korean Troops from Russia Amid Rising Tensions
South Korea has urgently called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops allegedly being trained in Russia to fight in Ukraine. The South Korean government summoned Russian ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev to express their concerns over reports that around 1,500 North Korean soldiers, including members of the special forces, have already arrived in Russia, according to Seoul's intelligence agency. Although Mr. Zinoviev stated he would convey South Korea’s concerns to Moscow, he reiterated that the cooperation between Russia and North Korea is "within the framework of international law." However, he did not confirm whether North Korean soldiers had indeed been sent to fight alongside Russia’s military forces. Pyongyang has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the allegations. The growing cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang follows a security pact signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in June. The agreement pledges mutual assistance between the two nations in the event of any "aggression" against them. This pact is seen as a significant deepening of military ties between the two countries, further evidenced by Putin's recent introduction of a bill to ratify the agreement. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the alleged deployment of North Korean troops to Russia as a "significant escalation" in the Ukraine conflict. In a phone conversation with Rutte, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol urged NATO to explore "concrete countermeasures" and vowed to strengthen security cooperation with Ukraine, NATO, and other allies. British Foreign Minister David Lammy, who is currently visiting Seoul, also weighed in, condemning Russia's actions as "reckless and illegal." He reaffirmed that the UK would work closely with South Korea to develop a coordinated response. The United States and Japan have similarly voiced strong disapproval of the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia. Experts warn that North Korea’s involvement in the conflict could have far-reaching consequences. Moon Seong-mok of the Korea National Strategy Institute noted that this development "could open the door for greater international participation in the conflict, potentially drawing in more countries." He added that increased sanctions and pressure on both Russia and North Korea are likely, but it remains uncertain whether North Korea's involvement will yield any real benefits for either country. Based on a report from the BBC | X 2024-10-22 -
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Woman Admits to Assault After Throwing Milkshake at Nigel Farage During Election Campaign
A 25-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to assault after throwing a milkshake at Nigel Farage during an election campaign. The incident occurred on 4 June, outside a Wetherspoons pub in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The woman, identified as Victoria Thomas Bowen, was charged with both criminal damage and assault by beating. Bowen's guilty plea brings an end to the legal proceedings related to this act of protest. It remains unclear what consequences she will face following the charges of assault by beating and criminal damage. Based on a report from Sky News 2024-10-22 -
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England's Children's Commissioner Urges for Nationwide Ban on Smacking
The children’s commissioner for England, Rachel de Souza, has called for a nationwide ban on smacking children, joining the ranks of Scotland and Wales, where the practice is already illegal. De Souza, a former head teacher, argues that such legislation is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of children. In an interview with *The Observer*, she stressed the importance of taking this step to prevent violence against children, saying, “A ban on smacking is a necessary step to keep children safe and to stop lower-level violence from escalating.” Currently, in England, smacking is permitted as long as it falls under the scope of "reasonable punishment," as outlined in Section 58 of the Children Act 2004. However, there is growing pressure for the UK Government to follow the examples set by Scotland, which banned smacking in 2020, and Wales, which followed suit two years later. De Souza, who has a long history of working with children, believes the time has come for England and Northern Ireland to adopt similar measures. She explained that "too many cases" have arisen where children have been harmed by those entrusted with their care. "I abhor violence of any kind against children. Children are more vulnerable than adults, so we need to ensure that they are protected, and their rights are supported," she emphasized. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has also voiced its support for a ban, highlighting a sharp increase in concerns about physical punishment. According to the NSPCC, calls to their helpline about children being physically disciplined have more than tripled in the last year. Of the 1,451 contacts they received, nearly half were serious enough to warrant referrals to social services or the police. Anna Edmundson, head of policy and public affairs at the NSPCC, echoed De Souza’s concerns, noting that the rise in reports and the growing body of evidence shows the potential harm of physical punishment. "There is also mounting evidence that physically disciplining children can be damaging," Edmundson stated. With the safety of children as a priority, De Souza's call for a smacking ban reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children from all forms of violence. While the debate continues, the push for a nationwide ban is gaining momentum, driven by concerns about child welfare and the desire to prevent harm before it escalates. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-22 -
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Israel's Decapitation Operation: A Game-Changer in Middle Eastern Conflicts
In an unprecedented three-month operation, Israel systematically targeted and eliminated top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, delivering significant blows to both groups' leadership. This decapitation strategy, which saw the killing of key figures including Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar, has left its mark on the so-called "axis of resistance," backed by Iran. The elimination of Sinwar marked a symbolic victory for Israel, although it was not the result of a precise intelligence operation. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unit that eventually killed Sinwar did not even realize his identity during the initial encounter. The soldier who delivered the fatal shot only discovered the significance of his act after the fact. Israel had been hunting Sinwar for months, with U.S. intelligence and special operations teams providing substantial support. Sinwar evaded capture multiple times before being caught by coincidence during an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and militants. This operation followed a pattern that had been escalating since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas. One of Israel’s primary objectives was to eliminate those responsible for orchestrating the attack. As the conflict expanded, Israeli forces began targeting leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, striking a significant blow to both groups' military capabilities. In mid-July, Israel achieved a major breakthrough with the assassination of Mohammed Deif, a commander of Hamas' military wing and a key figure in the October 7 attacks. This marked the first time Israel had successfully eliminated one of the main architects of the assault. Hezbollah also suffered significant losses during this period. In Beirut, an Israeli airstrike killed Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's top military commander. The blow was one of the heaviest since the 2008 assassination of Imad Mughniyeh, Hezbollah’s previous military commander. Shortly after Shukr’s death, Israel executed another successful assassination in Tehran, killing Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas political leader, in a government guesthouse. In an even more covert strike, Israel launched a clandestine attack against Hezbollah in mid-September, remotely detonating devices that killed thousands of Hezbollah members, including high-ranking officials. These coordinated attacks culminated in the assassination of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in his bunker in late September. Israel's airstrike also killed several other key figures, including Hezbollah’s southern front commander, Ali Karaki, and Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Nasrallah's successor, Hashim Safi al-Din, was killed within a week in another airstrike. The impact of this series of assassinations on Hamas and Hezbollah has been profound, severely disrupting their command structures. Israeli officials have claimed that much of the military leadership of both groups has been eliminated, while political figures are either dead or on the run. However, despite the damage inflicted, both groups remain resilient. Israel's military success has restored some of the deterrence it lost in the October 7 attacks. But even with many top leaders gone, Hamas and Hezbollah continue to resist and show no sign of surrendering. The challenge now lies in transforming these tactical victories into a broader strategy that secures Israel's long-term safety. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged this in a recent speech, stressing the need for "discipline, courage, and foresight" to match military operations with clear strategic goals. Though the decapitation operation has shifted the balance of power, finding an exit strategy from the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon remains elusive for Israel. Key issues like securing the release of hostages, establishing governance in post-Hamas Gaza, and negotiating peace in Lebanon are yet to be resolved. Based on a report from AXIOS 2024-10-22 -
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Labour's Key Manifesto Promises at Risk as Budget Cuts Threaten Farming Fund
Labour faces criticism over potential budget cuts to a flagship farming initiative, with opponents warning that this move could breach key manifesto promises. The Government is under pressure not to reduce funding for the Environmental Land Management Scheme (Elms), which encourages farmers to adopt greener practices by rewarding efforts that improve soil health, air quality, and water pollution. Reports suggest that the Elms fund could be slashed by £100 million in the upcoming Budget, a move that has sparked backlash from senior Conservative MPs and environmentalists. Over 20 Tory MPs and peers have written to Labour’s Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Environment Secretary Steve Reed, urging them to preserve the fund. Critics argue that cutting the scheme would jeopardize Labour’s commitment to British wildlife and its broader environmental goals. The Elms initiative has been heralded as a significant post-Brexit victory, replacing the previous EU-style subsidy system and aligning more closely with national priorities. In its manifesto, Labour promised to ensure that such environmental schemes "work for farmers and nature," while also pledging to meet the goals laid out in the Environment Act, including the protection of natural habitats. However, the Treasury is grappling with a substantial £40 billion funding gap, driven by commitments to public sector pay raises, rising NHS costs, and asylum seeker accommodations. In this context, critics fear that Elms, which plays a “critical role” in preserving Britain’s wildlife, may be sacrificed. Cutting the scheme’s budget, they argue, would undermine the Government’s own environmental promises, particularly its global commitment to the 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of the UK’s land and seas by 2030. A source from the One Nation Group of Conservative MPs emphasized the importance of Elms in achieving these targets, noting that 70 percent of the UK’s land is agricultural. "Farmers will play a critical role in nurturing wildlife and encouraging nature restoration and will require financial support. Elms fills this critical role: by cutting it, the Government risks putting our nature targets in jeopardy," the source said. In a letter coordinated by the Conservative Environment Network, 23 Tory parliamentarians expressed concern over the potential cut, describing it as a “short-sighted act of self-harm.” They highlighted the financial challenges farmers already face due to high costs and extreme weather, warning that reducing the Elms fund would further threaten their livelihoods and harm the UK’s food security. The letter also raised doubts about the Government’s ability to meet its 2030 nature recovery goals, estimating that 239,000 fewer hectares of farmland would benefit from Elms if the budget is reduced. The signatories, which include former ministers Claire Coutinho, Helen Whately, and George Freeman, cautioned that any effort to frame the proposed £100 million reduction as merely an underspend would not be credible. They argued that the previous Tory government had intentionally left room in the budget to accommodate a full uptake of the scheme, making the cut unjustifiable. A source from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs did not deny the possibility of a reduction, citing the difficult financial decisions facing the new Government. "The Conservatives left Britain facing the worst economic inheritance since the Second World War because they refused to make the tough decisions and spent money that didn’t exist," they stated. The Government has since acknowledged that closing the £22 billion gap in public finances will require "difficult decisions," with the Chancellor expected to make a final determination in the Budget. Nonetheless, critics warn that reducing Elms funding would contradict the Government’s pledges to support both the environment and the agricultural sector, calling into question Labour's broader environmental commitments. Based on a report from the Daily Telegraph 2024-10-22 -
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British ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Denies Misconduct Amid Harassment Allegations
Karim Khan KC, the British chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been accused of misconduct following claims of harassment involving a female colleague. Khan, who is responsible for prosecuting war criminals, faced public scrutiny after requesting arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza. The move, which took place in May, provoked outrage, with U.S. President Joe Biden calling it "outrageous" and then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak deeming it "deeply unhelpful." While Khan's controversial arrest warrant requests stirred international tensions, the prosecutor was already facing internal challenges. It has been revealed that, just two weeks before his announcement, Khan, 54, was subject to an internal inquiry at the ICC in The Hague. A female court official reportedly raised concerns about Khan’s conduct, telling a colleague about her distress. Though the woman did not file a formal complaint and declined to either confirm or deny the account, the ICC’s Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) did not initiate a formal investigation. Instead, the IOM suggested measures to protect the rights of all parties involved. Khan strongly denied any misconduct, describing the situation as part of a smear campaign. "I absolutely can confirm there is no truth to suggestions of misconduct," he stated. He also emphasized the broader context in which both he and the ICC have been under "a wide range of attacks and threats," noting that his family has also been targeted in recent months. Khan added, "Where there are any types of reports of this nature, it is essential that they are thoroughly listened to, examined, and subjected to a proper process." The ICC's IOM released its annual report on Friday, briefly referencing a case in which an elected official allegedly breached harassment rules, although it did not name Khan. The report confirmed that the alleged victim declined to pursue a formal investigation but noted the potential for the case to be referred to an external body if necessary. Khan, a father of two, became the first Briton to hold the high-profile ICC prosecutor role in 2021. He has handled several major cases, including the ICC’s arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023, which led the Kremlin to place Khan on its "wanted" list. However, his May 20 announcement seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders like Yahiya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh generated significant backlash. Netanyahu labeled the request a "moral outrage of historic proportions," while Gallant called it "despicable." The announcement caused further political division in the U.K., with the Conservative government launching a legal challenge against the ICC’s jurisdiction over Israeli citizens. Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's administration decided not to oppose Khan’s request, asserting that the matter was for the courts to decide—a position that was condemned by Jewish organizations in Britain. Despite the harassment allegations against Khan and the widespread controversy over his actions in office, no formal charges or investigations have been initiated. Khan reiterated his commitment to cooperating with the IOM if requested and expressed support for victims of harassment, encouraging them to speak out. Reflecting on his 30 years of work across the globe, Khan noted that no previous complaints of this nature have ever been made against him. "I stand with any victim of sexual harassment or abuse and would encourage all survivors to raise their voice," he stated in his defense, reaffirming his long-standing advocacy for a proactive approach on these issues. Based on a report from the Daily Mail 2024-10-22 -
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Europe’s Migration Policies: A Quiet Shift Toward Trump-like Toughness
As anti-immigration sentiment surges across Europe, political leaders are increasingly adopting migration strategies that, while less overtly inflammatory than those of Donald Trump, are edging closer to his controversial policies. Though European leaders avoid explicitly endorsing the mass deportation of millions or imposing a blanket ban on Muslims—except for perhaps Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—the European Union (EU) is moving towards policies that bear striking similarities to those of Trump’s administration. The trend of tightening borders has gained momentum after significant electoral victories by anti-immigrant parties throughout Europe. Unlike Trump’s frequently racist and xenophobic rhetoric, European leaders have largely refrained from such inflammatory language. However, when it comes to migration policy itself, the gap between the EU and Trump’s approach is not as wide as it may seem. Recent meetings in Brussels revealed European leaders engaging in long discussions about faster deportations, migrant processing centers, and even "hybrid warfare," a term they use to describe the tactic of hostile powers using migrants to destabilize Europe. The Dutch anti-immigrant and anti-Islam populist leader Geert Wilders summed it up when he declared, “A new wind is blowing in Europe,” following a gathering of far-right figures in Brussels. His sentiment highlights how far Europe's political mainstream has shifted on the issue of migration in just a few years. Since the 2015 migration crisis, when over a million refugees, predominantly fleeing the Syrian civil war, arrived in Europe, the EU has steadily hardened its stance. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's famous "we can do it" message in welcoming refugees has given way to the bloc now working actively to prevent new arrivals from reaching its borders. In 2023, fewer than 300,000 migrants made it to the continent, and this year, the EU’s border agency, Frontex, estimates only 160,000 migrants will reach European shores. In response to growing domestic pressures, several European countries have introduced new border measures. Poland recently halted the processing of asylum requests from migrants crossing from Belarus, citing national security concerns. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reinstated border checks this summer after a Syrian man carried out a knife attack, killing three people and injuring several others. Six other European nations, including France, Austria, and Italy, have also introduced new border control measures aimed at stopping the flow of undocumented migrants. Experts suggest that if Trump were to return to the White House, it could embolden European leaders who are already leaning toward a stricter migration stance. Alberto-Horst Neidhardt, head of European migration and diversity at the European Policy Centre, remarked, “Certainly, many member states that have pushed for a restrictive approach to migration will be watching the American elections very closely. This will give [EU countries pushing for more restrictions] further bargaining chips to push for their preferences both in the U.S. as well as in the EU.” The growing talk of "return hubs" and migrant "processing centers" in EU discussions mirrors some of Trump’s policies, such as his "Migrant Protection Program" (also known as "Remain in Mexico"). This controversial program, implemented in 2019, required thousands of non-Mexican migrants to remain in Mexico while their U.S. asylum applications were processed. The EU is now exploring similar approaches. In a recent letter to EU leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supported the creation of “return hubs”—facilities to hold migrants in non-EU countries. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has even begun establishing processing centers in Albania, a move that echoes Australia’s controversial practice of processing asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, France is pushing for changes to EU law that would make it easier to deport migrants to third countries. The EU already boasts an extensive network of physical barriers, with thousands of kilometers of fencing along its external borders, far surpassing Trump’s heavily publicized but incomplete border wall with Mexico. Some analysts warn that the normalization of this tough migration rhetoric across Europe is driving the policy direction toward the hard right. Whether or not Trump returns to power, Europe seems to be quietly mirroring his stance on migration, reinforcing border controls, and exploring increasingly restrictive methods to manage incoming migrants and refugees. Based on a report from Politico 2024-10-22
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Latest developments and discussion of recent events in the Ukraine War
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