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278
Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days)
Ahh, the combination 60+30+60 sounds even better....will ask when next time at Pathum Thani immigration office...thanks so much!- 1
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Trump Vows to Make Overtime Pay Tax-Free: ‘Finally Catch a Break’
Biden/Harrris certainly didn’t/will not do it. -
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Trump: “There Will Be No Third Debate!”
He won. Trump is a winner. He will always win. And, he will win in November, too. Mark my words. -
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Lao borders (some at least) now requiring overnight stay?
At the Bangkok airports, they seem to hassle people most when they are NOT as busy, per some reports. Thais who want more prosperity for their people want us here. Other, xenophobic-types, do not. The latter are a tiny minority of the general population, in my experience, but such attitudes help justify corrupt-practices towards foreigners, so are inculcated into immigration-staff. It is psychologically similar to how "the enemy" is demonized with military personnel, to make their job easier to carry-out. If Immigration staff thought of us, and our Thai families we support, as "like them." it would be harder to stomach what some of them do. Hate makes it possible. The proposed "ETA" is purported to make using auto-gates possible, though it will infuriate immigration, if they aren't able to extort people with false-reasons for denying entry, to force agent-use. Some have suggested the ETA will be used to block "too many" border-bounces, but if that system is run by the MFA (not Immigration), I would not make that prediction, absent some change in MFA policy. -
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Early Release Scheme Hits Hurdles as Several Returned to Prison
Should of never been released in the first place. The majority are recidivists who eventually find their way back to the womb. -
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Trump: “There Will Be No Third Debate!”
“They are like cartoon characters“ In what way? Did you see the freak show at the DNC? A true three ring circus. -
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Reduce taxation by gifting.
It's YOU who may have to present evidence at Court - if you sue the TRD, that is. The TRD doesn't have to sue you. They just say, we have determined you owe us x amount of taxes. If you don't agree, you can sue them. -
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Early Release Scheme Hits Hurdles as Several Returned to Prison
The government’s controversial early release scheme has hit significant hurdles, with several prisoners recalled to jail within days of their release. Among those, the first inmate was returned to custody just 36 hours after being freed under the program, which saw approximately 1,750 prisoners released on Tuesday, ahead of their scheduled release dates. The scheme, designed to alleviate overcrowding in English and Welsh prisons, allows prisoners to be freed after serving 40 percent of their sentences instead of the usual 50 percent. The swift recall of these prisoners underscores the challenges facing the criminal justice system. Many of those released have already breached the terms of their licenses, which impose restrictions on their movements, associations, and living arrangements, as well as requiring regular meetings with probation officers. The first prisoner to be recalled reportedly failed to appear at a pre-arranged address, prompting probation officers to alert the police, who found and detained him within a day and a half. Prison and probation officials had anticipated such outcomes, given the minimal time difference between the standard and early release periods. “The idea that they would have significantly changed their behavior by serving another 10 percent of their time in custody would be wildly optimistic,” one source commented. Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, had predicted the early recalls, noting that prisoners were “almost bound” to be sent back to jail “within days or weeks” due to difficulties reintegrating into the community and likely breaches of their license terms. A significant factor in these early recalls is the lack of stable accommodation for newly released prisoners. Jones predicted that about one-third of those released would reoffend within a year, a figure consistent with past trends. Jack Creighton, a 54-year-old inmate released from HMP Wandsworth, voiced his bleak expectations, saying, “I’m going to be sleeping on a park bench tonight and then I’ll no doubt start drinking and then I’ll come back.” Creighton, who has been in and out of prison for “petty offenses,” epitomizes the struggles many released prisoners face in finding a stable environment. In response to the risk of homelessness, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has even arranged for budget hotels to serve as temporary accommodation for the freed prisoners. Yet, this measure may only provide a short-term solution. Over 13 percent of offenders released in the year leading up to March 2024 were homeless, a statistic that highlights the broader systemic issues within the justice system. The overcrowding in prisons has also exacerbated the problem, limiting the availability of rehabilitative programs such as work training, education, and substance abuse treatment. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, reported that these restrictions have increased the likelihood of prisoners being recalled for license breaches. For instance, a 59-year-old man released early from HMP Brixton admitted, “There is no rehabilitation. No one talks to you, you just go in, lie down, and 17 months later I’m out.” He added, “I’m not looking to reoffend, but you never know. You can never say no.” Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures indicate that 7,415 prisoners were recalled for breaching their licenses between January and March 2024, marking a 9 percent increase from the same period the previous year. This surge in recalls, equivalent to more than half of the 13,829 prisoners released during that quarter, is partly attributed to the early release scheme and heightened caution among probation officers following several high-profile scandals involving ex-prisoners. The MoJ has warned that the expansion of the early release scheme could lead to further increases in recalls in the coming months. In contrast, Labour’s alternative plan, which adjusts release dates to 40 percent of sentences for most prisoners, aims to provide more predictability and better preparation for their reintegration. However, this policy excludes those convicted of sexual offenses, terrorism, domestic abuse, or serious violent crimes. An MoJ spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The new Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons on the point of collapse. It has been forced to introduce an early release program to stop a crisis that would have overwhelmed the criminal justice system, meaning we would no longer be able to lock up dangerous criminals and protect the public.” The spokesperson also highlighted plans to recruit over 1,000 new trainee probation officers by March 2025 to address the increased demand. As the justice system grapples with these challenges, the early release scheme’s shortcomings underscore the need for comprehensive reform, particularly in supporting prisoners’ reintegration into society. Without such measures, the cycle of release and recall is likely to continue, placing further strain on an already overburdened system. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Sadiq Khan Advocates for Prioritizing Prisoners in Housing Queue
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has sparked debate with his recent proposal that prisoners should be given priority in the housing queue to help reduce reoffending rates. Speaking to The Times’s Crime and Justice Commission, Khan acknowledged the severe housing shortage in London but emphasized the need for an "honest conversation" about the necessity of providing housing to some former prisoners as a strategy to prevent them from returning to crime. Khan's comments come amid growing pressure on housing in the capital, where an escalating homelessness crisis has left one in 50 Londoners without a home. On Tuesday, around 1,650 prisoners were released under the government’s early release scheme, which allows inmates serving fixed-term sentences to be freed after serving just 40 percent of their term, rather than the usual 50 percent. The release of these prisoners, coupled with Khan’s suggestion, has drawn attention to the challenges faced by ex-offenders who struggle to find stable housing upon their release. The mayor’s proposal is likely to stir controversy, particularly given the current demand for housing in London. However, the issue of housing for former prisoners is critical, as the lack of stable accommodation is a significant factor in reoffending. Many prisoners released into homelessness or unstable housing are more likely to breach their licence conditions, often due to missed appointments, breaking curfews, or associating with prohibited individuals. These breaches can lead to a return to prison, perpetuating a cycle of reoffending. Homelessness also exacerbates issues such as substance abuse and makes it more difficult for former prisoners to claim benefits or secure employment, further increasing their likelihood of returning to crime. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, highlighted the gravity of the situation earlier this week, noting that the lack of housing for prisoners makes it "inevitable" that many of those released on Tuesday will be recalled to jail. An inspection at HMP Bedford revealed that 30 percent of prisoners were released into homelessness, while 42 percent were placed in "unsustainable accommodation." During the session of The Times’s Crime and Justice Commission, which focused on the prisons crisis, Khan reiterated the severity of London’s housing shortage, stating, "For us the big challenge is there is no housing in London, a big shortage of housing in London." He stressed the importance of having an honest conversation with constituents about why it might be necessary for some former prisoners to "jump the queue" for housing in order to prevent them from reoffending. When asked directly whether newly released prisoners should be given priority in the housing queue, Khan responded, "A certain percentage. Yeah, it’s the honest conversation we’ve got to have with people across our respective cities and stuff to explain the reason we’re doing this." The discussion surrounding housing for former prisoners has also led to other measures being considered. On Tuesday, Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, announced that probation directors have been authorized to use budget hotels to house prisoners if temporary accommodation is unavailable. Government sources described the use of hotels as a contingency plan to ensure that prisoners have a place to stay for the first three months following their release. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the experience of Jack Creighton, a 54-year-old prisoner released early from HMP Wandsworth on Tuesday. Creighton expressed frustration with the rushed arrangements for his release, stating that he would have preferred to remain in prison because he had no home to return to. "I really would have rather stayed in," Creighton said, adding, "I’m going to be on a park bench tonight." While in prison, Creighton had access to a "warm cell, television, kettle and three meals a day," a stark contrast to the uncertainty he now faces. Khan’s proposal to prioritize prisoners for housing is a controversial yet crucial part of the broader conversation about addressing reoffending and homelessness in London. As the city grapples with its housing crisis, the debate over how to support former prisoners without exacerbating existing challenges is likely to continue. Credit: The Times 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Trump Vows to Make Overtime Pay Tax-Free: ‘Finally Catch a Break’
Former President Donald Trump made a significant campaign promise on Thursday, announcing his plan to eliminate taxes on overtime pay if re-elected to the White House. Speaking at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, a crucial battleground state for the 2024 election, Trump declared, “As part of our additional tax cuts, we will end all taxes on overtime.” Trump painted his tax policies as a path to prosperity, contrasting his vision with what he referred to as the “era of inflation, mayhem and misery under the Kamala [Harris] and Crooked Joe [Biden] regime.” He promised that by maintaining his 2017 tax cuts and implementing his new policies, he would deliver “safety, prosperity and peace for Americans of every race, religion, color and creed.” The former president also addressed other aspects of his economic agenda during the rally. He announced plans to prevent illegal migrants from accessing home mortgages and renting in federally subsidized apartments. “When I return to the White House, we will require all companies receiving federal housing subsidies to verify citizenship,” Trump declared, insisting that only legal residents should benefit from these programs. “We will not permit illegals to drive up the cost for Americans.” In a recent speech at the Economic Club of New York, Trump had already hinted at his proposed ban on home loans for illegal migrants, stating, “We can’t have it” regarding banks providing mortgages to non-citizens. He also pledged to take executive action to “terminate every single unnecessary rule driving up the cost of housing,” aiming to reduce the cost of building a new home by 30% to 50%. Highlighting his background in construction, Trump concluded, “I have been a builder my entire life. I understand the problem, and I will fix it.” Trump’s promises reflect his ongoing campaign focus on economic reforms designed to appeal to working-class voters, as he seeks to make his case for a return to the White House in 2024. Credit: NYP 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Putin’s Red Line on Long-Range Missiles
In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn a new red line in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, warning the West against allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin made it clear that Moscow would consider such an act as “direct participation” of NATO countries in the war. “It would substantially change the very essence, the nature of the conflict,” Putin stated, emphasizing that such an action would mean that NATO countries, including the USA and European states, are effectively at war with Russia. Putin further claimed that for Ukraine to launch missiles into Russia, it would require data from Western satellites and that only NATO servicemen could “input flight missions into these missile systems.” The implications of such statements are severe, as Russia has seen its previously drawn red lines crossed before. When Putin announced the start of his "special military operation"—the full-scale invasion of Ukraine—on February 24, 2022, he issued a stark warning to any external parties tempted to interfere. “No matter who tries to stand in our way or create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately,” he declared. “And the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history.” Despite these warnings, Western leaders have largely disregarded what was then interpreted as nuclear saber-rattling. Since then, the West has provided Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including tanks, missile systems, and most recently, F-16 fighter jets. Russia has accused Ukraine of using American long-range ATACMS missiles to target Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia. Additionally, Russian officials and state media have repeatedly accused the West of “fighting Russia” or launching “a war” on Russia, even though it was Russia that initiated the invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s latest remarks suggest that he views any targeting of internationally recognized Russian territory with Western missile systems as a significant escalation, potentially taking the conflict to an unprecedented level. However, what remains unclear is how Moscow would respond to such an escalation. “We will take corresponding decisions based on the threats to us that will be created,” Putin said, leaving open the possibility of a broader and more severe response. On a related note, Russia recently withdrew the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of “subversive activities” and threatening Russia’s security. However, Putin’s potential response to Western involvement in Ukraine could be much broader, as he hinted at in June during a meeting with international news agencies. When asked how Russia would react if Ukraine were given the capability to strike Russian territory with European-supplied weapons, Putin outlined a two-pronged approach: improving Russia’s air defense systems and destroying incoming missiles. He also suggested that Moscow might consider arming Western adversaries to target sensitive facilities in the countries supplying weapons to Ukraine. This potential for escalation was further underscored earlier this month when Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Russia was revising its nuclear doctrine, the framework that outlines under what circumstances Moscow might consider using nuclear weapons. Ryabkov indicated that this revision was connected to what he described as the “escalation course of [Russia’s] Western adversaries.” As the conflict continues to unfold, Western leaders, including British Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently in Washington for talks with President Biden, will need to carefully weigh their next steps. On his way to Washington, Sir Keir reiterated the Western stance, stating, “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.” The West now faces a critical decision: whether to risk further escalation by lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western missiles or to maintain the current boundaries in an effort to prevent a potentially catastrophic expansion of the conflict. Credit: BBC 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Israel’s Special Forces Ground Raid Destroys Iranian Missile Factory in Syria
An elite unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a rare ground operation in Syria earlier this week, destroying an underground missile production facility that Israel and the U.S. allege was constructed by Iran. The operation marked a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iranian-linked forces in the region, according to three sources briefed on the event. The raid is notable as Israeli military activity in Syria has largely been restricted to airstrikes, which have increased since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel have also intensified during this period. However, the ground assault on Sunday was the first of its kind in recent years targeting Iranian interests in Syria, underscoring the strategic importance of the operation. The missile factory’s destruction is seen as a major setback to Iran and Hezbollah’s efforts to manufacture precision-guided medium-range missiles within Syrian territory. The Israeli government has remained silent on the raid and has not claimed responsibility, likely to avoid provoking direct retaliation from Syria, Iran, or Hezbollah. Official spokespeople for the IDF, Israel's Ministry of Defense, and the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the incident. Syrian state media and opposition sources reported heavy airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force on Sunday night, targeting several locations in western Syria, including areas near the city of Masyaf, close to the Lebanese border. According to Syrian state reports, the strikes killed at least 16 people and injured 40 others, labeling the attacks as “blatant aggression.” Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the strikes, calling them “criminal.” On Wednesday, Syrian opposition media and Greek Middle East expert Eva J. Koulouriotis suggested the airstrikes were a cover for a ground operation by Israel in Masyaf. Three sources confirmed that the Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit was involved, destroying the underground missile facility during the raid. According to two sources, Israel informed the Biden administration about the sensitive mission in advance, and the U.S. did not oppose the action. The White House has not responded to requests for comment. During the raid, Israeli special forces reportedly caught Syrian guards by surprise, killing several of them. However, no Iranians or Hezbollah militants were harmed in the operation, according to one source. The special forces used explosives brought with them to destroy the facility and its machinery from within. The simultaneous airstrikes were intended to prevent the Syrian military from reinforcing the area. Two sources with direct knowledge revealed that Iran, in coordination with Hezbollah and Syria, began constructing the underground missile production site in 2018 after previous Israeli airstrikes had severely damaged Iran’s above-ground missile infrastructure in Syria. By building the factory deep inside a mountain near Masyaf, Iran aimed to shield the facility from further airstrikes and ensure rapid, secure delivery of missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli intelligence services, aware of the project since its inception, monitored the factory’s development under the codename “Deep Layer” for over five years. Realizing that an airstrike alone would be insufficient to destroy the underground facility, Israeli military planners determined that a ground operation was necessary. The operation had been considered at least twice in previous years but was not approved due to the high risks involved. The successful raid marks a bold tactical shift for Israel, highlighting the lengths it is willing to go to prevent the establishment of advanced missile capabilities by Iran and its allies in Syria. Watch the moment Israeli forces Blew up the facility. Credit: AXIOS 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Ex EMS Worker Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Unconscious Teen in Ambulance
A former emergency medical services worker has been arrested and is being held without bond after allegedly molesting an unconscious 19-year-old woman in the back of an ambulance. James Melady, 37, a former employee of Flagler County Fire Rescue, is facing serious charges, including sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism. The investigation began on September 6 when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Daytona Beach Police Department about a case involving Melady. According to officials, investigators discovered a video showing Melady molesting the unconscious teen while in uniform. The video not only captured the assault but also showed Melady setting up and adjusting a camera to record the incident, highlighting his deliberate intent. Authorities determined that the incident took place on October 17, 2021, when rescue squads were dispatched to the woman’s home to provide emergency medical assistance. The woman was subsequently transported to the hospital, and it was during this ambulance ride that the alleged molestation occurred. Detectives later spoke with the victim, who was unaware of the attack at the time. The arrest warrant, obtained by the Palm Beach Observer, provided further details of the harrowing incident, including Melady’s actions in manipulating the camera to ensure his assault was recorded. This evidence, coupled with the victim’s unconscious state, painted a disturbing picture of the abuse of power by someone entrusted to provide care during an emergency. Credit: The Independent 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe
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