The cost of election lies: Newsmax, Smartmatic settle defamation lawsuit
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Crime Illegal Loan Company Busted for Charging 30% Monthly Interest Using iCloud Collateral
Picture courtesy of Khaosod Officers from Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) have raided an illicit loan company accused of operating without a license and charging exorbitant interest rates of 30% per month. The company, which accepted iCloud accounts as loan collateral, reportedly has over 5,000 customers across multiple locations. Under orders from Police Major General Thatphoom Charuprat, ECD officers led by Police Colonel Mekphisarn Sripirom and his team carried out simultaneous raids on the company’s head office in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district and branches in Samut Prakan’s Samrong Nuea and Phra Pradaeng districts. During the raids, officers seized seven desktop computers, three laptops, 13 mobile phones, a file of iCloud pledge contracts and advertising materials promoting iCloud pledging services. The investigation followed complaints filed by victims with the ECD, alleging that the company had been lending money unlawfully while disguising loans as iCloud pledges. The business required borrowers to surrender sensitive personal and device information, including Apple ID credentials and IMEI numbers. To qualify for loans, customers were required to: • Have more than 500 Facebook friends • Be active on social media • Provide detailed personal and financial information via a link sent by the company Once approved, borrowers retained use of their devices but were required to pay interest at a rate of 30% per month, or a staggering 365% annually. Late payments incurred additional penalties of 100 baht per day, and devices would be remotely locked after seven days of missed payments. Unlocking the device would require further fees. The ECD has initially charged Mr. Atthaphon 38 and Ms. Pratana 29, who managed the loan accounts, with: • Operating a regulated personal loan business without a license • Charging interest above the legal limit Authorities will also summon five company executives for formal charges under the same offences. These are serious violations under financial laws and further prosecutions are expected. The ECD has urged the public to avoid informal loan services that demand sensitive digital credentials as collateral and to report similar operations via official channels. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khoasod 2025-06-21 -
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UK Watch: Activists Claim Damage to RAF Military Aircraft in Protest Against Gaza Operations
In-f*cking-credible. I wish activists would try to infiltrate as U.S. base where "use of deadly force" is authorized. -
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USA Trump to make decision on US involvement 'within two weeks'
Ah yes, poor Trump is the victim, once again. All of these things just "happen to him". What an unbelievably bad streak of luck he's having. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 21 June 2025
Paetongtarn Under Fire: Leaked Call with Hun Sen Sparks National Outcry Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to leave after talking to reporters at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a tight spot after a leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen raised suspicions she's not prioritising Thailand's interests. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1364352-paetongtarn-under-fire-leaked-call-with-hun-sen-sparks-national-outcry/ -
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Analysis Paetongtarn Under Fire: Leaked Call with Hun Sen Sparks National Outcry
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra prepares to leave after talking to reporters at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in a tight spot after a leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen raised suspicions she's not prioritising Thailand's interests. The controversial chat led to protests and legal petitions, intensifying demands for her resignation. But she's hanging on, with strategies in place to stabilise her Party's standing in Parliament. On June 19, Paetongtarn expressed regret for the debacle but ignored calls for her exit, even as protesters gathered outside Government House demanding accountability. Legal complaints allege she's breached ethical and national security codes, while political manoeuvres could lead to a review by the Constitutional Court. Nonetheless, a slim majority supports her for now, offering a semblance of security. Olarn Thinbangtieo, a Burapha University academic, noted that the Pheu Thai Party is striving to keep its government afloat and fulfil agendas like casino legalisation. The departure of coalition partner Bhumjaithai left gaps, but with 260 loyal MPs, the coalition may steer through. Nevertheless, it must promise ministerial posts to keep others in check. The leak's repercussions are severe. Hun Sen's publicised clip showed the PM in a controversial light, as she entreated Hun Sen for assistance in calming cross-border tensions. Her soft approach was met with criticism, casting her negotiation strategy as "naïve and pathetic", juxtaposed with Thailand's more assertive military stance. The ethical dimensions compound the crisis. If Paetongtarn finds her judgement questionable, stepping down might be obligatory, with options for new leadership from within or new elections. Paetongtarn is considering dissolving the House to force elections, though experts see this as a risky gamble, inviting greater political upheaval. Such actions put Pheu Thai in a complicated bind, facing potential opposition if snap elections don't ensure a House majority. The party previously abandoned a progressive coalition for conservative alliances but risks further isolation if fortunes turn against them. Talk of a coup emerges, though analysts, like Olarn, indicate current discord is unlikely to prompt military intervention. However, dissatisfaction grows as critics accuse Paetongtarn of compromising national interests for personal relationships. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-06-21 -
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USA White House Blasts Jim Acosta Over Joke About Trump’s Late Ex-Wife
Trump is dead? You heard it here first! And such a reliable source.
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