Thailand mourns tragic school bus fire claiming multiple young lives
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 15 July 2025
Royal Thai Task Force Commander Concludes Combat Drone Operator Training Programme Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a significant step towards modernising military capabilities, the Commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force under the Naresuan Forces presided over the closing ceremony of the fourth cohort of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Combat Drone Operator course. The event marked the successful completion of a rigorous tactical training programme aimed at enhancing national defence readiness and security along Thailand’s border areas. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1366707-royal-thai-task-force-commander-concludes-combat-drone-operator-training-programme/ -
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Yes, Israel’s plan for Rafah would be a crime but international law has never protected Gaza
Believe me, no sudden burst of misinterpretation of the Gaza conflict from a pro-Hamas poster will make me uncomfortable. In my time I have elsewhere encountered far worse antisemitic attacks on Israel that anything the AN mods would allow. What does bother me is that some BMs remain mired in age-old anti-Jewish tropes, with criticism of Israel merely the latest manifestation of a 2,000-year hatred. Perhaps even more distressing are the BMs who don't realize that they are expressing antisemitic ideas or how dangerous those ideas are. The normalization of antisemitic language and opinion in Germany in the 1930s was a crucial step on the road to the Holocaust. Never again is now! -
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EU EU ready to hit US with 21-bln-euro tariff list, Italy foreign minister says
The European Union has prepared a package of retaliatory tariffs worth €21 billion ($24.5 billion) on U.S. goods, in case ongoing trade talks fail to yield an agreement, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Monday in an interview with Il Messaggero. Tajani's comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats on Saturday to impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from Mexico and the EU starting August 1. The threat comes after weeks of stalled negotiations with key trading partners. The EU, seeking to avoid further escalation, announced on Sunday it would extend its freeze on countermeasures until early August, leaving room for continued dialogue. Tajani warned that if negotiations fail entirely, the initial €21 billion in tariffs could be followed by a second wave. Despite the preparations, he expressed optimism. “I believe it is still possible to reach an agreement,” he said, adding, “Tariffs hurt everyone, starting with the United States. If stock markets fall, that puts the pensions and savings of Americans at risk.” He reiterated the EU’s long-term vision of “zero tariffs” and a fully open market between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Tajani also suggested the European Central Bank consider reviving a quantitative easing programme and further rate cuts to support the eurozone economy amid economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated he would work closely with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to find a solution to the mounting transatlantic trade conflict. On Monday, European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said talks with Washington were progressing toward a balanced outcome but warned that a 30% tariff would “practically eliminate” trade between the two regions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Reuters 2025-07-14 -
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Ukraine Trump expected to announce plan to sell Patriot defence systems to Ukraine
Trump Set to Announce Sale of Patriot Missiles to Ukraine Amid Frustration with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that his administration will soon unveil a deal to sell Patriot air defense systems and other advanced weapons to Ukraine, amid mounting frustration over Russia’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire. Speaking to reporters on Sunday after attending the Club World Cup final, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would provide “various pieces of very sophisticated military” equipment to Ukraine, adding, “They’re going to pay us 100% for them.” He emphasized the economic aspect, calling the arrangement “business for us.” Although Trump did not specify who would finance the purchase, it is widely expected that European allies will foot the bill. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that Berlin was “ready to acquire” more Patriot systems. On Monday, a German government spokesperson confirmed that multiple European nations would jointly contribute to the purchase, and that Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was in Washington to finalize the details. Trump’s comments come as he grows increasingly dissatisfied with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has attempted to engage in ceasefire negotiations since his election victory. “Putin really surprised a lot of people,” Trump said Sunday. “He talks nice and then he bombs everybody in the evening.” During the presidential campaign, Trump claimed he could end the war within 24 hours. But negotiations stalled as Moscow continued heavy airstrikes and maintained broad territorial demands. According to Ukrainian officials, at least six civilians were killed and 30 more injured in the past 24 hours from Russian strikes. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 136 drones and several S-300 or S-400 missiles in those attacks. Despite previously resisting any new weapons transfers to Ukraine, Trump has not ruled out selling American arms to Kyiv. His predecessor, Joe Biden, authorized over $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine following the February 2022 invasion. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, said on Sunday that a major uptick in military support was imminent. “In the coming days, you’ll see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves,” Graham said, adding that Putin had miscalculated in his dealings with Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected in Washington this week for meetings with Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and members of Congress. However, Germany clarified that NATO will not be involved in funding the weapons package. Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for discussions with Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said Ukraine is willing to pay for military aid, potentially using proceeds from a future U.S.-backed agreement to develop rare earth resources. In an address on Sunday night, Zelenskyy said he expected a full briefing on the military situation and expressed optimism about continued U.S. backing. “We count on the United States fully understanding what can be done to compel Russia to peace,” he stated. Meanwhile, progress is being made on a sanctions bill in Congress that would authorize Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil—nations like China, India, and Brazil. The bipartisan bill, introduced in April by Senators Graham and Richard Blumenthal, had stalled amid uncertainty over White House support. But growing impatience with Putin’s actions has eased some of the initial resistance. The White House has reportedly asked for flexibility in how such sanctions would be applied or lifted. Speaking to CBS on Sunday, Graham said a key moment was approaching. “A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” he said, describing the sanctions proposal as “a sledgehammer available to President Trump to go after Putin’s economy.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-07-14 -
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USA Trump defends Pam Bondi as his base calls for attorney general's dismissal over Epstein case
Trump Administration Faces Backlash from Right Over Epstein Case Response Last week, the Trump administration sparked rare discontent among its usual rightwing supporters over its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. By asserting that there was no client list tied to Epstein and denying that he was murdered, the administration managed to frustrate key conservative voices and even reportedly unsettle Trump’s own deputy FBI director. Fox News primetime host Jesse Watters voiced his skepticism: “This stinks. This just reeks.” He criticized the lack of transparency, saying federal authorities had access to Epstein's property for years but still failed to offer clear answers. “This is not anything new; the government has been keeping us in the dark for generations,” Watters said, although he stopped short of blaming the Trump administration directly, instead praising Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel as “great Americans.” Elsewhere in conservative circles, criticism was more direct. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer accused Bondi of failing to act on Epstein during her time as Florida's attorney general, despite legal actions being filed against him in the state. “She is afraid of that being discussed and brought to light. She needs to be fired,” Loomer said, claiming Bondi had compromised the investigation. The Department of Justice’s statement that Epstein did not maintain a client list and that no further documents related to his sex-trafficking case would be released did little to appease critics. The White House defended Bondi’s remarks, stating she was referencing all documents related to Epstein’s crimes. However, many conservative influencers remained unsatisfied. Jack Posobiec, known for promoting the discredited “Pizzagate” theory, expressed frustration: “We were all told more was coming. That answers were out there and would be provided. Incredible how utterly mismanaged this Epstein mess has been. And it didn’t have to be.” Posobiec was among those given folders titled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” during a February visit to the White House, though the contents reportedly revealed little new information. Further outrage followed the Justice Department’s release of an 11-hour surveillance video showing Epstein’s cell door. The video, intended to show that no one entered Epstein’s cell the night he died, was missing one minute—prompting renewed skepticism. Robby Starbuck, a conservative commentator, questioned the footage: “A full minute appears to be missing from the video and secondly, it does NOT appear to be the same cell as the photo released on Jan 5, 2020. Anyone else find this extremely troubling?” Infowars host Alex Jones was even more blunt. “NO ONE IS BUYING THIS!! Next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed.’ This is over the top sickening,” he wrote on social media. The response marks a rare fracture between Trump’s base and his administration, with the Epstein controversy fueling long-standing suspicions among conspiracy-focused factions on the right. Adapted by Asean Now from The Guardian 2025-07-14 -
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Report Kim and Lavrov Unite: North Korea Throws Full Support Behind Russia
Picture courtesy of China Daily WONSAN - North Korea's Kim Jong Un has declared his unwavering support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Welcoming Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Wonsan, Kim pledged his nation's unconditional backing, heightening their ties amidst the ongoing war. During their meeting, Kim expressed his commitment to supporting Russia's efforts, as shared by the Korean Central News Agency. Photos from Russia’s Foreign Ministry show Kim and Lavrov smiling together, signalling strong camaraderie. Lavrov's visit comes as Pyongyang plans to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to aid Russia, following the 11,000 deployed last year. The alliance may alter the security landscape in Asia, as it draws North Korea deeper into the conflict. US President Joe Biden has critiqued Russia's role in peace talks, further straining relations. Lavrov, visiting for three days, also met with North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, discussing the Ukrainian crisis and reaffirming support for Russia's military campaign. Analysts speculate on what North Korea gains from this alliance. Robert Kelly, a political science professor, underscores concerns about potential technology exchanges, including missile and drone advancements, which North Korea cannot produce locally. Financial incentives for deploying North Korean soldiers to Russia could also be in play. Lavrov suggested potential tourism growth, with Russian visitors likely to flock to the newly opened Wonsan resort. Kim himself inaugurated the Kalma beachside resort, replete with waterparks and luxury hotels, emphasising its role in attracting foreign exchange. As Lavrov heads to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, North Korea becomes increasingly integrated into Russia's war efforts. Reports highlight troop movements between the two countries and North Korean soldiers facing losses on the battlefield. Russia, facing its own supply shortages, relies on North Korean artillery and troops. Training manuals in Russian indicate increased cooperation between the armed forces. Recent reports suggest North Korea has supplied substantial weaponry to Russia, intensifying their military partnership. Russia's aerial campaigns in Ukraine continue, with over 3,000 drone and missile strikes in the past week. Nevertheless, Ukraine's air defences remain robust, intercepting numerous threats. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights the success of their interceptors, which have effectively countered attacks, though recent assaults have resulted in several casualties. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-14
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