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French scientist denied US entry after phone messages critical of Trump found
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Trump Moves to Dismantle Department of Education Having Signed Executive Order
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at shutting down the Department of Education, marking the first formal step toward dismantling the federal agency. Speaking as he signed the order, Trump declared that "everybody knows this is the right thing to do" and expressed hope that Democrats would support the measure. "We have to get our kids educated," Trump stated, arguing that the US has failed to properly educate students for a long time. He emphasized that the federal government should not be in charge of education and that the responsibility should return to individual states. In his speech, Trump announced that the order would "begin eliminating the federal Department of Education once and for all," a statement met with applause from the audience. Among those present were Education Secretary Linda McMahon, whom Trump hopes will be the "last secretary of education," along with Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, both of whom he acknowledged during his remarks. Trump insisted that the closure of the department would happen as quickly as possible, claiming that the US spends "more money on education by far than any other country" but ranks "near the bottom of the list in terms of success." He assured teachers that they would be supported regardless of whether they were part of a union and concluded his speech by wishing McMahon good luck, adding that they would "find something else" for her to do. Shortly after Trump signed the order, the Department of Education issued a statement calling it a "history-making action" that would "free future generations of American students and forge opportunities for their success." The statement echoed Trump’s assertion that eliminating the department would return education to the states, "where it so rightly belongs." A common misconception, the statement noted, is that the Department of Education directly operates schools or sets curricula, when in fact those responsibilities fall to states and local districts. Only about 13% of funding for primary and secondary schools comes from federal sources. The statement assured that closing the department "does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them," pledging continued support for students with special needs, college students, and other beneficiaries. "We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working with Congress and state leaders to ensure a lawful and orderly transition," the department said. However, despite Trump’s executive action, shutting down the Department of Education is far from certain. The president cannot unilaterally abolish the agency—he would need congressional approval, likely requiring a supermajority in the Senate, meaning 60 out of 100 senators would have to vote in favor. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, at least seven Democrats would need to support the move, making it a difficult political challenge. Even in the House of Representatives, the proposal faces strong resistance. A previous attempt to abolish the department failed when 60 Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against it. Trump has recently pushed to reduce the size of several federal departments, though the legality of these efforts has been questioned. Whether his bid to dismantle the Department of Education will gain the necessary legislative backing remains uncertain, but the order signals his determination to pursue one of his long-standing policy goals. Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-21 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 21 March 2025
Tuk-Tuk Driver Jailed for Performing Wheelie with Passenger in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Matichon. A tuk-tuk driver has been sentenced on 20 March, to one month and 15 days in prison, fined 5,000 baht, and had his vehicle confiscated after performing a dangerous wheelie on Rama IX Road while carrying a passenger. His sentence has been suspended for two years. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355287-tuk-tuk-driver-jailed-for-performing-wheelie-with-passenger-in-bangkok/ -
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Tuk-Tuk Driver Jailed for Performing Wheelie with Passenger in Bangkok
Picture courtesy of Matichon. A tuk-tuk driver has been sentenced on 20 March, to one month and 15 days in prison, fined 5,000 baht, and had his vehicle confiscated after performing a dangerous wheelie on Rama IX Road while carrying a passenger. His sentence has been suspended for two years. The incident, which was widely circulated on social media on 27 January 2025, showed the motorised three-wheeler lifting its front wheel while driving recklessly through traffic. The footage sparked public concern over road safety and the reputation of Bangkok’s public transport services. Following an investigation by Makkasan Police Station, authorities identified the driver as Mr Santiya, who was found to have operated the vehicle without a valid public transport licence. The incident had occurred at 22:00 on 25 October 2024 near Jodd Fairs Market in Huai Khwang District. Mr Santiya was charged and convicted for multiple offences: • Driving a public transport vehicle without a valid licence • Reckless driving likely to cause harm to people or property • Driving in an abnormal manner • Failing to consider the safety and well-being of others The public prosecutor proceeded with the case, and on 27 February 2025, the North Bangkok District Court (Case No. A.1164/2025, Red Case No. A.1316/2025) found him guilty. The court sentenced him to one month and 15 days in prison, a 5,000 baht fine, and a one-year probation period, during which he must complete 24 hours of community service. His tuk-tuk was also confiscated. The Metropolitan Police Bureau issued a public warning, urging drivers to respect traffic laws and prioritise road safety. Officials also cautioned against promoting reckless driving on social media and encouraged the public to report dangerous behaviour via the hotlines. -- 2025-03-21 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 21 March 2025
Motorcyclist Crashes into Bridge Pillar in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A crash occurred on a construction bypass road in Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a motorcyclist unfamiliar with the route lost control and crashed into a bridge pillar, losing his life. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1355285-motorcyclist-crashes-into-bridge-pillar-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/ -
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UK PM Warns Putin Would Violate Ukraine Peace Deal Without Firm Security Measures
Russian President Vladimir Putin would break any peace agreement with Ukraine if it lacked strong security guarantees, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned following a high-level military meeting in London. He stressed that any ceasefire deal would only be sustainable if backed by solid security arrangements to deter Russian aggression. Speaking at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London, where over 20 countries convened for a confidential discussion on military support for Ukraine, Sir Keir underscored the necessity of military preparedness. He emphasized that the international community must move from "political momentum" to "military planning," stating, "It is vitally important we do that work because we know one thing for certain, which is a deal without anything behind it is something that Putin will breach. We know that because it happened before. I'm absolutely clear in my mind it will happen again." The UK prime minister made it clear that while support for Ukraine is crucial, British troops currently stationed in other countries, such as Estonia, would not be withdrawn to aid Kyiv. "There's no pulling back from our commitments to other countries," he affirmed. UK Defence Secretary John Healey was also present at the closed-door session, which involved military leaders from what Sir Keir has termed the "coalition of the willing." Downing Street indicated that these officials were engaged in "granular planning" regarding potential troop deployments, though the precise details remain under discussion. The UK initiated the meeting following a summit attended by 26 nations earlier this month. Military and diplomatic sources have suggested that any proposed troop presence should be framed as a "reassurance force" rather than a "peacekeeping force." Meanwhile, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard clarified that discussions were still in the early stages, stating, "We're not yet talking about numbers because we're still designing the shape of the force." He provided an example, explaining, "If one nation offers fast jet combat air, like a Typhoon aircraft for instance, how will the other nations work alongside it? Where will it refuel? How will it operate with other nations' capabilities?" His remarks underscored the complexity of coordinating multinational military efforts. Earlier in the day, Sir Keir visited the Port of Barrow in Cumbria, the site where the UK's nuclear submarines are built. He told reporters that the discussions in London focused on ensuring Ukraine's security across land, sea, and air. "We are looking at how to keep the skies, and the seas, and the borders safe in Ukraine," he said. As these talks unfold, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russia to cease its "unnecessary demands that only prolong the war." Speaking in Norway, he reinforced Ukraine's commitment to a peaceful resolution but stressed that Russia's stance remains a major obstacle. Additionally, he announced that Ukrainian officials would meet with their US counterparts in Saudi Arabia on Monday, coinciding with confirmed US-Russia discussions scheduled for the same day. These developments occur as the US continues efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after more than three years of conflict. Both Zelensky and Putin have agreed to a truce in principle during talks with US representatives, but disagreements over key conditions have so far prevented a formal agreement from taking shape. Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-21 -
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Motorcyclist Crashes into Bridge Pillar in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A crash occurred on a construction bypass road in Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, when a motorcyclist unfamiliar with the route lost control and crashed into a bridge pillar, losing his life. The incident took place on 20 March at around 16:00, when police and rescue teams were called to the scene of the crash. The victim, a 48-year-old man, was found trapped beneath a bridge beam near the ongoing construction of a new bridge crossing the Taphi River. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the man’s Honda motorcycle lodged against a pillar, with the rider’s body severely injured and stuck under the bridge’s beam. Rescue teams had to use ropes to retrieve both the body and the motorcycle from the location. The victim has been identified as a local man from Khao Phra Subdistrict, Phikun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. According to investigations, the man was travelling towards Chawang District when he encountered the construction detour. Authorities believe the motorcyclist, unfamiliar with that diverted route, lost control and veered off course, colliding with the bridge pillar before being thrown beneath the bridge’s beam, resulting in his death. Police suspect the man was driving at high speed, which, combined with the unfamiliarity of the detour, led to the fatal crash. The body was later sent to Siamruamjai Hospital for further examination, and an official investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and the family of the deceased has been informed. -- 2025-03-21
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