Politics Up to 60 Thai Senators Face Disqualification Over Vote-Rigging Allegations
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Crime Woman Arrested After Airline Ticket Scam Defrauds Over 50 Victims of 10 Million Baht
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on Koh Samui for orchestrating a large-scale scam involving fake airline tickets and hotel bookings, with over 50 victims reporting combined losses of approximately 10 million baht. Ms Kaewta was apprehended by officers from Bo Phut Police Station outside a rented room in the Lamai area of Maret subdistrict. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on 7 May on charges of fraud. The arrest was carried out under the directive of Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomchit, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, and executed by a team led by Pol Col Denduang Thongsrisuk, Superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station. The case came to light on 22 April when more than 50 individuals filed complaints with Bo Phut Police, alleging that Ms Kaewta had conned them by falsely offering low-priced domestic and international airline tickets as well as discounted hotel rooms. Victims included close friends, acquaintances, and travel business operators in Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Chiang Rai. One victim recounted booking six airline tickets to Shanghai through Ms Kaewta at 7,000 baht each, totalling 42,000 baht. The money was transferred directly into the suspect’s bank account. However, prior to the departure date, the victim grew suspicious after hearing of similar issues from other customers. Upon contacting the airline directly, they were informed that no such promotion existed and that the tickets were fake. As news of the scam spread across social media, dozens more victims came forward, revealing a pattern of deception by Ms Kaewta. Many believed they were purchasing legitimate “friends and family” promotional tickets, only to discover the bookings were fraudulent. National Police Chief Pol Gen Kittirat Panpetch and Pol Lt Gen Surapong have ordered the investigation to proceed swiftly, citing the seriousness of the offence under public fraud laws, which carry heavy penalties. Authorities are now working to identify any potential accomplices and determine whether additional victims exist. Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Ms Kaewta to come forward and provide information. The investigation remains ongoing, with officers seeking to uncover the full scope of the operation and bring all involved to justice. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358644-scammer-dupes-dozens-in-airline-ticket-and-hotel-booking-fraud-on-koh-samui/ Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-09. -
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The alarming mental decline of Donald J. Trump -- watch this space
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Huge Wind Farm in North Sea Halted because of cost
Turbulent Winds for UK’s Green Goals as Ørsted Halts Major Offshore Project The UK’s transition to clean energy has suffered a serious blow as Danish energy giant Ørsted announced it is halting development of its flagship offshore wind farm, Hornsea 4. The project, once hailed as a cornerstone of Britain’s strategy to decarbonise its electricity grid, was expected to generate 2.4 gigawatts of power—enough to supply 2.6 million homes. But rising costs, increased risk, and tough financial conditions have brought it to a standstill. The decision deals a major setback to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050, particularly after he approved the project last autumn as part of the government’s broader clean energy agenda. The wind farm, planned to be built off the east coast of England, was to consist of 180 large turbines. However, Ørsted now says the challenges involved in delivering the project on time and within budget have become too great. “After careful consideration, we’ve decided to discontinue the development of our Hornsea 4 project in its current form, well ahead of the planned FID [final investment decision] later this year,” said Rasmus Errboe, chief executive of Ørsted. He pointed to “several adverse developments” since the project won a government subsidy contract in September 2024, including rising supply chain costs, increasing interest rates, and higher “execution risk” in both construction and operation. These pressures have strained the viability of Contracts for Difference, the government’s main subsidy mechanism for renewable energy, under which developers are guaranteed a fixed price for electricity over a long-term period. Wind farm operators argue that with costs soaring, the current terms make projects unfeasible. Dan Slater, an analyst at Zeus Capital, commented: “This is a direct consequence of the cost increases we have seen in the offshore wind industry, and is a signal from the sector that the UK is likely to have to pay yet higher guaranteed electricity prices if the country wants to continue increasing the volume of new renewables in its energy mix. This also highlights how challenging the government’s current renewable power target is likely to prove, and how expensive it could be to achieve.” Mr Errboe emphasized that the deteriorating economic and logistical environment had “increased the execution risk and deteriorated the value creation of the project. Therefore, Ørsted has taken the decision to stop further spend on the project at this time and terminate the project’s supply chain contracts.” Despite the setback, he left the door open to revisiting Hornsea 4 in the future, noting the company still retains seabed rights, grid access agreements, and development consent. The announcement has sparked political controversy, with critics of the government’s green strategy seizing on the news as evidence of flawed policymaking. Andrew Bowie, acting shadow energy secretary, said: “Once again, the full cost of Labour’s net zero madness is on stark display. We have been consistently warning this Government that their mad dash to net zero is simply not sustainable – and would leave investment and industry at risk – but Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband have buried their heads in the sand, even as another key infrastructure project has pulled the plug.” Environmental advocates, however, argue the solution lies in greater investment and policy support. “Post-covid supply chain breakdowns have also made everything much harder to build, on time or on budget,” said Mel Evans of Greenpeace. “This is why the Government must double down on its commitment to clean power and invest heavily in domestic wind manufacturing.” Responding to the announcement, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero stated: “We recognise the effect that globally high inflation and supply chain constraints are having on industry across Europe, and we will work with Ørsted to get Hornsea 4 back on track. We have a strong pipeline of projects to deliver clean power by 2030 and our mission-led approach ensures we can steer our way through global pressures and individual commercial decisions to reach our targets. Through our mission we will deliver an energy system that brings energy bills down for good and bolsters Britain’s energy security as part of our Plan for Change.” As the government balances competing pressures of cost, risk, and urgency, the future of Hornsea 4 remains uncertain—casting doubt on the UK’s ability to meet its clean energy targets on schedule. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-09 -
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Fears of Unrest in UK as India-Pakistan Tensions Spark London Embassy Protest
Fears of Unrest in UK as India-Pakistan Tensions Spark London Embassy Protest Protestors have gathered outside the Indian Embassy in London following India’s missile strikes on Pakistan, igniting fears of unrest among the UK's South Asian communities as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours continue to escalate. The missile attack, launched by India on Tuesday evening, reportedly targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. At least 26 people, including a child, are said to have died in the strikes, which New Delhi claims were retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam last month that killed 26 people. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident. The sharp uptick in hostilities has sent shockwaves around the globe and triggered immediate demonstrations in the UK. Pro-Pakistan protests were held outside the Indian High Commission in Aldwych, London, near King’s College, on Wednesday evening. These events have prompted British lawmakers and religious leaders to call for restraint, urging members of both the Indian and Pakistani diasporas to avoid confrontation and uphold community cohesion. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and himself of Pakistani-Kashmiri heritage, voiced concern about the emotional toll the conflict is taking on communities in Britain. “Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,” he said. “British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community.” Shockat Adam, independent MP for Leicester South, echoed the concerns and warned that the conflict could spill over into tensions on UK streets. “The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,” he said. “A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles. The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets. I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.” Community leaders have joined political figures in calling for calm. Anil Bhanot, managing trustee of the Hindu Council UK, acknowledged the historic sensitivity of such flare-ups. “There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India. But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don’t spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don’t want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester,” he said. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also weighed in, acknowledging the emotional strain on diaspora communities. A spokesperson noted that the group had observed “heightened emotions” among British Indian and Pakistani communities in recent days. Maswood Ahmed, deputy secretary general of the MCB, called for unity and cooperation with local authorities. “Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony,” he said. The London protest is the latest flashpoint in what many fear could become a prolonged and volatile chapter in India-Pakistan relations. Last month, police began investigating a demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission in London after allegations emerged that a Pakistani diplomat had made a throat-slitting gesture during the protest. As diplomatic tensions escalate abroad, efforts within the UK are focused on preventing similar fractures within British society. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-09 -
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Biden BBC interview a confusing and evasive performance
Joe Biden’s recent sit-down with the BBC marked his first full interview since leaving office, but rather than clarifying his role in the 2024 election loss, the former president delivered a confusing and evasive performance that did little to absolve him — or his vice president. At 82, Biden showed flashes of the foreign policy experience that long defined his political career, warning against appeasement of Russia and emphasizing NATO’s importance. Yet when asked about the collapse of his re-election campaign and his delayed withdrawal, Biden stumbled. He reiterated that his presidency was always intended as a “transition government” to hand power to the next generation, referencing statements made at the outset of his 2020 campaign. But when pressed on why he failed to step aside earlier — potentially giving another Democratic candidate a better shot at defeating Donald Trump — his answers became increasingly incoherent. “I don’t think it would have mattered,” Biden said, justifying his mid-July departure from the race as both difficult and “the right decision.” What’s most striking, however, is not just Biden’s inability to clearly explain the timing of his withdrawal, but his conspicuous silence when it came to Vice President Kamala Harris. While he claimed the Democrats were left “with a good candidate,” the faint praise that she was “fully funded” stood in sharp contrast to the gravity of the role she assumed. It was a revealing phrase — bureaucratic and impersonal — more indicative of party logistics than presidential confidence. Joe Biden gives first interview since leaving the White House | BBC News (full 30 mins) At a crucial point in the interview where Biden might have defended Harris, blamed her for the party’s loss, or acknowledged any fault of his own, he did none of the above. Instead, he veered into a monologue about the success of his presidency: “What we had set out to do, no one thought we could do and become so successful in our agenda it was hard to say, ‘Now I’m gonna stop now.’… Things moved so quickly that it made it difficult to walk away.” That reasoning is hard to square with the political reality of 2024. After a catastrophic debate performance and weeks of public and private pressure from party elders, Biden reluctantly stepped aside. His narrative of being undone by the weight of his own achievements feels, to many observers, detached from the events that actually forced his hand. The absence of Kamala Harris’s name from Biden’s comments was particularly notable. For someone who claimed to be a transitional figure, his refusal to enthusiastically support his vice president raised eyebrows. If he had full faith in her, why wait until the last minute to endorse her by default? Why offer only a mechanical nod to her campaign infrastructure? Those around the Bidens have reportedly picked up on the coolness between Jill Biden and Harris, especially during public events like the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. It seems Biden would rather retreat into a version of history where his presidency was too effective to end, rather than confront uncomfortable truths about succession, party dynamics, or Harris’s lackluster campaign. Ultimately, Biden’s interview said more in what it left out than in what it revealed. His refusal to accept personal responsibility or sincerely vouch for Harris speaks volumes. If the Democratic Party is still grappling with the fallout of the 2024 election, Biden's remarks offered little help — and perhaps even deepened the divide. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-09 -
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A Quiet Enigma: The Elusive Presence of Melania Trump in the White House
A Quiet Enigma: The Elusive Presence of Melania Trump in the White House More than 100 days into Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, one of the most frequently asked — and seldom answered — questions within the walls of the White House is: Where is Melania? The first lady has remained conspicuously absent from Washington for most of this term, rarely spotted at public events and spending the majority of her time far from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. While administration officials insist she has been present at the White House more than the public is aware, they avoid specifics. What is known, however, is that Melania Trump has spent fewer than 14 days in the White House since her husband was sworn in 108 days ago. “We haven’t seen such a low-profile first lady since Bess Truman,” noted Katherine Jellison, a historian at Ohio University. Like Mrs. Truman, who often retreated to her home in Missouri, Mrs. Trump prefers her private sanctuaries in Manhattan or Mar-a-Lago. Despite having hired East Wing staff, she is rarely seen in her White House office. Even at Mar-a-Lago, her appearances are infrequent. A scheduled return to Washington to unveil a postage stamp honoring Barbara Bush and attend a military mothers' ceremony is one of the few public appearances on her calendar. The Trumps have navigated an unusual marriage in the public eye, weathering a storm of scandals and pressures. Last year alone, the couple endured a hush money trial involving a porn star, two assassination attempts, and the rigors of another presidential campaign. Melania Trump stayed far from the courtroom and campaign trail, distancing herself during turbulent moments. Her long-standing concern for family safety has only intensified. During Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, she was hesitant to even leave her vehicle during the parade. Her fear was heightened after recent security incidents, including a gunman near one of Trump’s golf courses. In her husband’s absence from ceremonial duties traditionally handled by the first lady, President Trump has taken over — redesigning the White House, greeting tourists, and even presiding over Women’s History Month receptions. Meanwhile, Melania has pursued personal ventures, including launching a cryptocurrency token called $MELANIA and executive producing a $40 million Amazon documentary about her life — a sum industry insiders say is significantly higher than standard rates. Some of her actions still reflect the traditional first lady role. She co-hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll, though the event raised ethical concerns due to corporate sponsorships. She also spoke at the International Women of Courage awards, marking her first Washington appearance in weeks. However, many events promoted on the official FLOTUS Instagram account show no sign of her actual presence. Her absence has left White House staff and observers speculating. “She loves the White House,” insisted Paolo Zampolli, a longtime family acquaintance who introduced the Trumps in 1998. “And she loves the role of serving as our first lady.” But the record tells a more complex story. She is not expected to accompany the president on his upcoming Middle East trip but did travel with him to Vatican City for Pope Francis' funeral. When they returned to the U.S. on her 55th birthday, Trump gave her a brief kiss on the cheek. She entered a car, he boarded Marine One, and they went their separate ways — a fitting image of a first lady who remains both present and absent, always just out of reach. Adpated by ASEAN Now from New York Times 2025-05-09
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