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What Movies or TV shows are you watching (2025)
Thanks for the heads up @sharot724. It's on TPB & TheRARBG. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 22 August 2025
Europe–Thailand Drug Pipeline Smashed in Bangkok Raids Pictures courtesy of SiamNews. Thai authorities have dismantled a sophisticated transnational drug operation run by four Vietnamese nationals, exposing a trafficking pipeline stretching from Europe to Southeast Asia. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1370558-europe–thailand-drug-pipeline-smashed-in-bangkok-raids/ -
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Crime Europe–Thailand Drug Pipeline Smashed in Bangkok Raids
Pictures courtesy of SiamNews. Thai authorities have dismantled a sophisticated transnational drug operation run by four Vietnamese nationals, exposing a trafficking pipeline stretching from Europe to Southeast Asia. The suspects were arrested following coordinated raids on a condominium in Ramkhamhaeng and a rented house in Lat Phrao, Bangkok. Officers seized 5.2 kilograms of ketamine, 514 ecstasy tablets, powdered ecstasy and an automatic pill press with multiple logo dies and tablet-making equipment. Parcels from the Netherlands The investigation began on 15 August when Customs officials intercepted parcels from the Netherlands containing ketamine hidden among snack packets. Under a controlled delivery, officers tracked the shipment to a Bangkok condominium, where two Vietnamese men attempted to collect the packages. Their arrests led to a further raid in Lat Phrao, where two more Vietnamese nationals were detained and additional drugs and pill-making machinery were uncovered. Ecstasy Manufacturing Operation According to police, the group intended to combine the ketamine with MDMA to produce ecstasy tablets for distribution across Bangkok’s nightlife venues, with some consignments believed to be trafficked back to Vietnam. Pol Lt Gen Panuwat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), said Vietnamese syndicates had increasingly shifted operations into Thailand following an intensive crackdown at home, where more than three million methamphetamine and ecstasy pills were seized last year. “These networks exploit international postal systems and unoccupied condominium addresses, using false names to receive shipments,” he explained. “Some suspects even present passport photos on their phones to collect parcels without residing at the registered addresses.” Regional Cooperation The arrests followed intelligence exchanged at the 17th Thailand–Vietnam Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation, held earlier this month in Hanoi. Officials say the case highlights the growing role of intelligence sharing in tackling cross-border trafficking. Pol Lt Gen Panuwat stressed that Thailand is working closely with partners in Singapore, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia to disrupt international drug syndicates. “This operation reflects the success of international cooperation,” he said. “We will continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement to prevent Thailand being used as a base or transit hub by foreign drug networks.” Authorities believe the Vietnamese group were capable of producing more than 100,000 pills a day using automated presses, targeting both tourists and local customers across the region. Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-08-22 -
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UK Debate Intensifies: Motives Behind England Flag Campaign
Organisers say they are just being patriotic but some suspect far right is behind ‘dangerous’ lamp-post movement Community efforts to display England flags spark controversy amid rising tensions. A community initiative led by the Wythall Flaggers has successfully raised over £2,000 with the aim of adorning the Worcestershire village with England flags. The group insists that their patriotic efforts are not rooted in racism, emphasising support from people of all ethnicities. Despite these assurances, not everyone is on board. Recently, a video surfaced showing an elderly couple removing a flag from a lamppost, sparking heated online debate and accusations of them being “traitors.” In the wake of England’s triumph in the Women’s European Championship, which united the nation under the St George’s Cross, similar campaigns have gained momentum. These efforts are intended to reignite a sense of national pride, yet they bring concerns about potentially increasing divisions amidst a backdrop of anti-migrant protests and growing far-right activity. Operation Raise the Colours, a group promoting the display of national flags across towns and cities, claims to promote pure patriotism. Social media platforms are abuzz with users sharing advice on sourcing flags and flagpoles, with the enthusiasm spreading rapidly in areas like Walsall, Coventry, and Redditch. However, anti-racism advocates like Lewis Nielsen from Stand Up to Racism have voiced apprehensions, suggesting that this movement might serve as a veil for deeper racial tensions. He warns that the current political climate could allow the far-right to exploit these patriotic displays for their agenda. The controversy escalated in Birmingham when plans to replace lampposts with LED lighting signalled the removal of flags. While the city council flies the union flag proudly, they clarified that lamppost attachments are routinely removed for maintenance and safety reasons. This action has provoked outrage among self-described patriots, particularly after the London borough of Tower Hamlets, a significant site for anti-migrant protests, confirmed that they would remove St George flags. Conversely, 12 councils under Reform UK's control have pledged to keep the flags up, citing them as symbols of unity and inclusion. In response, Tower Hamlets Council reiterated their responsibility to manage council infrastructure, removing unauthorized items as part of routine maintenance. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the prime minister’s support for the country's flags, though admitted unfamiliarity with specific local incidents in Birmingham and Tower Hamlets. Operation Raise the Colours continues to grow, with organisers praising the rapid increase in supporters. The group's message is clear: they encourage large-scale, organised displays of the national flags to bolster community spirit. This development keeps the debate alive as communities and authorities attempt to balance expressions of nationalism with concerns about fostering division. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-21 -
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UK-Asylum crisis Asylum Update: Migrants in Hotels Rise, Deportations Increase
Labour-run councils are among those considering legal actions against hotels housing asylum seekers The number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in UK hotels has seen an 8% rise under Labour compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Home Office data. Despite this yearly increase, recent months indicate a slight reduction, with numbers dropping from 32,345 in March to 32,059 in June 2025.The government's expenditure on asylum has also decreased, standing at £4.76 billion for the fiscal year 2024/25—a 12% reduction from the previous year's record of £5.38 billion. Amidst these figures, Labour-run councils are exploring legal challenges against the continued use of hotels for asylum seekers, as authorities seek alternative solutions. Carol Dean, leader of the Labour-controlled Tamworth Council, mentioned that the council is "carefully assessing" potential legal actions and described this as a "potentially important legal precedent." Similar actions have been suggested by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who called on Tory councils to emulate the successful legal challenge by Epping Forest District Council. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has also urged his party's councils to pursue legal avenues. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that the current Labour administration inherited a "broken immigration and asylum system" and highlighted efforts to increase the return of failed asylum seekers while reducing related costs. She pointed to a 30% increase in deportations and an 11% cut in asylum expenses as evidence of progress. Cooper stated, "We inherited a chaotic system... but have since strengthened visa and immigration controls. With the reduction of the backlog by 18% and reforms to the asylum appeal system, we aim to restore order and end the inefficient use of hotels." The Home Secretary also noted a 48% decrease in work visas, and outlined plans for further stringent visa controls. Upcoming initiatives include a pilot program with France, enhanced counter-terror measures, and new asylum process reforms expected later this year. "As we roll out these reforms, we are committed to taking necessary steps to ensure a fair and controlled system," Cooper added, pointing towards a more robust approach to managing immigration and asylum in the UK. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Independent 2025-08-21 -
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Ukraine Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks
Ukrainian cities hit as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict gain momentum. Ukraine has faced one of its most intense bombardments in recent weeks, with Russian forces launching 574 drones and 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials report. The attack resulted in one death in the western city of Lviv and injured 15 in the southwestern Transcarpathia region. This escalation occurs as US President Donald Trump spearheads diplomatic moves to negotiate an end to the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised the importance of ending the conflict, especially considering the recent strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in neutral settings such as Switzerland or Austria. While open to various formats, Zelensky dismissed Budapest due to its political ties with Moscow, stating it was not ideal. The possibility of direct negotiations emerged after Trump met Putin in Alaska and hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. Initially, Trump proposed trilateral talks but later suggested that direct discussions between Putin and Zelensky might be more productive. Ukraine’s air force announced successfully intercepting 577 of 614 airborne threats during the overnight assault, marking the most significant air attack since July. Unlike previous attacks focused on eastern regions, this offensive targeted western areas, with a mix of hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles. In Lviv, missile strikes damaged over 20 civilian structures, including residential homes and a nursery, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three individuals. In Mukachevo, a US electronics plant that produces household goods was struck, leaving 15 wounded and highlighting the attack's widespread impact. Despite the prospects of peace talks, Zelensky acknowledged Moscow has shown little genuine intent to engage in meaningful negotiations. He reiterated his reservations about Budapest as a host city, pointing to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close relations with Moscow. In the face of ongoing diplomatic discussions, military tensions continue as Russian troops reportedly mass in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Zelensky reported movements of forces from Kursk to Zaporizhzhia, suggesting continued conflict on the ground. As diplomatic and military developments unfold, the international community remains vigilant, hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-20
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