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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 16 August 2025
Naval Command Seizes Vessel Smuggling 20,000 Litres of Diesel Picture courtesy of Naewna. The Royal Thai Navy’s Second Naval Area Command has intercepted and seized a vessel smuggling untaxed diesel fuel in the waters off Songkhla province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1369905-naval-command-seizes-vessel-smuggling-20000-litres-of-diesel/ -
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Crime Naval Command Seizes Vessel Smuggling 20,000 Litres of Diesel
Picture courtesy of Naewna. The Royal Thai Navy’s Second Naval Area Command has intercepted and seized a vessel smuggling untaxed diesel fuel in the waters off Songkhla province. Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakoon, Commander of the Second Naval Area and Director of the Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 2 (MECC Region 2), announced the arrest at Songkhla Naval Base on 14 August. The operation took place the previous day, when patrol vessel Tor.995, supported by a special operations unit from the Second Naval Area, tracked and intercepted the Krasaesin Donsak. The ship was spotted east of Ranot district’s shoreline, allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of diesel without customs clearance. The vessel had been modified for fuel transport and was found carrying 20,000 litres of diesel in its hold. Four crew members were on board. The ship and crew were escorted to Songkhla Naval Base for legal proceedings. Naval officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Navy Commander’s 2025 operational policy, focusing on protecting Thailand’s maritime interests, countering sea-based threats and assisting local communities. They stressed that such efforts aim to ensure the nation’s marine resources and economic benefits remain in Thai hands for the long term. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-08-16 -
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UK Prince Andrew in Hot Water: Epstein Revelations Rock Royals
File photo The recently published book "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York" has thrust Prince Andrew back into the media spotlight. Written by historian Andrew Lownie, the unauthorised biography reveals fresh insights into Andrew's contentious connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and explores his finances and foreign dealings. Released on Thursday, the book has sparked a storm of headlines, adding to the ongoing scrutiny faced by the prince. The explosive content of the book is based on four years of meticulous research and over 100 interviews, many of which were conducted with anonymous sources. As the book's pages grace the Daily Mail, a poll indicates that two-thirds of Britons wish to see Prince Andrew stripped of his remaining royal titles. A YouGov survey echoes this sentiment, ranking Andrew as the least popular royal, supported by a mere 5% of those surveyed. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped regarding both the book and the recent polling. Under the gaze of public disapproval, Andrew's previous attempts to rehabilitate his image have proven ineffective. He returned his military affiliations and royal patronage after failing to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of sexual abuse, which led to a sizeable out-of-court settlement with Virginia Giuffre. The tragic suicide of Giuffre earlier this year called further attention to the weight of the allegations surrounding Andrew. In December 2024, a controversy involving a Chinese national, Yang Tengbo, suspected of espionage, further exacerbated Andrew's woes. A court ruling exposed their business dealings, intensifying accusations of poor judgement on Andrew’s part, reported NBC. Despite declining public appearances, Andrew remains under intense scrutiny. The infamous 2019 "Newsnight" interview still haunts his reputation, with calls growing louder for accountability. While King Charles might hesitate to revoke Andrew's titles, experts suggest Prince William might adopt a more assertive stance when he eventually takes the throne. The royal family faces the complex challenge of managing Prince Andrew's scandal without provoking further backlash. Balancing the family’s public image against internal dynamics may dictate future actions towards Prince Andrew, with commentators suggesting a preference for damage control over drastic measures. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC News 2025-08-16 -
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USA Hunter Biden vs Melania Trump: Epstein Allegation Sparks 'War'
video screenshot The feud between Hunter Biden and Melania Trump reached boiling point on Thursday, as Biden refused to apologise for his claim about Melania’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The US president’s son was defiant in an expletive-charged YouTube appearance, challenging Melania’s legal threat over his controversial comments. Last month, Biden claimed Epstein introduced Melania to her husband, former US President Donald Trump. Melania’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito, slammed the statement as “extremely salacious” and demanded a retraction, threatening a billion-baht lawsuit for the damage caused to her reputation. On YouTube, Biden doubled down, refusing to apologise and referencing Trump biographer Michael Wolff to support his assertion. President Trump has previously dismissed Wolff as unreliable, questioning his claims about the Trump family. Following pressure from Melania’s legal team, The Daily Beast removed their report on Wolff’s allegation, issuing an apology for any confusion caused. Biden, however, stood by his remark, inviting the Trumps to clarify their side in a deposition, reported ABC News. In response, Melania’s spokesperson stated that her lawyers are addressing the spreading of defamatory falsehoods. Melania insists the true story of her meeting with Trump, as detailed in her memoir, involves a modelling agent's introduction at a New York Fashion Week party in 1998. Biden’s legal troubles aren’t new. He was pardoned by his father before Trump’s inauguration, avoiding sentences for convictions in Delaware and California. Moreover, he is embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including a defamation case against the former CEO of Overstock.com set for trial soon. This unfolding saga adds a new dimension to the Biden-Trump dynamic, drawing public attention and legal scrutiny. The legal and personal ramifications of this skirmish could have lasting impacts on both parties involved. The confrontation between Biden and Melania highlights the relentless tension and litigation frequently surrounding high-profile figures. As the legal processes continue, the extent of this conflict's effects remains to be seen. Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-08-16 -
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UK UK Economy Surprises with Resilient 0.3% Growth Amid Challenges
Picture courtesy of BBC The UK economy expanded by 0.3% from April to June, defying expectations and showcasing resilience despite a slowdown from the 0.7% growth in the previous quarter. The Office for National Statistics highlighted the services sector and construction as key contributors to this performance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that growth exceeded predictions but emphasised ongoing efforts to spread benefits across the country. The latest data revision showed an improved picture for April, with the economy contracting by only 0.1% rather than the previously stated 0.3%. Experts pointed to favourable weather as aiding the construction industry's 1.2% growth during this period. Areas like computer programming and healthcare boosted the services sector. Meanwhile, the retail sector initially slowed but rebounded towards the quarter's end. Comparing the UK's performance internationally, it led the G7 in growth during the first quarter of the year, though it lagged slightly in the second. However, the overall growth for the first half of 2025 remained strong, potentially outpacing other G7 nations. The unexpected resilience of the UK economy may influence the Bank of England's decisions regarding interest rates, as experts recommend a cautious approach until inflation trends towards the 2% target. Inflation forecasts are now pegged to peak at 4% before eventually easing back, reported the BBC. However, Ruth Gregory from Capital Economics expressed scepticism regarding the sustainability of growth in light of global economic challenges. She cited potential drags on business investment and consumer caution due to possible future tax hikes. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research warned that potential autumn tax increases could occur if the government aims to meet its borrowing targets, which might exceed expectations by £41.2 billion. Business investment witnessed a 4% dip, while household spending also declined. In Liverpool, Iain Hoskins, a venue owner, reflected optimism fuelled by favourable weather and improved consumer confidence, despite facing challenges from increased National Insurance Contributions. The Bank of England's interest rate cuts to 4% have also eased financial pressures. US investment bank Goldman Sachs upped its UK growth forecast from 1.2% to 1.4%, while opposition voices criticised the government's pace and approach. Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of the economy. Economist James Smith clarified that businesses surged due to US tariffs and changes in stamp duty, bolstering early-year growth. These tariffs caused a drop in UK goods exports to the US, according to trade figures. Despite hurdles such as global uncertainty and trade tensions, the UK economy managed to demonstrate more resilience than anticipated, sparking debate on future policy directions. The coming months will reveal whether this momentum can be sustained amidst economic pressures. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-16 -
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UK Elon Musk Pivots to UK Electricity as Tesla Auto Sales Slide
Picture courtesy of Reuters via CNN Elon Musk’s Tesla has made headlines with a fresh ambition: supplying electricity to UK households. The company's UK-based subsidiary, Tesla Energy Ventures Limited, has applied for a licence from energy regulator Ofgem to supply this critical utility. This move could position Tesla as a new contender against established energy suppliers in England, Wales, and Scotland. Tesla, renowned primarily for its electric cars, is no stranger to the energy sector. Its ventures into battery storage and solar energy have proven lucrative, with energy product revenues nearly doubling last year—up by ฿54 billion (approximately $1.5 billion). While its automotive sales face a downturn, Tesla appears poised to pivot its focus towards energy solutions, a market Musk believes is ripe for innovation. The timing of Tesla's application is noteworthy. The company is grappling with a decline in car sales, with a reported 16% drop in auto revenue from April to June. Sales of Tesla's flagship vehicles, including the Model Y and Model 3, fell 12%, while its premium models saw an even sharper decrease. In the UK, new Tesla vehicle sales plummeted by 60% in July compared to last year, highlighting a challenging period for the automaker. Despite the hurdles in its automotive division, Tesla's venture into electricity in the UK signals a strategic shift. Musk envisions a seamless customer experience centred around retail electricity and virtual power plants, aiming to boost the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Tesla already supplies electricity to homes in Texas, indicating that its entry into the UK market could mirror its US operations. Experts suggest that external factors, such as growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and responses to Musk’s political engagements, have influenced the drop in car sales. Still, Musk's ability to diversify Tesla's portfolio remains a significant strength, as shown by the company's expansion into the energy sector. In 2023, Tesla advertised for a head of operations to oversee its UK electricity supply, underscoring its commitment to this initiative. As the energy sector witnesses rapid transformation, Tesla's potential entry could accelerate the transition to sustainable solutions across the UK grid, reported CNN. Tesla has yet to comment on this development, leaving industry watchers eager to see how this bold move unfolds. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CC 2025-08-15
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