Am. Consul To Speak At Expats Club, This Saturday, 25 Feb
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 4 July 2025
Singapore Urges Peace in Thai-Cambodian Border Tensions Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World In a bid to calm rising tensions, Singapore has called upon Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue over an escalating border dispute. Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, emphasised this message during his recent visit to Phnom Penh, urging both nations to adhere to international law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1365648-singapore-urges-peace-in-thai-cambodian-border-tensions/ -
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Government 'not satisfied' with BBC response on Bob Vylan, Demands Accountability
UK Government Demands Accountability from BBC over Bob Vylan Glastonbury Broadcast The UK government has intensified pressure on the BBC following its decision to live stream a Glastonbury performance by punk duo Bob Vylan, during which the artists led a chant of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the House of Commons on Thursday that she is “not satisfied” with the BBC’s response and said she “would expect there to be accountability at the highest levels” within the corporation. The BBC has acknowledged the incident, admitting that the comments made during the live set were “utterly unacceptable” and stating it should have cut the broadcast sooner. The performance remained available on iPlayer for over four hours before being removed, drawing sharp criticism from across the political and public spectrum, including from Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and broadcast regulator Ofcom, which noted the broadcaster had “questions to answer.” In an internal email to the BBC’s Jewish staff network on Tuesday, Director General Tim Davie condemned the incident unequivocally. “I was, and remain, appalled by Bob Vylan's deeply offensive and totally unacceptable behaviour during his Glastonbury set,” he wrote. “That performance had no place on the BBC, and there is absolutely no place for antisemitism at the BBC.” Bob Vylan have since faced serious consequences. Multiple upcoming performances have been cancelled, including shows in Manchester, France, and Germany. Avon and Somerset Police have opened a criminal investigation into their Glastonbury comments, while London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that the band is also being investigated for remarks allegedly made during a performance at Alexandra Palace in May. New footage shows that Bob Vylan didn’t just chant “Death to the IDF,” he said “Death to every single IDF soldier out there.” This is direct incitement to violence. And includes every single Jewish, Druze, Christian, and Muslim IDF soldier. The culture secretary’s criticism of the BBC did not end with this particular incident. Earlier this week, she referenced what she described as a pattern of “recent editorial failures” at the public broadcaster. Among them is a controversy involving the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, which was pulled from iPlayer in February after revelations that it was narrated by the child of a Hamas minister. “When you have one editorial failure, it's something that must be gripped,” Nandy said on Monday. “When you have several, it becomes a problem of leadership.” The BBC is currently conducting a formal review of the Gaza documentary episode and is expected to publish its findings in the near future. Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on the corporation’s top executives as both government officials and the public demand accountability and clearer editorial standards. Related Topics: BBC in Trouble again BBC Under Fire Again Over Gaza Analyst's Hamas Connections BBC Contributor in Gaza Sparks Outrage ‘We’ll burn Jews like Hitler did’ BBC Doc Features Son Of Hamas Leader but Fails to Disclose to Viewers BBC Faces Backlash Over Use of Term ‘Revert’ in Islam Coverage BBC Faces More Serious Accusations of Bias in Gaza Hostage Release Coverage "Controversy Surrounds BBC Arabic's Coverage of Israel-Gaza Conflict" BBC uses account of journalist working for Iran-backed news agency in Gaza deaths article MPs demand inquiry Gaza doctors at centre of harrowing BBC report are Hamas supporters BBC criticized For failing To Disclose Affiliations of Palestinian Journalists Hamas Ties BBC Faces Backlash Over Terminology in Hamas Coverage BBC Chairman Calls For a Thorough Review of Israel-Hamas War Bias BBC Accused of Bias in Israel-Hamas Coverage: Over 1,500 Breaches of Guidelines Jeremy Bowen Defends BBC Amid Allegations of Bias Over Israel-Hamas Coverage New Report from former BBC Director Criticizes Coverage of Israel-Hamas Conflict Whistleblower Alleges Normalized Anti-Semitism at the BBC Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-04 -
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UK Ukrainian Activists Demand U.K. Cut Energy Ties with Russia-Linked Firm
Ukrainian Activists Demand U.K. Cut Energy Ties with Russia-Linked Firm LONDON — Ukrainian campaigners are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government to immediately sever procurement ties with energy suppliers that maintain links to Russian fossil fuels. In a letter sent Wednesday to Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, a coalition of Ukrainian and pro-Ukraine advocacy groups denounced the British government's contract with TotalEnergies Gas & Power, the U.K. arm of the French energy conglomerate TotalEnergies, which still imports Russian gas into Europe. The revelations, first reported by POLITICO, show that gas from TotalEnergies powers not only 10 Downing Street but numerous other government buildings across Whitehall. The government’s deal with the firm, reportedly valued at up to £8 billion, has come under intense criticism from Ukrainian campaigners who argue it contradicts the U.K.'s stated position of reducing dependence on Russian energy. The campaigners declared in their letter that such a contract “undermines the U.K.’s public commitment to ending dependence on Putin’s bloody oil and gas.” They continued: “It sets an example which profiteering companies have been only too happy to follow. This in turn has undermined the entire Western sanctions regime.” Although a government spokesperson defended the procurement process, saying, “All government contracts are openly published online, and follow all U.K. sanctions and regulations,” activists remain unconvinced. “Like most U.K. suppliers, TotalEnergies purchases gas from the U.K. domestic open market, where the presence of Russian gas is extremely unlikely,” the spokesperson added. Still, campaigners are demanding transparency and action. Their letter, signed by seven organizations either based in Ukraine or supporting the country from abroad, asks Thomas-Symonds to disclose the full extent of Whitehall’s contracts with TotalEnergies. It also urges him to commit to ending any procurement from firms still tied to Russian energy and to articulate a plan for transitioning to “clean, conflict-free energy sources.” Iryna Ptashnyk, a senior researcher at the Ukrainian group Razom We Stand, which led the campaign, said, “It was indefensible that British taxpayers’ money is flowing to TotalEnergies. The U.K. government must urgently show leadership [and] end these contracts.” While TotalEnergies insists its contracts with European clients involve Russian gas only from the Yamal LNG facility in Siberia — a long-standing agreement it claims it cannot exit — concerns remain high. The company maintains that none of its gas supplied under U.K. contracts is sourced from Russia, and that it complies with the U.K.’s ban on Russian LNG imports. Nevertheless, critics argue that its continued trade in Russian gas elsewhere undermines international sanctions and helps finance the Kremlin’s war effort. The influence of TotalEnergies reaches well beyond Whitehall. According to campaigners, its U.K. subsidiary also supplies gas to NHS hospitals, schools, local councils, and even the Bank of England through a range of public sector contracts. Stephen Hoffman, deputy director of UK Friends of Ukraine, condemned the government’s ongoing relationship with the firm. “British government buildings should not be heated with gas that comes from a company with such deep ties to Russia’s fossil fuel industry,” he said. In response, the government spokesperson emphasized the broader transition strategy, stating, “We are making the U.K. a clean energy superpower to get off the roller coaster of fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators like Putin, replacing that with clean homegrown power we control, and have ended all imports of Russian fossil fuels in response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from Politico 2025-07-04 -
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USA Trump's Summer Surge: Wins at Home and Abroad Mark a Golden Moment for the President
Trump's Summer Surge: Wins at Home and Abroad Mark a Golden Moment for the President President Donald Trump is entering the Independence Day holiday riding a wave of political momentum, as recent victories in foreign policy, immigration, trade, and the Supreme Court have given the White House a powerful tailwind. The string of achievements has emboldened Trump’s allies and further solidified his grip on the Republican Party as Democrats continue to struggle with internal divisions and an unclear message. “President Trump is delivering win after win for the American people, and we are the hottest nation in the world,” said White House spokesperson Liz Huston. “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill is going to pass, Iran’s nuclear capabilities are obliterated, the stock market is at record highs, the border is the most secure it’s ever been, and the Supreme Court just ended nationwide injunctions that were being abused to halt the rest of the America First agenda. Thanks to President Trump — the Golden Age of America is here.” The momentum has been building steadily since June 21, when Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. Though the move initially drew skepticism from both Democrats and some Republicans concerned about escalation in the Middle East, it appeared to yield results. The strikes were followed by a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran that has held for a week—an unexpected breakthrough that Trump’s allies hailed as proof of his strategic prowess. “He’s had the best seven to 10 days of his presidency of either term,” said Republican strategist Ford O’Connell, pointing to foreign policy accomplishments, including the strikes on Iran, growing NATO commitments, and a potential Gaza ceasefire, as particularly impressive. Trump further boosted his foreign policy credentials with a successful appearance at the NATO summit in the Netherlands. There, member nations agreed to increase defense spending, a long-standing demand of Trump’s. NATO’s secretary-general publicly credited the president with pushing the alliance toward a more equitable financial burden. On Tuesday, Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the terms. If finalized, the agreement would mark yet another diplomatic win for Trump, though a lasting peace remains elusive. Trade policy also swung in Trump’s favor this week. Canada walked back its plan for a digital tax aimed at U.S. tech companies, a reversal the White House credited to Trump’s pressure. “Canada caved,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt, referencing the president’s threat to suspend trade talks. Trump also unveiled a framework for a trade agreement with Vietnam, potentially paving the way for broader deals ahead of his July 9 deadline for new tariffs. Domestically, Trump scored a legal victory when the Supreme Court curtailed the use of nationwide injunctions by lower courts—an important limitation for an administration that frequently clashed with the judiciary. The decision represents a partial win for Trump’s long-term effort to reshape immigration policy, including controversial moves to narrow birthright citizenship. Meanwhile, the president’s signature issue—border control—reached a milestone. U.S. officials detained just over 6,000 migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in June, marking a historic low. The numbers, first reported by CBS News, provide a major talking point for Trump ahead of November. The final piece of Trump’s current surge could come in the form of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping tax and spending package that includes key elements of his economic and immigration agenda. The bill, which extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tipped wages, and boosts border security funding, passed the Senate and now awaits final passage in the House. Though some Republican lawmakers have raised concerns over its impact on the deficit, Trump’s allies believe it’s only a matter of time. “Big day today. Hopefully we get this thing worked out,” said Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) after meeting with Trump and other conservatives at the White House. “The president answered all our questions, was very informative. JD Vance was there. This was a very good day.” Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Hill 2025-07-04 -
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USA ‘The Trump Effect’: Border Crossings Hit Record Low Amid Tough Immigration Stance
‘The Trump Effect’: Border Crossings Hit Record Low Amid Tough Immigration Stance Illegal border crossings have dropped to the lowest level in recorded U.S. history, with just 6,070 migrants apprehended at the southern border in June, according to former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan. Writing on X Tuesday, Homan credited the dramatic decline to what he called “the Trump effect,” citing President Trump’s aggressive deportation strategy and zero-release policy as central to the shift. “President Trump has created the most secure border in the history of the nation and the data proves it. We have never seen numbers this low. Never,” Homan declared. He emphasized that none of the migrants caught last month were released into the U.S., a break from previous policies under the Biden administration. The significant downturn follows months of escalating enforcement, including mass deportations and interior immigration crackdowns, which Homan said have successfully dissuaded potential migrants from attempting illegal entry. “God bless the men and women of the US Border Patrol and God bless the men and women of ICE. The interior arrests and consequences help to drive down illegal immigration. The TRUMP EFFECT keeps America winning,” he wrote. The numbers reflect a sharp reversal from border activity under President Biden. In a pointed comparison, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott noted that more migrants were apprehended during the first two days of June 2024 — over 7,000 — than in all of June under the current policy. On Saturday alone, only 137 migrants were caught crossing the border. “That is less than a single day under Biden,” Homan said. “As a matter of fact, the total number of encounters is less than half of a single day under Biden on many days. Also, none of the 6,070 were released into the U.S. ZERO.” The decline is particularly stark when compared to previous years. In June 2024, over 83,000 migrants crossed the southern border. That number climbed to 99,000 in June 2023 and reached approximately 192,000 in June 2022, highlighting a consistent downward trend since Trump’s reimplementation of stricter immigration measures earlier this year. Trump’s first notable benchmark came in February when just 8,347 migrants crossed the border, according to federal data. The June numbers now represent an all-time low since modern tracking began. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also praised the administration’s approach in a statement posted to X on Wednesday. “The world is hearing our message: the border is closed to law breakers. Under President Trump, our Border Patrol agents are empowered to do their job once again, secure our border, and protect the American people,” she wrote. With the 2024 election looming and immigration remaining a top issue for voters, the Trump administration appears determined to frame its approach as both effective and uncompromising. Whether the drop in crossings is sustainable over the long term remains to be seen, but for now, the administration is claiming victory in its fight to control the southern border. Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP 2025-07-04 -
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USA Rumbling in the Swamp: Quiet Talks Begin to Launch a Viable Third Party in U.S. Politics
Rumbling in the Swamp: Quiet Talks Begin to Launch a Viable Third Party in U.S. Politics Behind closed doors in Washington, a quiet rebellion is brewing as prominent political figures from both the Republican and Democratic parties engage in secret discussions about forming a third major political party, according to revelations from The Swamp newsletter. Driven by frustration with the state of their respective parties, a mix of disillusioned Republicans and centrist Democrats are reportedly seeking to reshape the American political landscape. At the heart of this emerging effort is a sense of alienation among Republicans who feel their party has been hijacked by Donald Trump and Democrats increasingly at odds with the progressive wing. “The Republican Party, as many of us know it, no longer exists,” said one unnamed source with direct knowledge of the discussions. “We do not recognize ourselves anymore in Trump’s administration. There is a strong movement out there in the party to reclaim the values we were raised on and reclaim the middle ground.” Talks are still in their early stages, but The Swamp reports that some "serious" and nationally recognized names are already involved. While not all have committed to formally breaking away from the traditional two-party system, insiders believe the momentum is growing. “If agreement can be reached,” a source said, “they believe it could transform the face of U.S. politics.” The idea of a viable third party is not new, but this time the drive seems to have deeper roots and stronger resolve. Gallup polls have shown for over two decades that a majority of Americans believe the Republican and Democratic parties do “such a poor job” representing the people that a third party is needed. Nevertheless, institutional barriers, especially the control the two major parties have over redistricting, remain a significant hurdle. Fueling this unrest on the Democratic side is the recent political earthquake in New York, where progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani soundly defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary. Although the cross-party talks reportedly began before this upset, the result has intensified some Democrats' determination to explore new political options. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Trump's threats to primary any lawmaker who defies him continue to breed resentment among moderates. The fear of being “Trumped” into submission has left many feeling cornered and eager for a new direction. “There’s a hunger for an alternative that’s not just anti-Trump, but genuinely representative of moderate, common-sense values,” another source suggested. Into this complex mix entered Elon Musk, reigniting speculation about his potential entry into politics. The billionaire tech mogul threatened once again to launch his own "America Party" after Trump’s controversial “big, beautiful bill” passed the Senate thanks to a tie-breaking vote by JD Vance. While Musk’s involvement added a dramatic twist, The Swamp reports that he has been excluded from the more serious third-party negotiations. According to insiders, his antics have “enraged most of Washington” and made him an unwelcome participant in the budding coalition. While no formal announcement is expected soon, and the group remains unnamed, those close to the effort remain cautiously optimistic. As one Democratic insider confirmed, “There have been some cross-party discussions.” Whether those talks will ultimately lead to a historic political realignment or fade into the background remains to be seen. But for now, something is stirring in the political shadows of Washington. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily Beast 2025-07-04
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