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wildlife and birdwatching in thailand..
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5
Nong Khai Border Bounce. Avoid !!!
Since this was historically one easiest most hassle free border bounces, I'm guessing this one night policy will be implemented at every crossing, eventually. The border bounce may be ending. Or at least the free border bounce may be ending. -
114
Pattaya Police Crack Down on Beach Prostitution, Arrest 20 Foreign Women
Different strokes yeah To be quite honest, I see very few ladies like they used to be 10-20 years ago. My infrequent visits to Pattaya 'hot spots' I see quite a significant percentage of the 'ladies' have become quite chunky. I guess it's the high carbohydrate intake in the diet now. When I first visited Pattaya in the late '90s there weren't many chubby ladies. But yes, I wonder how much the Africans pay to be able to 'work' here. They certainly aren't very attractive in my opinion and I realise that's my preference and not everyone is the same thank goodness. Well, you know.. they are all pink on the inside. -
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Pattaya Police Crack Down on Beach Prostitution, Arrest 20 Foreign Women
The Bangkok Post article has the uncensored photo. I would not call them stunning. 😄 -
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Mumbai Airport: Hydroponic Weed Smuggling from Bangkok Foiled on Christmas Day
Huh? Smuggling weed into India? This makes as much sense as bringing coffee into Brazil. They have some of the best in the world, or at least did. That whole area from Afghanistan to Nepal is where it is. Granted it has been more than 40 years since I've been there. In certain states it is (was?) legal. My guess is the hydroponic stuff is something to show off for the wealthy, though there is no reason they can't grow it that way over there. The more imported things you have the more hiso you are over there. Another guess is they can say they are not smoking the garbage the riksha drivers do (best garbage on the planet). -
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China’s Stealth Fighter: A Game-Changing Super Weapon in the Race for Air Supremacy
China appears to be advancing rapidly in the race for aerial dominance with the development of a new stealth fighter jet. The groundbreaking aircraft, described by analysts as a potential "super weapon," has stunned military observers worldwide. Speculation is rife that the jet is designed to operate on the edge of space and target previously unreachable U.S. military assets, such as early warning aircraft and refueling tankers. "If procured in an operational form by the PLAAF, it would be able to fly over long regional distances and loiter for extended periods on station far from home without tanker support," noted *The War Zone*. It further emphasized that the fighter could carry out missions closer to threats than any other manned aircraft currently in China’s arsenal. Key design features of the aircraft highlight its stealth and high-performance capabilities. Aviation experts have noted the plane’s engines are fed by a single dorsal inlet and two ventral inlets, with the dorsal inlet employing a stealth-enhancing diverterless supersonic design. This configuration is said to optimize the jet for high-speed and stealth operations. The large ventral fuselage section appears to house an internal weapons bay, while the landing gear—featuring two wheels per main leg—mirrors designs used in heavy fighter-bombers like Russia’s Sukhoi Su-34. Observers have also identified potential missile and bomb loading hatches under the fuselage, enhancing radar stealth. The engine nozzles, positioned above the fuselage, are strategically designed to minimize heat radiation and noise, further boosting survivability. The jet’s size has drawn particular attention, as it suggests a focus on endurance and internal capacity. Analysts speculate the aircraft’s massive internal volume could accommodate an extensive fuel load, advanced sensors, and a significant array of weaponry. Additionally, aerodynamic efficiencies likely contribute to its ability to perform high-speed dashes and sustained cruising flights. Intriguingly, some images of the aircraft have led to speculation that it may feature three engines—a highly unconventional design choice. This would address the higher weight of the aircraft and support aggressive performance goals, particularly for high-speed and high-altitude operations. Retired U.S. Air Force General Mark D. Kelly had previously acknowledged the possibility of China developing next-generation fighter jets. "They are not dummies. They know what they’re doing," he said, cautioning that the Chinese sixth-generation air combat program is likely to include "exponential" advancements in stealth technology over existing platforms. The development of this new fighter jet underscores China’s determination to challenge U.S. air superiority. If the aircraft achieves its speculated capabilities, it could mark a significant shift in the balance of power in aerial warfare, raising the stakes in the competition for control of the skies. Based on a report by the Daily Mail 2024-12-28 -
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Judge Rebukes Jay-Z's Legal Tactics in Child Rape Case, Grants Accuser Anonymity
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is facing sharp criticism from the judiciary in an ongoing legal battle over allegations of child rape. The case, brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe, accuses Carter and fellow rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs of drugging and assaulting her when she was 13 years old at an after-party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Both men have denied the allegations, with Carter calling them baseless. In a decisive ruling on Thursday, Judge Analisa Torres granted Jane Doe the right to remain anonymous during the next stage of legal proceedings. The decision came with a scathing critique of Carter's lawyer, Alex Spiro, whose aggressive legal tactics were described as "inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client." Judge Torres highlighted the attorney's repeated motions to dismiss the case and unmask Jane Doe, which she deemed "combative" and "filled with inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks." She further emphasized, "The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it." According to the lawsuit, the alleged assault took place after Jane Doe, then a teenager trying to enter the awards show at Radio City Music Hall, was invited to an after-party by a man claiming to be Combs' limousine driver. Upon arrival, she claims she was coerced into signing a nondisclosure agreement, served a drugged drink, and then assaulted by both Carter and Combs while a female celebrity allegedly watched. Carter’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the plaintiff and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, of fabricating the claims as part of an extortion attempt. In a public statement, Carter condemned Buzbee, saying, "I have no idea how you have come to be such a deplorable human, Mr. Buzbee, but I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. You claim to be a Marine? Marines are known for their valor; you have neither honor nor dignity." Adding complexity to the case, Buzbee himself is facing legal troubles. A separate lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court accuses him of sexually assaulting a woman, infecting her with a sexually transmitted disease, and attempting to silence her by offering free legal services. The plaintiff in that case alleges Buzbee became possessive to prevent her from exposing him. Despite the accusations against both Carter and Buzbee, Judge Torres has maintained focus on the accuser’s right to anonymity. She stated, “The weight of the factors tips in favor of allowing Plaintiff to remain anonymous, at least for this stage of the litigation.” Carter’s defense team, led by Spiro, has argued the lawsuit is rife with inconsistencies. Meanwhile, Buzbee’s legal actions extend beyond Carter, including multiple civil cases against Combs, who is currently jailed in New York awaiting trial on unrelated federal charges of coercion and abuse of women. As the case proceeds, the court’s strong stance on preserving the anonymity of the alleged victim marks a pivotal moment in what promises to be a contentious legal battle. Whether Carter and his defense team will alter their approach remains to be seen, but the judge’s rebuke underscores the importance of decorum and judicial fairness in even the most high-profile cases. Based on a report by the Daily Mail 2024-12-28 -
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The Scientists and Spies Who Questioned Covid’s Origins
Initially dismissed as a conspiracy theory, the idea that Covid-19 may have originated from a laboratory in China has gradually gained traction. This theory clashed with the zoonotic hypothesis, which posits the virus jumped from animals to humans, and became a point of contention not only within scientific circles but also among intelligence agencies and political leaders. In 2021, amid growing frustration over China’s lack of transparency, President Biden tasked U.S. intelligence agencies with investigating the origins of the virus. The intelligence community was split. Most agencies leaned toward the zoonotic explanation with “low confidence,” while the FBI stood apart, asserting with “moderate confidence” that a lab leak was more likely. Yet, despite its distinct conclusion, the FBI was notably absent from the briefing given to Biden and his senior advisors in August 2021. Jason Bannan, a senior FBI scientist involved in the investigation, found this omission surprising. “Being the only agency that assessed a laboratory origin as more likely, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend,” Bannan said. However, a spokesperson for the Director of National Intelligence argued that divergent views were adequately represented during the briefing, even if individual agencies were not present. Behind the scenes, the disagreements ran deeper than many realized. At the National Center for Medical Intelligence, three scientists—John Hardham, Robert Cutlip, and Jean-Paul Chretien—concluded that Covid-19 was likely engineered in a lab through “gain of function” research. Their findings clashed with the position of their parent agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and were excluded from the final report to the president. In a twist, the scientists were later instructed to cease sharing their work with the FBI, which some within their ranks claimed was acting “off the reservation.” Meanwhile, their findings were leaked years later, fueling debates during congressional hearings. The broader investigation, dubbed the “90-day sprint,” was riddled with controversy. Intelligence experts clashed over the interpretation of data, including a comparison of Covid-19 to past zoonotic outbreaks like Ebola and MERS. FBI scientists argued these comparisons were misleading due to the unique contagiousness of coronaviruses, while others insisted the data underscored the plausibility of zoonotic transmission. Geography also fueled the debate. Some argued that Covid-19’s origin in Wuhan, far from the bat populations in Yunnan province where similar coronaviruses were previously detected, weakened the zoonotic theory. Critics countered that China’s lack of an effective surveillance network in rural areas left such gaps inconclusive. Despite these conflicts, proponents of both theories remained firm. Ralph Baric, a prominent coronavirus researcher, testified before Congress that the Wuhan Institute of Virology’s safety protocols were inadequate for the high-risk research being conducted there. Yet, others, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, maintained that the virus most likely had natural origins. By mid-2023, the U.S. Energy Department joined the FBI in supporting the lab-leak theory, though both conclusions were drawn with limited confidence. Newly declassified intelligence confirmed that the Wuhan lab had experimented with genetic engineering on coronaviruses, but no direct link to Covid-19 was established. Now retired, Bannan is among those advocating for a renewed examination of the evidence. “What ended up on the intelligence community’s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined,” he stated, emphasizing the need for continued scrutiny despite diminished investigative momentum. The quest to uncover the truth about Covid-19’s origins remains unresolved. More than five years since the outbreak, the debate continues, highlighting not only scientific and geopolitical tensions but also the challenges of seeking answers in the absence of cooperation. Based on a report by the WSJ 2024-12-28 -
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Red Wall MPs Urge Starmer to Take Stronger Stance on Immigration to Secure Seats
Labour MPs representing the Red Wall constituencies are urging party leader Sir Keir Starmer to adopt a tougher position on immigration to prevent losing ground to Reform, the party led by former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. The group, unofficially known as the “Red Wall Caucus,” consists of around 35 MPs from the North and Midlands, regions traditionally considered Labour strongholds but which saw significant Conservative gains in 2019. These MPs, led by Jo White, the newly elected representative for Bassetlaw, are advocating for Sir Keir to emphasize his commitment to addressing immigration concerns and to focus on other pressing issues affecting working-class communities, such as access to GPs, anti-social behavior, and the rising cost of living. The group believes that failing to address these concerns could lead to a shift in voter support toward Reform in these Brexit-supporting areas. Jonathan Hinder, Labour MP for Pendle and Clitheroe and a member of the Red Wall Caucus, highlighted the need for clear communication from the party regarding their policies on reducing migration levels. “The British people want our borders secure and net migration brought down after the Tories totally lost control,” Hinder stated. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that constituents hear directly from Labour about their plans and that the party’s messaging aligns with the priorities of voters in Red Wall areas. The MPs are actively engaging with ministers and pollsters to refine their policy approach and ensure the government understands the concerns of their communities. “It’s about having conversations with ministers to ensure they’re hearing what we see as important, so they assist with them in policy development,” the group explained. They described maintaining a “positive relationship with the Government” as a key strategy for achieving their objectives. This push comes as the UK grapples with record-high net migration levels, which peaked at nearly one million last year. Although recent figures show a 20% reduction, with net migration standing at 728,000 in the year to June 2024, the issue remains a focal point for public and political discourse. Sir Keir has pledged to reduce net migration but has refrained from setting a specific target, unlike his clear commitments on other policy areas. The Red Wall MPs argue that stronger and more vocal leadership on immigration, along with tangible action on issues like anti-social behavior and healthcare access, is essential for Labour to retain support in these constituencies. As Reform continues to draw attention from disillusioned voters, the Labour Party faces a critical challenge in balancing its policies to address the concerns of Red Wall communities while maintaining its broader appeal across the country. Based on a report by the Daily telegraph 2024-12-28
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