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Prayut to reduce his media commitments
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 7 September 2024
Destination Thailand Visa Gains Popularity Among Expats FILE photo for reference only. Courtesy of: Jakarta Post The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has rapidly become a popular choice among expat communities both in Thailand and abroad. Designed to cater to remote workers, individuals seeking skills-based education or medical treatment, and families, the innovative visa option is attracting significant interest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337542-destination-thailand-visa-gains-popularity-among-expats/ -
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Destination Thailand Visa Gains Popularity Among Expats
FILE photo for reference only. Courtesy of: Jakarta Post The new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) has rapidly become a popular choice among expat communities both in Thailand and abroad. Designed to cater to remote workers, individuals seeking skills-based education or medical treatment, and families, the innovative visa option is attracting significant interest. While exact statistics are still unavailable, estimates from Thai embassies in neighbouring countries suggest that over 1,000 applications have been submitted worldwide in just under two months. Most of these applications appear to come from digital nomads looking to take advantage of the visa's flexible terms, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. The DTV offers several key advantages over traditional visas. It provides a long validity period of five years with multiple entries, a substantial improvement over the typical one-year extensions for retirement or marriage visas. The initial enrolment fee is 10,000 baht (approximately $300 USD) for an initial period of 180 days, with the option to extend for another 180 days for a fee of 1,900 baht. However, applicants must leave and re-enter Thailand to reset their visa status for another cycle. One notable feature of the DTV is its financial guarantee requirement of 500,000 baht (around $16,000 USD), which is more affordable than the sums required for traditional visas or the five-year Elite visa, the latter of which necessitates a non-returnable fee of 900,000 baht (approximately $26,000 USD). This has prompted many retirees to consider the DTV as a cost-effective alternative, especially since they only need to justify their application. Some agencies in Thailand are already partnering with Muay Thai academies or cookery schools to help applicants meet the visa's enrollment requirements. Despite the ease of online application, DTV requests are referred to respective Thai embassies for consideration and cannot be submitted from within Thailand. Some ambiguities remain, such as differing financial guarantee requirements between embassies. For instance, the Thai embassy in Washington DC requires a checking or savings account in the applicant's name, while the embassy in Laos accepts payslips or other financial guarantees and does not impose an additional service charge beyond the 10,000 baht fee. In contrast, Washington DC charges a service fee of $400 USD (approximately 13,600 baht). As the DTV continues to gain traction, it is poised to become a viable long-term solution for expats looking to live and work in Thailand under flexible and financially feasible conditions. -- 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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The 'noise gardener' problem at my condo
I would like to live in a rainforest I have my bedroom painted as a rainforest with those coloured night lights glowing on the ceiling with stars As for your post I absolutely agree , Why not contact the condo management as well -
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Latest developments and discussion of recent events in the Ukraine War
This. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68273449.amp Europe will need 10 years before it is fully ready to defend itself, the boss of Germany's biggest defence firm, Rheinmetall, told the BBC. Armin Papperger said that ammunition stocks are currently "empty". -
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Blast from the Past - 60's, 70's, 80's,90's Music (2024)
'People down there really like to get it on'. All over the world there are communities who know what a good time means Anyone who's been to a morlam show upcountry knows what I mean. -
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Can you defend yourself?
Isn't there some kind of "morals" though among thugs though not to attack elderly? It used to be ,then again I remember old ladies getting their handbag snatched back in the 1980's I wonder if those "thugs" today who would be in their 60's & 70's now have any regrets what they did? -
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UK Government Migrant Crisis to Intensify Pressure on Anti-Smuggling Efforts
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasized the "moral imperative" to dismantle the criminal networks facilitating dangerous small boat crossings to the UK. Her statement comes ahead of a critical summit involving ministers, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement officials. The meeting follows a tragic incident in which 12 people, including six children and a pregnant woman, lost their lives attempting to cross the English Channel—the deadliest such event in 2024. The devastating incident has brought renewed scrutiny to the government’s strategy for addressing the crisis. Conservative shadow home secretary James Cleverly criticized the government, stating that merely "talking about 'smashing the gangs'" is insufficient given the serious real-life consequences. Yvette Cooper echoed the urgency of the situation, describing how people had been "packed into an unsafe boat which literally collapsed in the water." She reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that these networks are dismantled and brought to justice. To date, more than 21,000 people have made the perilous crossing this year—slightly more than the same period last year, but still 20% lower than in 2022. Following the scrapping of the previous Conservative government's Rwanda plan, which aimed to curb the number of crossings, the current Labour government faces mounting pressure to prove the effectiveness of its approach. The government has vowed to focus on disrupting smuggling gangs, with Mr. Cleverly advocating for the re-establishment of the Rwanda policy to "stop vulnerable people being exploited and secure our border." The summit, chaired by Ms. Cooper, includes participation from Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Attorney General Lord Hermer, and representatives from the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Forces, and the Crown Prosecution Service. NCA head Graeme Biggar is expected to highlight recent successes, including cooperation with Bulgaria that led to the seizure of more than 40 small boats and engines, which could have been used to transport 2,400 people across the Channel. Since last spring, the NCA has seized more than 410 small boats and engines and is currently involved in 70 other investigations, including raids on warehouses in Libya where migrants were being held. The Home Office has announced a "rapid" recruitment of a border security command chief to target these gangs, though no appointment has yet been made. Downing Street has promised an announcement "in the next few weeks." Ms. Cooper highlighted the "encouraging progress" made over the past two months, citing significant seizures of boats and equipment in Europe. She stressed the need for continued efforts, stating that the Border Security Command would unite relevant bodies to investigate, arrest, and prosecute these networks while deepening ties with international partners. Ms. Cooper also emphasized the government's commitment to swiftly removing individuals with no right to remain in the UK, aiming to establish a "fair, firm and functioning asylum system" where the rules are both respected and enforced. The Home Office pointed to a "reset in the relationship with Europe" that has resulted in a 50% increase in NCA officers based with Europol and the deployment of officers to Romania and Southeast Asian countries where gangs are promoting Channel crossings. The recent tragedy in the Channel, the department argued, underscores the "increasingly extreme measures the gangs are willing to contemplate as more people are crammed into less seaworthy vessels." Intelligence reports indicate that smugglers have raised the prices for migrants to cross the Channel, including charging for children to board boats, as their business model faces growing pressure from UK and partner law enforcement. Steve Smith, head of the charity Care4Calais, contended that the "only way to stop the crossings is to create safe routes for people to claim asylum in the UK," urging the government to focus on this solution. Christa Rottensteiner, chief of the UN’s migration agency, echoed this sentiment, stating that more safe and legal routes would reduce demand for smugglers. She also stressed the importance of "good international cooperation" in tackling smuggling along the entire migration route. However, Tony Smith, the former head of the UK Border Force, expressed hope that the government would reconsider scrapping the Rwanda scheme. He argued that the UK must make it clear to migrants in France that getting into a small boat will not guarantee a stay in the UK and that they are likely to be relocated elsewhere. Credit: BBC 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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U.S. News Leaders Raise Concerns Over Declining Press Freedoms
Leaders of major news organizations in the United States are voicing serious concerns about the state of press freedom in the country, especially in light of alarming declines observed in other democratic nations. Traditionally seen as a global beacon for free expression, the United States is now facing what many see as a historic low point in press freedoms. The growing alarm was notably highlighted by A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of The New York Times, who took the unusual step of penning an opinion piece for The Washington Post. In his essay, Sulzberger warned of the dangers facing press freedoms in the U.S., especially in the context of the upcoming election. He pointed to recent trends in democratic nations like Hungary and Brazil, where press freedoms have been significantly eroded, as a stark reminder of the potential risks. "Over the past century in the United States, Trump stands out for his aggressive and sustained efforts to undermine the free press," Sulzberger wrote. He emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding these freedoms, which are explicitly protected by the First Amendment. "I hope our nation, with protections for a free press explicitly enshrined in the First Amendment, will maintain its distinctively open path, regardless of the outcome of this election or any other." Sulzberger's decision to publish his essay in The Washington Post also served as a symbolic gesture of unity among leading news organizations in the fight to protect press freedoms. "I'm grateful to The Post for running it, especially given the length," Sulzberger noted in a message to his staff. He praised The Post for being more than just a competitor, recognizing it as a close partner on matters of press freedom. "These challenges cannot be solved by one institution," he added, underscoring the need for a collective effort to address these issues. The concerns raised by Sulzberger are part of a broader trend within the global news industry. The brutal murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 marked a significant moment in the fight for press freedom, with The Post and its former CEO Fred Ryan becoming prominent voices in this struggle. More recently, Dow Jones CEO and Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour has taken up the mantle, particularly in the wake of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's release from Russia. Latour expressed optimism about the solidarity shown by the global news industry in response to Gershkovich's ordeal. "It's been heartening to see the global news industry come together around Evan," Latour said in an interview with Axios. He noted that this unity has brought the critical issue of press freedom to the forefront in ways that haven't been seen in recent years, especially on such a large scale. As the U.S. grapples with these challenges, the actions of autocratic leaders in countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Russia serve as a cautionary tale. These leaders have spent years undermining the free press, providing a blueprint for democratic leaders in nations like India, Israel, Brazil, and Guatemala, who may be inclined to follow a similar path. Reflecting on the situation in Brazil under former President Jair Bolsonaro, Sulzberger observed, "Though much of the damage he caused to democratic traditions has been reversed, the norms around the free press and free expression remain weakened." The warnings from U.S. news leaders highlight the precarious state of press freedom, both at home and abroad, and underscore the importance of vigilance in protecting this fundamental pillar of democracy. Credit: AXIOS 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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North Korea's Tragic Floods: Executions Reported Amidst Widespread Devastation
Reports have emerged that North Korea may have executed multiple officials following the severe flooding in July that caused catastrophic damage, destroying thousands of homes and leaving up to 1,500 people either dead or missing. According to South Korea’s national intelligence service, the regime in Pyongyang has reportedly taken drastic action, allegedly carrying out executions of officials deemed responsible for the destruction caused by the floods. The intelligence service stated that it has "detected signs" that Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, ordered the execution of 20 to 30 officials. These officials were accused of corruption and dereliction of duty in their handling of the disaster. The South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that during an emergency meeting of the ruling party's politburo, Kim Jong-un had vowed to "strictly punish" those responsible for the damage. The floods, which were triggered by heavy rains, devastated the northern provinces of Jagang and North Pyongan, destroying thousands of hectares of farmland and displacing countless residents. Despite the severity of the situation, North Korean state media has not mentioned any executions, and the reports have not been independently verified. However, TV Chosun, another South Korean outlet, cited an unnamed North Korean official who confirmed that "around 20 to 30 leaders were charged with corruption and dereliction of duty. They have been sentenced to capital punishment." Among those reportedly executed was Kang Pong-hun, the former chief secretary of the Jagang provincial committee of the ruling party. South Korean media also reported that other senior officials, including the public security minister, Ri Thae-sop, were dismissed during the politburo meeting in late July. The situation underscores the brutal measures the North Korean regime is willing to take in response to crises, even when natural disasters are involved. Amidst the reports of executions, Kim Jong-un was seen personally overseeing flood relief efforts. State media released images of him aboard a dinghy in Sinuiju and Uiju County in North Pyongan province, directing an operation that reportedly rescued around 5,000 people trapped by the floodwaters using military helicopters. Despite these efforts, the devastation has left many in a dire situation. A resident from Ryanggang province told Radio Free Asia that the flooding had created a "life-threatening" situation for those in the affected areas. North Korea's vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by its weak infrastructure and its reluctance to accept international aid. The country has a long history of suffering from severe weather events, which have had devastating consequences. In 2012, a rainstorm killed an estimated 169 people, and the country experienced a famine from 1994 to 1998, partly caused by a series of floods and droughts that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. More recently, in 2016, international aid agencies appealed for millions of dollars in relief funds after typhoon-triggered floods in North Korea's remote northeast left 70,000 people homeless and 600,000 others in desperate need of assistance. The current reports of executions highlight the extreme measures the North Korean government may take in response to internal failures, even as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters that threaten the lives and livelihoods of its people. Credit: The Guardian 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Kamala Harris’ Contradictions: A Campaign Without Conviction
Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be a politician plagued by contradictions, repeatedly shifting her stance on key issues while attempting to present a clear image to the American public. Her campaign, marred by inconsistencies, highlights a troubling pattern of flip-flopping that raises questions about her convictions and respect for voters. Recently, Axios' Alex Thompson reported on a "lengthy 'fact-check'" circulated by Harris' team to media allies, attempting to revise her past positions on controversial policies. One of the key points was that Harris “does not support an electric vehicle mandate,” a statement that contradicts her earlier legislative actions. This isn’t so much a fact-check as it is a blatant reversal on a significant issue. Back in 2019, Harris co-sponsored a bill aiming to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2040, pushing for all automobiles to be electric or hydrogen-powered. During her 2020 presidential bid, she even advocated for an accelerated transition by 2035. Yet, when pressed recently on whether she would support the bill she once championed, Harris’ campaign declined to respond for days, ultimately refusing to clarify her stance. This evasiveness leaves voters questioning where she truly stands. It seems Harris is trying to reap the political benefits of distancing herself from a now-unpopular position without directly addressing it. The mixed signals suggest a strategy designed to appeal to moderates while keeping the door open for progressive support. “I don’t support an electric vehicle mandate, but I just might sign one into law,” appears to be the unspoken message, leaving the public guessing about her true intentions. Harris' approach might seem brazen, but it has political logic. With significant media backing, she appears to believe she can craft her narrative without facing the fallout of her past positions. By reshaping her policies in press releases rather than openly addressing them, she aims to appeal to both independent voters and progressives who hope she will revert to her original stances once in office. Harris' political maneuvering doesn’t end with policy; it extends to her public persona. She has been criticized for adopting exaggerated accents when speaking to different audiences, a tactic some see as pandering. This behavior underscores a cynical strategy that only someone as unrestrained as Harris could pursue—shifting styles and messages to fit the crowd, often without consistency or sincerity. Imagine responding with “No comment” during a job interview or altering your speech to mimic your interviewer’s background. Harris, however, seems unbothered by such tactics while making her case to lead the country. Her campaign is not just an exercise in typical political flip-flopping; it’s an embodiment of strategic ambiguity designed to please everyone, yet truly satisfying no one. Politicians have always twisted truths and adapted to suit their needs, but Harris’ lack of a clear vision, coupled with her refusal to firmly articulate her positions, shows a profound disregard for voters. Her recent political pivots are reminiscent of her previous run for the White House, where she supported positions like dismantling private health insurance, defunding the police, abolishing ICE, and embracing the Green New Deal. Now, she claims to oppose all those initiatives, yet insists her “values have not changed.” Each time, there's a figurative wink, signaling yet another shift without a straightforward explanation. Harris' attempt to distance herself from her failed 2020 campaign may be understandable, but the shallow, performative nature of her rebranding efforts is insulting. Her strategy of trying to simultaneously appease the far left while luring back moderates leaves both sides uneasy and raises a critical question: just how little does Kamala Harris think of the American people? As Harris continues her opaque campaign, voters deserve more than evasive answers and carefully curated narratives. The lack of transparency and consistency from someone seeking the highest office in the land is not just disappointing—it’s a disservice to the very people she aims to lead. Credit: NYP 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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UK Considers Sending Prisoners to Estonia to Ease Overcrowding Crisis
The UK government is exploring the possibility of sending offenders to Estonia to address the severe overcrowding in British prisons. According to Sky News, this proposal is one of several options under consideration as the prison system in England and Wales faces extreme pressure, with only around 1,000 spaces reportedly remaining. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has repeatedly warned that the escalating overcrowding crisis could undermine law and order unless immediate action is taken to reduce the strain on the prison system. The problem has been exacerbated in recent months, particularly following riots triggered by the Southport stabbings. Last month, it was reported that there were just 100 spare spaces left in male prisons across the region, bringing the system dangerously close to full capacity. To alleviate the crisis, the government has already implemented several controversial measures, including the early release of prisoners who have served just 40% of their sentences. Typically, offenders in England and Wales, except for the most serious, are released on licence after serving 50% of their sentences. However, this threshold has now been reduced in a bid to free up more prison space. Magistrates have also been advised to consider delaying sentencing for certain offenders to help manage the overcrowding issue. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated, “The new government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons on the point of collapse. We will continue to investigate all viable options to increase the number of places in the prisons estate so we can keep locking up dangerous criminals and protect the public.” The concept of sending UK prisoners to Estonia was first proposed by former Justice Secretary Alex Chalk. At last year's Conservative Party conference, Chalk revealed that the previous government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had initiated exploratory talks with several European countries to potentially rent prison space abroad. The proposal stipulated that any agreements with foreign prisons would need to meet UK standards in terms of facilities and rehabilitation programs. This approach mirrors actions taken by Belgium and Norway, which have rented prison space in the Netherlands over the past decade. In her first address as Justice Secretary, Mahmood criticized the previous administration, accusing Sunak and his team of failing to act on clear warnings about the state of the prison system. “Rishi Sunak and his gang in Number 10 were too weak to heed the warning signs that were flashing,” she said. According to leaked documents, more than 10,000 prisoners were released early between October last year and June this year under the previous government’s policies, highlighting the ongoing struggle to manage the prison population. The current administration continues to explore all possible solutions, including the controversial option of relocating prisoners abroad, as it seeks to address one of the most pressing issues facing the UK justice system today. Credit: Sky News 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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White House Condemns Tucker Carlson’s Interview with Holocaust Denier
White House Condemns Tucker Carlson’s Interview with Holocaust Denier as “Disgusting and Sadistic Insult The Biden administration has strongly condemned far-right commentator Tucker Carlson after he hosted an interview with Darryl Cooper, a podcaster who suggested that the Holocaust was an unintended consequence rather than the deliberate, systematic extermination of Jews by Nazi Germany. The White House described the interview as "a disgusting and sadistic insult to all Americans." On Thursday, the White House entered the fray with a statement released through CNN. Senior Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates denounced the interview, saying, "Giving a microphone to a Holocaust denier who spreads Nazi propaganda is a disgusting and sadistic insult to all Americans, to the memory of the over 6 million Jews who were genocidally murdered by Adolf Hitler, to the service of the millions of Americans who fought to defeat Nazism, and to every subsequent victim of Antisemitism." Bates also refuted Cooper's claim about Churchill, stating, "Hitler was one of the most evil figures in human history and the ‘chief villain’ of World War II, full stop." The administration emphasized that "trafficking in this moral rot is unacceptable at any time, let alone less than one year after the deadliest massacre perpetrated against the Jewish people since the Holocaust and at a time when the cancer of Antisemitism is growing all over the world." Carlson responded to the White House’s condemnation with sharp criticism, accusing the administration of warmongering. “The fact that these lunatics have used the Churchill myth to bring our country closer to nuclear war than at any moment in history disgusts me, and should terrify every American,” Carlson stated in a text message to CNN. “They’re warmonger freaks. They don’t get the moral high ground.” Numerous commentators have highlighted inaccuracies in Cooper’s statements, particularly his assertion that the Nazis “went in with no plan” for housing millions of prisoners of war, which resulted in millions of deaths. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, condemned the interview as “truly revolting.” Greenblatt clarified, “The Nazis’ extensive network of concentration, forced labor, and death camps was part of Hitler’s deliberate plan to exterminate the Jewish people. Inmates didn’t just ‘end up dead’ and they did not ‘surrender.’” Since being dismissed from Fox News a year and a half ago, Carlson has continued to stir controversy through his online videos and public appearances. Despite the outrage surrounding his latest interview, Carlson remains a prominent figure within the Republican Party. He was given a prime time speaking slot at the party’s convention in Milwaukee last month and is set to embark on a live speaking tour across the country this fall. Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee, JD Vance, is expected to join Carlson at an event in Hershey, Pennsylvania, later this month. However, the Cooper interview has raised questions among conservative columnists about whether Vance will continue to associate with Carlson. In response, the Vance campaign issued a statement distancing the senator from the interview, stating, "Senator Vance doesn’t believe in guilt-by-association cancel culture but he obviously does not share the views of the guest interviewed by Tucker Carlson." Credit: CNN 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Trump's Proposed Mortgage Ban for Undocumented Immigrants Sparks Debate
In a recent policy speech, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to ban undocumented immigrants from obtaining home mortgages, a move he argued would help curb rising home prices. This proposal, however, has generated significant debate, as these borrowers make up a small fraction of the U.S. housing market. Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election, made his remarks during an address to the Economic Club of New York, positioning his mortgage ban as a solution to the nation's housing affordability crisis. "The flood of undocumented immigrants is driving up housing costs," Trump declared, stating that his plan would "ban mortgages for illegal aliens." However, he did not provide specifics on how this ban would be implemented. Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. can legally obtain mortgages through special loans designed for taxpayers without Social Security numbers. These loans, while legal, are not widespread. Researchers at the Urban Institute estimate that only 5,000 to 6,000 such mortgages were issued last year. In contrast, over 3.4 million mortgages were granted to all homebuyers in 2023, according to federal data. Trump’s remarks come at a time when housing remains a critical issue for American voters. The pandemic led to unprecedented increases in rent and home prices, and mortgage rates have soared to levels not seen in over two decades. In a recent Wall Street Journal poll, housing ranked as the second-biggest inflation concern for voters, following groceries. Despite Trump's assertions, many affordable housing advocates and real estate professionals believe his mortgage ban would have little impact on home prices. David Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, expressed frustration that such a small segment of the market was being targeted. “It’s unfortunate that given the significant housing affordability crisis that is widely acknowledged across most partisan lines, we are arguing about a minuscule segment of the market,” he said. Gary Acosta, CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, criticized the proposal as a political tactic to vilify immigrants. “It’s just another effort to vilify immigrants and to continue to scapegoat them for any issues that we have here in the United States,” Acosta said. He also noted that mortgage loans for undocumented immigrants typically come with higher interest rates and are often issued by regional credit unions and community development financial institutions. While Trump’s mortgage ban has garnered attention, it remains unclear how much it would affect the broader housing market. Residential real estate purchases by foreign nationals, a related but separate issue, are far more significant, especially in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Yet, these sales have been declining, with many foreign buyers opting to pay cash rather than seek mortgage financing. In addition to the proposed mortgage ban, Trump outlined other measures aimed at reducing housing costs, including cutting regulations for builders and expanding development on federal land. These ideas echo similar proposals from Vice President Kamala Harris, who has also been vocal on housing issues during her campaign. As the 2024 election approaches, housing is likely to remain a key issue for voters. Trump’s proposal has added fuel to an already heated debate, but whether it will have the intended effect on home prices remains to be seen. Credit: WSJ 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Trump Backs Elon Musk's Plan to Slash Government Spending
Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to adopt Elon Musk’s proposal for a government efficiency commission aimed at reducing federal spending if re-elected. Trump revealed that Musk, who originally suggested the plan, has agreed to lead the commission “if he has the time.” The announcement was made during a speech before the Economic Club of New York in Midtown Manhattan, where Trump detailed a seven-pillar economic strategy. “I will create a government efficiency commission tasked with conducting a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government and making recommendations for drastic reforms,” Trump declared. He emphasized that the first order of business would be for the commission to develop an action plan to eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months, projecting savings in the trillions. Despite the ambitious nature of these claims, Trump did not specify the commission's size or funding sources, leaving questions about feasibility. The plan aligns with Trump’s longstanding objective of firing more federal employees and potentially dismantling some federal agencies, a move he has repeatedly advocated. This announcement comes as part of a broader economic vision that Trump hopes to implement if he returns to office. However, given the federal government’s vast scale—employing millions of people and managing annual spending that exceeds $6 trillion—experts are skeptical about the promised benefits and the rapid timescale for implementation. Despite a previously tumultuous relationship, Trump and Musk have recently reconciled, with Musk endorsing Trump earlier this summer following a rally incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump and attendees were targeted by a would-be assassin. This endorsement marks a notable shift, given Musk’s past critical comments about Trump. In 2022, shortly after Trump dismissed him as a “bullshit artist,” Musk remarked on his social media platform X, “I don’t hate the man, but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset.” The pair’s relationship has evolved publicly, with Musk interviewing Trump on X Spaces on August 12, although technical difficulties delayed the event by about 40 minutes. The two now appear united in their shared interest in reforming federal spending and government efficiency. Trump’s broader economic plan, outlined during his speech, also includes several other key initiatives, such as cutting federal regulations, imposing higher tariffs, and making permanent the 2017 tax cuts that he signed into law during his presidency. These proposals form part of Trump’s vision to reshape the American economy, emphasizing a more streamlined government and reduced federal oversight. While Musk’s role in potentially leading this commission adds a high-profile dimension to Trump’s proposal, questions remain about the logistics, scope, and realistic impact of the suggested reforms. As Trump continues to rally support for his economic vision, the proposed efficiency commission highlights his commitment to significant government restructuring, albeit with challenges ahead in turning these bold ideas into reality. Credit: NBC 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Simple Nasal Drops Cut Cold Duration by 2 Days in Children
A new study by UK researchers has found that hypertonic saline nasal drops can significantly reduce the duration of cold symptoms in children, cutting the illness short by two days. This inexpensive and straightforward method not only helps kids recover faster but also lowers the risk of spreading the virus to family members. “Children have up to 10 to 12 upper respiratory tract infections, what we refer to as colds, per year, which have a big impact on them and their families,” said Steve Cunningham, a professor at the University of Edinburgh. “There are medicines to improve symptoms, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, but no treatments that can make a cold get better quicker.” In the study, researchers demonstrated to parents how to make and administer saltwater drops to their children's noses. Each child received three drops in each nostril at least four times a day until their symptoms subsided. The study included 150 children who received the saline drops and 151 who continued with their usual cold treatments. “We found that children using salt water nose drops had cold symptoms for an average of six days where those with usual care had symptoms for eight days,” Cunningham explained. “The children receiving salt water nose drops also needed fewer medicines during their illness.” The study also revealed that families using the nasal drops experienced a lower transmission rate of colds, with only 46% of these households reporting additional family members catching the virus, compared to 61% in households that followed typical treatment methods. The nasal drops were well-received by parents, with 82% reporting that the drops helped their child recover quickly, and 81% expressing their willingness to use them in the future. This positive feedback suggests a practical and effective approach to managing common colds in children. These findings will soon be presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria. Chief investigator Sandeep Ramalingam, a consultant virologist, noted that using saltwater solutions to treat colds is a common practice in South Asia, highlighting the simplicity and accessibility of this approach. Cunningham explained the science behind the effectiveness of the nasal drops, stating that the chloride in the saline solution helps the cells lining the respiratory tract produce hypochlorous acid, a natural defense against viruses. “By giving extra chloride to the lining cells, this helps the cells produce more hypochlorous acid, which helps suppress viral replication, reducing the length of the virus infection, and therefore the duration of symptoms,” Cunningham said. This study offers hope for parents seeking a safe, affordable, and efficient way to manage colds in children, potentially changing the way we approach this common illness in the future. Credit: Sky News 2024-09-07 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe
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