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Report Filipino Scam Victims Return Home from Cambodia's Clutches
File photo for reference only In a concerning revelation, 23 Filipinos have been repatriated from Cambodia, where they were coerced into cyber scams, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). This operation highlights the dark underbelly of overseas job syndicates that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better prospects abroad. Arriving at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 23rd August, the group—comprising nine men and 14 women—shared harrowing stories of deception and mistreatment. Initially lured by the promise of stable employment as customer service representatives with attractive monthly salaries of approximately 55,000 Thai Baht, their reality was starkly different. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado sounded alarms on the deceptive practices used by these syndicates. "These criminals prey on hopes for a better life," Viado stated, lamenting the abuse and despair that awaited these Filipinos instead. Far from the promised roles, the repatriates found themselves forced into the murky world of online love scams, targeting unsuspecting European men. Despite promises, they received a meagre sum of roughly 11,000 Thai Baht, a far cry from initial assurances. Punitive conditions awaited those who failed to meet the scam quotas. Victims reported enduring gruelling squatting exercises, alongside verbal and physical abuse. Some likened their treatment to modern-day slavery, having been "sold" to different companies as mere commodities. The journey into these dire circumstances often began under the guise of tourism. Many left the Philippines presenting as tourists, unaware of the ordeal to come. Notably, one victim travelled with his entire family, initially visiting Thailand before being diverted to Cambodia for the dubious employment. This unsettling episode underscores the need for caution among overseas job seekers. Commissioner Viado urged the public to verify job offers through official channels and remain wary of social media solicitations, emphasising that legitimate opportunities seldom come without thorough vetting. International cooperation and vigilant law enforcement remain critical to dismantling these exploitative networks. As authorities continue to combat these syndicates, the focus remains on rescuing victims and preventing further tragedies. This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that can accompany the pursuit of opportunities abroad. For the 23 Filipinos now regrouping in the safety of home, their ordeal is both a lesson and a call to action against a shadowy world of exploitation. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-08-25 -
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Report Thailand Post Suspends US Parcels as Trump Axes Tax Exemption
Why don't you just cut-n-paste the entire Internet? -
1,708
Updates and events in the War in Ukraine 2025
The crucial question is this: Can Ukraine actually win and if not, are we prepared to risk World War III to try and make it happen? After years of grinding warfare, Ukraine is running low on manpower, ammunition, and international political goodwill. The much-hyped counteroffensives have stalled, territory has been lost, and Western support is showing clear signs of fatigue. Meanwhile, Russia has dug in, ramped up weapons production, and is betting the West will blink first. Now the deeper cost emerges: What does this mean for Ukraine’s long-term survival? A country bled dry, depopulated, economically dependent, and fractured by warlordism or political instability is hardly a “victory.” And for the West, the price of endless war is steepbillions in aid, political polarization, stretched military stockpiles, and growing risk of escalation with a nuclear-armed power. At some point, idealism must confront reality I know that is an anathennma to many here but I beleive it to to be true nonetheless. It's starting to look like one of those stories you hear from old travellers a farang in some Thai bar who realises too late the bill's a scam, the staff are all in on it, and the doors being watched. But instead of cutting his losses, pride gets the better of him. He tries to fight back, not knowing the bouncers been doing Muay Thai since they could walk. The fights over before it begins, but he swings anyway cause backing down feels like loosing face and the longer the farang fightsthe higher the chance he is a dead man. That’s what this war feels like now. We walked in thinking we knew the game, stayed too long hoping it’d make sense, and now we're stuck in something we can’t win. The longer we stay, the more we bleed money, credibility, any sense of direction. And the way out is getting smaller by the day. It also looks like if opinion polls are to be beleived the Ukraianians have had enough as well. August 7th btw LONDON — Most Ukrainians now favor ending the war with Russia through negotiations, as support for fighting until victory has dropped sharply since the early days of the conflict. Although their hopes for joining NATO and the European Union have faded and approval of U.S. leadership has plummeted, Ukrainians still see the EU, U.K. and U.S. as key to ending the war. Yet, most doubt that will happen anytime soon. More than three years into the war, Ukrainians’ support for continuing to fight until victory has hit a new low. In Gallup’s most recent poll of Ukraine — conducted in early July — 69% say they favor a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible, compared with 24% who support continuing to fight until victory. This marks a nearly complete reversal from public opinion in 2022, when 73% favored Ukraine fighting until victory and 22% preferred that Ukraine seek a negotiated end as soon as possible. https://news.gallup.com/poll/693203/ukrainian-support-war-effort-collapses.aspx -
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Trans woman caught smuggling 26 kilos of cannabis into the UK
I just really clicked for the photo....I really had to look twice to believe it was a man before. -
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Why do only Russians love Classical Music, these days?
I enjoy Bruch's music., especially the first movement. All right, I'll bite. What music do you like? Doof doof, perhaps? -
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Community Free Microchips for Pets Offered in Bangkok Registration Drive
About 50% people don't wear helmets, and I believe they also stated 35% don't even have a license, but you think they are going to hurry up (or even care about) microchiping their dogs?! 🤣
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