International news with relevance to Thai and regional readers
Donald Trump doubled down on his heavily criticized warning of a coming American “bloodbath” Tuesday as he told supporters US communities faced “plunder, rape and slaughter” at the hands of illegal immigrants. In some of his most inflammatory comments to date on border security, Trump accused President Joe Biden of unleashing “carnage, chaos and killing”
Tokyo, Japan – The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded its tsunami warning for Japan’s southern islands to a “tsunami advisory” on Wednesday after a powerful earthquake in eastern Taiwan. The JMA said waves as high as one metre (3.3 feet) could be recorded in the region following the earthquake. It had previously warned of an estimated maximum tsunami height of three metres.
Tokyo, Japan – Japan’s royal family is now on Instagram — but don’t expect any candid selfies from its official account, which went live Monday in a cautious social media debut for the ancient monarchy. The first 19 posts are formally staged photos and videos of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako carrying out royal duties at
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara will soon visit Japan to hold talks regarding reports that Japan may cancel the visa-free privilege for Thai travelers due to the increasing number of Thais overstaying their allowed time. He said today that, while he is concerned about the reports, Japan has the right to revoke the visa exemption for
London, United Kingdom – Nearly one in five teachers in England says they have been hit by a pupil in the past year, a poll revealed Thursday, as schools grapple with a post-pandemic slide in behaviour. The findings come after education chief Amanda Spielman last year blamed a national increase in disruptive classroom behaviour on the
Baltimore, United States – The bodies of two construction workers were found in the cold waters of Baltimore harbor Wednesday, trapped in their red pick-up truck after a giant cargo ship slammed into the bridge they had been filling potholes on, causing a thunderous collapse. Maryland police announced the grim discovery at a press conference, adding
Indonesia’s top court heard appeals lodged by two losing presidential candidates who are demanding a revote, alleging widespread irregularities and fraud at the polls in appearances before the judges Wednesday. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto won the election with an overwhelming margin: 58.6%, or more than 96 million votes, according to the General Election Commission —
The Thai Embassy in Washington DC has confirmed that no Thais have been hurt in the accident involving the collapse of a major bridge in Baltimore, after being struck by a cargo ship, saying “The embassy has checked with Thai communities and students and found no Thais affected by the accident.” The embassy will, however,
A major bridge collapsed in Baltimore on Tuesday, blocking one of the busiest US commercial harbours, after a heavily laden cargo ship lost power and smashed into a support column despite desperate attempts to stop in time. Six people – all members of a nighttime construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Istanbul, Turkey – A Turkish security official on Tuesday said two of the Moscow concert hall attack suspects travelled “freely” to Russia as no arrest warrants were issued against them. Russian authorities detained 11 people in connection with Friday’s attack, which saw camouflaged gunmen storm into Crocus City Hall, open fire on concert-goers and set the
Brussels, Belgium – When Yasushi Sasaki moved from Japan to Belgium at the age of 19, he spoke not a word of French and had no clue what he would do with his life. Last month, at the age of 52, he was named Brussels’ chocolatier of the year by the prestigious Gault&Millau food guide —
Four men accused of involvement in the Moscow concert hall attack that killed at least 137 people were charged with terrorism Sunday and ordered to be detained pending trial. All four risk a life sentence in prison, a statement from Moscow’s Basmanny district court said. The men were ordered to be held until May 22,
