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As fireworks light up the American sky on this July 4th, a different kind of spark is flying across global trade circuits. In a dramatic departure from traditional deal-making, President Donald Trump has launched what could be the most formidable global trade showdown in recent history. Gone are the days of intricate diplomatic negotiations—Trump has opted for a more straightforward approach: one-size-fits-all tariffs. This shift in strategy could significantly impact economies worldwide, with Thailand finding itself in an uneasy spotlight. From today, formal letters will start landing on foreign desks, outlining fixed tariffs ranging from 20% to a staggering 50% on goods being imported into the United States. The rate each country faces hinges upon their existing trade status with the US and their eagerness to secure a deal. Before hopping on a flight to Iowa, Trump fired a rhetorical salvo, “There are 170 countries; how many deals can you…

Imagine eagerly plunging into the vibrant world of Thailand, a paradise renowned for its rich culture, mouthwatering street food, and of course, its famous Thai massages. But for one unlucky tourist, a quest for affordable relaxation turned into a disconcerting medical escapade. Let’s set the scene: Our befuddled traveler finds himself in the boisterous, lively alleys of Thailand, where ambient street sounds echo through the tightly packed lanes. Here, he encounters the unmistakable allure of a Thai massage offered at the irresistible price of just $5 USD, roughly 180 baht. Who could resist such a bargain? Little did he know, this would lead to a “massage-gone-wrong” tale worthy of a horror anthology. Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency room maestro from California, sounded the alarm in a spirited TikTok exposé, delivering a clear cautionary tale to the masses. Dr. Whittington revealed the unfortunate fallout: our hapless tourist awoke to a carnival…

In a twist worthy of any political thriller, Thailand’s contentious casino bill, aimed at legalizing sprawling entertainment complexes across this captivating Southeast Asian nation, is facing a potentially dramatic demise. Ministers are racing to quell public discontent and bridge political divides, as the Entertainment Complex Bill teeters on the edge of withdrawal from the legislative agenda. The debate reaches fever pitch with MPs slated to meet on July 9, and anticipation hangs thick in the air. In the spotlight, Minister Chousak Sirinil, an influential figure within the Prime Minister’s Office, shed light on the swirling uncertainties during a press briefing on July 3. The decision to either delay or entirely abandon the bill now sits at the heart of government deliberations. “To withdraw it, approval must be obtained from both the Cabinet and the House of Representatives,” Chousak announced with the gravitas of a seasoned diplomat. “However, if there’s no…

In the tranquil lanes of Baan Phru Samphan, a seemingly ordinary neighborhood in the Thepkrasattri subdistrict of Phuket, an unassuming grocery shop has become the center of an extraordinary scandal. Behind its benign exterior, this local corner shop was revealed as a bold front for something far more sinister—drug dealing. Shocked officials, armed with a tip-off and steely determination, staged a dramatic sting operation on the evening of July 2, cracking open a clandestine hub for distributing methamphetamine, locally known as yaba. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet streets, Phuket Provincial Defence Officer Akkara Suwatthikul spearheaded the operation. Supported by a diligent team of ten members from the Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor), Suwatthikul was resolute about dismantling this illegal enterprise that had tainted the neighborhood’s peace. The raid was the culmination of mounting complaints from exasperated locals, who asserted that the shop owner…

In the heart of northeastern Thailand lies Buriram, a province that could easily be the setting for a daring escapade novel. Just a day ago, the humdrum routine of Buriram Provincial Prison was shattered when inmate number 42, Kowit—known by the rather colorful sobriquet Ko Kuad Khunod—staged a thrilling escape worthy of a Hollywood screenplay. Hailing from the less glamorous realm of cattle theft, Kowit has now ascended to local legend status by executing an audacious prison break. Using wit over weapons, he ingeniously crafted a makeshift rope from blankets, performing a feat reminiscent of classic prison break films. At precisely 1 PM on the warm afternoon of July 3, he slipped over the forbidding high walls of the prison, leaving a trail of disbelief and excitement in his wake. The alert went out swiftly across the region. Determined to recapture the elusive fugitive, Buriram Governor Piya Pijanam announced a…

Pattaya’s shiny tourist image is taking a battering and city leaders are scrambling to clean it up. In a dramatic crackdown this week, police swept through beaches, bridges and backstreets, clearing homeless encampments, beggars, and suspected human trafficking victims in an attempt to reclaim public spaces. The operation, ordered by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, brought together …

The story Pattaya’s purge: Homeless camps cleared in sweeping crackdown as seen on Thaiger News.

Lolit Solis’ Emotional Final Post Before Her Passing Goes Viral LOLIT SOLIS – Veteran showbiz columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis’ final social media post from the hospital has resurfaced, touching the hearts of netizens. Lolit Solis once again became the center of online discussions after her last social media post about being confined in ... Read more

The post Lolit Solis’ Last Hospital Post Resurfaces appeared first on PhilNews.

OWEN FARRELL will join up with the Lions in Australia today after a sensational SOS from tour boss and dad Andy.

The former England captain, 33, replaces Elliot Daly, who broke his arm in Wednesday’s 52-12 win over the Reds in Brisbane.

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Owen Farrell is making a surprise return to the British and Irish Lions squad[/caption]

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Coach Andy Farrell is confident his son will have a part to play[/caption]

Farrell Jr, who is making his fourth Lions tour, is not a straight swap for full-back/wing Elliot Daly but will compete for the No 10 and 12 shirts.

However, Faz has not played for England since the 2023 World Cup and has just signed for old club Saracens again after a disastrous season in France with Racing 92.

And he has also not seen any action for two months because of concussion.

Farrell Sr defended his son’s shock call-up and insists he is in contention for a Test spot.

He said: “If he didn’t have a chance then what is the point?

“Everybody should be competing and that is what everyone in the group would want.

“Along with that, the experience he brings, the support that you need for the group and how you make the room feel.

“He’s the right man at this moment in time. We know how much he looks after himself and prides himself on keeping in good nick.

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“At this stage there are plenty of players who haven’t played for quite some time and experience — knowing what you can do — helps in that.

“It’s what we do in the here and now that counts, isn’t it?

“He flies in and gets here late on Friday night. I’m sure he’ll be dying to get at it.”

Faz, who has 112 England caps, joins Brian O’Driscoll and Alun Wyn Jones among modern greats to go on four Lions tours.

He is highly respected for his leadership and winning mentality.

And his dad added: “The person’s still the person, the character’s still the character and the player inside is still the player inside if he is fit and well and ready to fire.

“We see all the hunger that has always been there. We see him adding to the group and injecting a bit of life and experience.

“There are other coaches in that conversation, it’s not just on me.

“I make the final call and I’m happy to do that but these conversations have been going on in the background about all sorts of players and that’s the call that we came to.”

Daly, 32, said an emotional goodbye to the squad last night as they prepare for tomorrow’s clash with the Waratahs here.

Head coach Farrell said: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s tour is over. He is a Lions legend.”

There are 14 changes to the starting line-up with Irish lock Tadhg Beirne leading the side as skipper Maro Itoje is rested.

Scot Blair Kinghorn is set for his first start on the wing while Ireland’s Hugo Keenan, who was ill and replaced by Daly, makes his Lions debut at full-back.

A MET cop has been sacked after farting in a female officer’s face and laughing when she refused to “pull his finger”.

PC Wayne Sansom is one of two officers who have been axed following gross misconduct.

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PC Wayne Sansom is one of two officers who have been axed following gross misconduct[/caption]

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PC Sansom complained about the Romanians, referring to them as ‘f***ing d***heads’”[/caption]

He asked a WPC to pull his finger at Wembley Police Station in northwest London on November 2021.

Fellow officer PC Ben Jeffries is said to have made “inappropriate and discourteous comments” to the same female officer.

Russell Ford, for the Met Police, previously told a hearing: “When she declined he passed wind in her face from around 10-15 cm away.”

PC Sansom “agrees to the ‘pull my finger’ remark” but denied he actually broke wind.

Mr Ford added: “He fully accepts his attempt at humour was misplaced and inappropriate in a modern policing workplace.

“PC Sansom approached her and asked her to pull his finger, she knew what was intended and told him to move along.

“At this, PC Sansom turned his back, stood on his toes and passed wind in her face.”

Mr Ford said the incident was “corroborated” by another female officer at the time.

He described how after he asked the PC to pull his finger, PC Sansom, in close proximity, turned away from her and “passed wind very loudly – then laughed out loud and walked away.”

Mr Ford then referred to an occasion in mid-December 2021 when the female officer described assisting on a call-out involving “Romanian people who did not speak English” with PC Sansom.

He added: “Back in the writing room, PC Sansom complained about the Romanians, referring to them as ‘f***ing d***heads’.”

The female officer replied: “That’s OK Wayne everyone knows you don’t like Romanian people.”

PC Sansom replied: “That’s not true… I would put my d**k in you.”

He was also accused of asking the female officer “questions about her sexuality” and “calling her a lesbian”.

PC Sansom claims that he only asked the officer “once” about her sexuality after hearing rumours circulate about his colleague’s personal life.

The hearing was told that Sansom was concerned that this could lead to her being “unfairly treated or talked about”.

Meanwhile, Sutton Police Station heard how PC Jeffries made “discourteous remarks” to the same female officer about her sexuality.

PC Jeffries also took a picture of his testicles using the female officer’s mobile phone at an Extinction Rebellion protest on 25 August 2021.

A nine-day hearing found that both officers had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, authority, respect and courtesy, and equality and diversity.

It was heard that on multiple occasions, dating back to 2020, the officers made racist, misogynistic, sexual and homophobic remarks to several colleagues while on duty.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who leads policing for the North West Command, said: “The actions and comments made by both PC Jeffries and PC Samson were disgusting, wholly inappropriate and fell far below the standards expected of Met police officers. It is right they have been dismissed.

“I would encourage our staff to continue to report any wrongdoing so that we can take action.”

SAM STONE is ready for boos ringing in his ears after ‘downing tools’ at Salford.

But the Warrington man admits he is disappointed at being cast as the villain for doing the ‘right thing.’

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The Australian forward will be the target of angry fans when he returns to the Red Devils after boss Paul Rowley told how he quit ahead of a move after months of uncertainty over wages and what was happening.

While not denying he did, he is now in a better space than wondering if he would get paid on time or even if the club would survive.

And he believes that when people take a deep breath, things may be portrayed differently.

Back rower Stone, 27, technically on loan, said: “I spoke to Paul about possibly having this move and he kind of said that he would talk and see what they could get done.

“For me, I kind of just felt it was the right thing to do and it was a tough one.

“I was very 50-50 on it and it’s just kind of the way it ended up playing out. I thought the move was the right thing to do. I don’t know how to put it.

“I didn’t really understand the severity of the situation until I think it was maybe round two when we didn’t get paid. That’s when I first realised we had a bit of an actual issue.

“It was not an enjoyable process for me but I was a little bit disappointed with how that all came out.

“I think if some people had their time again, they might have said it a little bit differently but I’ve got nothing but respect for everyone that’s suffered and I wish them nothing but the best.”

Stone was part of a Red Devils playing group that met owners Sire Kailahi and Curtiz Brown – and was not told what it wanted to hear.

Even if things come good, people in that room will not forget what came out of their mouths.

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Above all, though, is a feeling of what might have been down the A57 at his now former club.

Stone added: “They spoke to the whole group, they spoke to all players and staff.

“It was probably the opposite of what I was expecting to hear, but it’s hard to say what’s going on behind the scenes there because we never really understood what was going on and we weren’t really informed too much.

“I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I don’t think anyone within the club really understands it either.

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“We didn’t really have much of an idea, or at least I didn’t know what was going on. It was just trying to go about your job as well as you could and then you’d get updates along the way where it was all up to.

“But it is a pressure relief to not have to worry about that sort of stuff and just move ahead and concentrate on the games of rugby.

“I feel for the boys in that situation. I’m sure everyone’s asking that question and there’s those conversations within the families that are going on because it’s people’s livelihoods.

“At the start of the year, before all that started, we were all excited at Salford to build on a pretty good season and that’s what we all were signing up for and striving for a common goal, to go and try and win some trophies

“The most disappointing part for me was what was once a really tight-knit group of boys that were striving for winning trophies all got ripped apart and that’s not what everyone signed up for.”