Wild Rice's Homepar banned by IMDA for glamourising drug use; Thai PM leaked phone call: Paetongtarn Shinawatra to visit army commander to defuse political crisis: Singapore live news
A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection."
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang on Friday (20 June), in an attempt to repair ties with the military following a leaked phone call that has thrown her administration into crisis.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection."
In a statement on Friday (June 20), IMDA said the new material was found to be in breach of the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC). This was done in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For more on the banned Wild Rice performance, read here.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang on Friday (20 June), in an attempt to repair ties with the military following a leaked phone call that has thrown her administration into crisis.
In the call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, Paetongtarn referred to Boonsin – commander of forces in northeast Thailand – as her 'opponent' while discussing an ongoing border dispute. The remarks, which surfaced online earlier this week, triggered political backlash, prompting the withdrawal of key coalition partner Bhumjaithai and fuelling speculation about the government's future.
Paetongtarn, who has been in office for less than a year, issued a formal apology on Thursday while flanked by army and police chiefs.
For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leaked phone call, read here.
A woman is suing Singapore Airlines after she suffered a severe allergic reaction mid-flight, allegedly caused by a meal containing shrimp that was mistakenly served to her despite advance warnings.
In her legal complaint, 41-year-old Manhattan resident Doreen Benary said she had informed the cabin crew of her shrimp allergy upon boarding flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to New York on 8 October 2024. But during the business class meal service, she claimed a crew member served her a meal containing shrimp, which she unknowingly ate. She only realised it after she "began to feel ill".
"Despite the aforesaid warnings, during the course of the subject flight's meal service, a member of [the] cabin crew served [Benary] a meal containing shrimp," the complaint read.
Benary questioned the cabin crew member who admitted to the error and apologised. By then, her situation worsened and Benary was 'violently ill', prompting an emergency diversion to Paris. She was rushed to a hospital in France, then a second facility, where she reportedly underwent "painful emergency medical treatment".
For more on the lawsuit against SIA, read here.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in discussions with insurer Great Eastern (GE) following the latter's decision to suspend the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth hospitals.
In response to media queries, MOH stated that Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers "would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts".
GE had notified its panel doctors earlier this week that it would temporarily halt the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth and Mount Elizabeth Novena hospitals from 17 June. The insurer high costs from the two hospitals, compared with other private hospitals, were the reason for the decision.
GE clarified that the decision does not reflect on the quality of clinical care at Mount Elizabeth hospitals but that they were "prioritising facilities that deliver the same high-quality care with greater cost transparency and cost-effectiveness"
A GE spokesperson told The Straits Times that the insurer "continues to be in active discussions with the hospital group involved and also the Ministry of Health on this topic".
On the issue of IPs and additional coverage, MOH said in an email, "As these are commercial products, while MOH regulates the key parameters of IPs for financial sustainability, individual insurers' changes to administrative processes such as pre-authorisation framework and partnerships with private providers are based on their commercial and actuarial considerations."
For more on the GE suspension of pre-authorisation certificates, read here.
A cyclist who suffered a gunshot wound while riding in a gazetted area on 15 June may have taken steps to conceal his tracks from authorities. The 42-year-old man, identified as L, did not tell the police and National University Hospital (NUH) that he had been cycling near the Nee Soon live-firing range when he was hit by a projectile.
According to checks by The Straits Times (ST) of the data on the Strava app, L entered the cycling trail from Chestnut Nature Park at about 9.50am on 15 June 15. He was with a group of about 10 cyclists at the time, and a regular riding partner identified as W.
ST reported that W deleted details on Strava of his ride on 15 June 15. But, the route he took was mapped out on Garmin account, which is accessible to the public. After leaving Chestnut Nature Park, the pair entered the Woodcutter's Trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) at about 11am.
The Ministry of Defence said in an earlier statement that the man was hit by a bullet slug at about 11.40am.
The police said NUH alerted them at 11.55pm of the gunshot wound. In his initial interview with police investigators, L denied being anywhere near the restricted areas when he was injured. He only admitted to it the next day.
W has privatised his Strava and Garmin accounts after the morning of 19 June.
The cyclist is under investigation for wilful trespass.
For more on the cyclist and the gazetted area, read here.
Singapore Pools Toto draw for 19 June saw one lucky ticket take home the Group 1 prize of over $12.3 million.
The single winning share amount of over $12.3 million is the third highest recorded by Singapore Pools behind $13.1 million in May 2024 and $13 million in October 2023.
The winning numbers for Thursday's draw (19 June) are 1, 10, 37, 40, 47 and 45, with the additional number being 19. The winning ticket was bought from an NTUC FairPrice at Yew Tee Point (1 QuickPick System 7 Entry).
For more on the Group 2 winning tickets, read here.
Two Singaporean men were arrested in Thailand on 17 June, along with a Thai national, for their alleged roles in running a transnational vice syndicate, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Wednesday (19 June).
The Singaporean suspects, aged 36 and 38, and the 50-year-old Thai man, were arrested in a joint cross-border operation between the SPF and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The operation saw assets worth over 20 million baht (S$790,600) seized, including luxury condos, cash, mobile devices and SIM cards. The SPF also froze over S$1.26 million in suspected criminal proceeds held in a Singapore bank account belonging to the 38-year-old man.
According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, one of the Singaporean suspects was arrested upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, while the other arrested at his residence in Thailand.
Investigations started in 2023 and revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited foreign women and deployed them to Singapore as vice workers. From April 2023 to May 2025, at least 76 such women linked to the operation have been arrested, and the SPF said the resulting investigations "established useful information" against the syndicate.
Singapore's Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Yeo Yee Chuan said, "The SPF is committed to working closely with our regional partners, and we thank the RTP for their invaluable collaboration in dismantling this criminal network to prevent the exploitation of women, stem the scourge of transnational crimes and take affirmative actions against the laundering of criminal proceeds."
For more on the arrests, read here.
A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection."
In a statement on Friday (June 20), IMDA said the new material was found to be in breach of the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC). This was done in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For more on the banned Wild Rice performance, read here.
Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang on Friday (20 June), in an attempt to repair ties with the military following a leaked phone call that has thrown her administration into crisis.
In the call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, Paetongtarn referred to Boonsin – commander of forces in northeast Thailand – as her 'opponent' while discussing an ongoing border dispute. The remarks, which surfaced online earlier this week, triggered political backlash, prompting the withdrawal of key coalition partner Bhumjaithai and fuelling speculation about the government's future.
Paetongtarn, who has been in office for less than a year, issued a formal apology on Thursday while flanked by army and police chiefs.
For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leaked phone call, read here.
A woman is suing Singapore Airlines after she suffered a severe allergic reaction mid-flight, allegedly caused by a meal containing shrimp that was mistakenly served to her despite advance warnings.
In her legal complaint, 41-year-old Manhattan resident Doreen Benary said she had informed the cabin crew of her shrimp allergy upon boarding flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to New York on 8 October 2024. But during the business class meal service, she claimed a crew member served her a meal containing shrimp, which she unknowingly ate. She only realised it after she "began to feel ill".
"Despite the aforesaid warnings, during the course of the subject flight's meal service, a member of [the] cabin crew served [Benary] a meal containing shrimp," the complaint read.
Benary questioned the cabin crew member who admitted to the error and apologised. By then, her situation worsened and Benary was 'violently ill', prompting an emergency diversion to Paris. She was rushed to a hospital in France, then a second facility, where she reportedly underwent "painful emergency medical treatment".
For more on the lawsuit against SIA, read here.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in discussions with insurer Great Eastern (GE) following the latter's decision to suspend the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth hospitals.
In response to media queries, MOH stated that Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers "would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts".
GE had notified its panel doctors earlier this week that it would temporarily halt the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth and Mount Elizabeth Novena hospitals from 17 June. The insurer high costs from the two hospitals, compared with other private hospitals, were the reason for the decision.
GE clarified that the decision does not reflect on the quality of clinical care at Mount Elizabeth hospitals but that they were "prioritising facilities that deliver the same high-quality care with greater cost transparency and cost-effectiveness"
A GE spokesperson told The Straits Times that the insurer "continues to be in active discussions with the hospital group involved and also the Ministry of Health on this topic".
On the issue of IPs and additional coverage, MOH said in an email, "As these are commercial products, while MOH regulates the key parameters of IPs for financial sustainability, individual insurers' changes to administrative processes such as pre-authorisation framework and partnerships with private providers are based on their commercial and actuarial considerations."
For more on the GE suspension of pre-authorisation certificates, read here.
A cyclist who suffered a gunshot wound while riding in a gazetted area on 15 June may have taken steps to conceal his tracks from authorities. The 42-year-old man, identified as L, did not tell the police and National University Hospital (NUH) that he had been cycling near the Nee Soon live-firing range when he was hit by a projectile.
According to checks by The Straits Times (ST) of the data on the Strava app, L entered the cycling trail from Chestnut Nature Park at about 9.50am on 15 June 15. He was with a group of about 10 cyclists at the time, and a regular riding partner identified as W.
ST reported that W deleted details on Strava of his ride on 15 June 15. But, the route he took was mapped out on Garmin account, which is accessible to the public. After leaving Chestnut Nature Park, the pair entered the Woodcutter's Trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) at about 11am.
The Ministry of Defence said in an earlier statement that the man was hit by a bullet slug at about 11.40am.
The police said NUH alerted them at 11.55pm of the gunshot wound. In his initial interview with police investigators, L denied being anywhere near the restricted areas when he was injured. He only admitted to it the next day.
W has privatised his Strava and Garmin accounts after the morning of 19 June.
The cyclist is under investigation for wilful trespass.
For more on the cyclist and the gazetted area, read here.
Singapore Pools Toto draw for 19 June saw one lucky ticket take home the Group 1 prize of over $12.3 million.
The single winning share amount of over $12.3 million is the third highest recorded by Singapore Pools behind $13.1 million in May 2024 and $13 million in October 2023.
The winning numbers for Thursday's draw (19 June) are 1, 10, 37, 40, 47 and 45, with the additional number being 19. The winning ticket was bought from an NTUC FairPrice at Yew Tee Point (1 QuickPick System 7 Entry).
For more on the Group 2 winning tickets, read here.
Two Singaporean men were arrested in Thailand on 17 June, along with a Thai national, for their alleged roles in running a transnational vice syndicate, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Wednesday (19 June).
The Singaporean suspects, aged 36 and 38, and the 50-year-old Thai man, were arrested in a joint cross-border operation between the SPF and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The operation saw assets worth over 20 million baht (S$790,600) seized, including luxury condos, cash, mobile devices and SIM cards. The SPF also froze over S$1.26 million in suspected criminal proceeds held in a Singapore bank account belonging to the 38-year-old man.
According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, one of the Singaporean suspects was arrested upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, while the other arrested at his residence in Thailand.
Investigations started in 2023 and revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited foreign women and deployed them to Singapore as vice workers. From April 2023 to May 2025, at least 76 such women linked to the operation have been arrested, and the SPF said the resulting investigations "established useful information" against the syndicate.
Singapore's Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Yeo Yee Chuan said, "The SPF is committed to working closely with our regional partners, and we thank the RTP for their invaluable collaboration in dismantling this criminal network to prevent the exploitation of women, stem the scourge of transnational crimes and take affirmative actions against the laundering of criminal proceeds."
For more on the arrests, read here.
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Wild Rice's Homepar banned by IMDA for glamourising drug use; 'Basic necessity': More than 2,000 sign petition calling for free tap water at F&B outlets: Singapore live news
A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection." A petition calling on the Government to mandate free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets that already impose a 10 per cent service charge has gained traction. There are over 2,000 signatures as of 20 June. Launched on by Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, the petition argues that water is a "basic necessity". Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. A petition calling on the Government to mandate free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets that already impose a 10 per cent service charge has gained traction. There are over 2,000 signatures as of 20 June. Launched on by Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, the petition argues that water is a "basic necessity". Dr Yee told AsiaOne that the petition came about he observed how food and beverage outlets seem to be "encouraging" diners to buy drinks to "boost profit margins". Dr Yee said: "The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about $60 per person. "And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra $5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far." This is not the first time the issue has surfaced, though. Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle, have previously urged the Government to explore making free table water standard practice. In 2021, Christopher de Souza questioned "whether table water can be mandatorily made free-of-charge at F&B establishments" since Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. During the Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam urged the ministry to work with eateries, coffee shops and shopping malls to provide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice. However, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu has pushed back, stating that while Singapore's tap water is safe, providing it still incurs costs, and thus cannot be mandated under the Environmental Public Health Act. For more on the free tap water petition, read here. A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection." In a statement on Friday (June 20), IMDA said the new material was found to be in breach of the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC). This was done in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. For more on the banned Wild Rice performance, read here. A woman is suing Singapore Airlines after she suffered a severe allergic reaction mid-flight, allegedly caused by a meal containing shrimp that was mistakenly served to her despite advance warnings. In her legal complaint, 41-year-old Manhattan resident Doreen Benary said she had informed the cabin crew of her shrimp allergy upon boarding flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to New York on 8 October 2024. But during the business class meal service, she claimed a crew member served her a meal containing shrimp, which she unknowingly ate. She only realised it after she "began to feel ill". "Despite the aforesaid warnings, during the course of the subject flight's meal service, a member of [the] cabin crew served [Benary] a meal containing shrimp," the complaint read. Benary questioned the cabin crew member who admitted to the error and apologised. By then, her situation worsened and Benary was 'violently ill', prompting an emergency diversion to Paris. She was rushed to a hospital in France, then a second facility, where she reportedly underwent "painful emergency medical treatment". For more on the lawsuit against SIA, read here. A Chinese student, who had been studying at University College London, has been jailed for life after being found guilty of drugging and raping 10 women. Zhenhao Zou, 28, a PhD student was convicted of 11 counts of rape, including offences committed in both London and China between September 2019 and May 2023. Only two of his victims have so far been identified, and the other eight have yet to be traced. Zou filmed the assaults, which took place while the women were unconscious, and kept their belongings – including earrings, hair accessories, and lipstick – in what prosecutors called a 'trophy box'. Zou is sentenced to life with a minimum term of 24 years, and was labelled a "sexual predator" by Judge Rosina Cottage. She said that Zou 'planned and executed a campaign of rape', treating the women "callously" and as "sex toys" for his own pleasure, which had "devastating and long-term effects". For more on the Zhenhao Zou's sentence, read here. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang on Friday (20 June), in an attempt to repair ties with the military following a leaked phone call that has thrown her administration into crisis. In the call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, Paetongtarn referred to Boonsin – commander of forces in northeast Thailand – as her 'opponent' while discussing an ongoing border dispute. The remarks, which surfaced online earlier this week, triggered political backlash, prompting the withdrawal of key coalition partner Bhumjaithai and fuelling speculation about the government's future. Paetongtarn, who has been in office for less than a year, issued a formal apology on Thursday while flanked by army and police chiefs. For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leaked phone call, read here. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in discussions with insurer Great Eastern (GE) following the latter's decision to suspend the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth hospitals. In response to media queries, MOH stated that Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers "would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts". GE had notified its panel doctors earlier this week that it would temporarily halt the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth and Mount Elizabeth Novena hospitals from 17 June. The insurer high costs from the two hospitals, compared with other private hospitals, were the reason for the decision. GE clarified that the decision does not reflect on the quality of clinical care at Mount Elizabeth hospitals but that they were "prioritising facilities that deliver the same high-quality care with greater cost transparency and cost-effectiveness" A GE spokesperson told The Straits Times that the insurer "continues to be in active discussions with the hospital group involved and also the Ministry of Health on this topic". On the issue of IPs and additional coverage, MOH said in an email, "As these are commercial products, while MOH regulates the key parameters of IPs for financial sustainability, individual insurers' changes to administrative processes such as pre-authorisation framework and partnerships with private providers are based on their commercial and actuarial considerations." For more on the GE suspension of pre-authorisation certificates, read here. A cyclist who suffered a gunshot wound while riding in a gazetted area on 15 June may have taken steps to conceal his tracks from authorities. The 42-year-old man, identified as L, did not tell the police and National University Hospital (NUH) that he had been cycling near the Nee Soon live-firing range when he was hit by a projectile. According to checks by The Straits Times (ST) of the data on the Strava app, L entered the cycling trail from Chestnut Nature Park at about 9.50am on 15 June 15. He was with a group of about 10 cyclists at the time, and a regular riding partner identified as W. ST reported that W deleted details on Strava of his ride on 15 June 15. But, the route he took was mapped out on Garmin account, which is accessible to the public. After leaving Chestnut Nature Park, the pair entered the Woodcutter's Trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) at about 11am. The Ministry of Defence said in an earlier statement that the man was hit by a bullet slug at about 11.40am. The police said NUH alerted them at 11.55pm of the gunshot wound. In his initial interview with police investigators, L denied being anywhere near the restricted areas when he was injured. He only admitted to it the next day. W has privatised his Strava and Garmin accounts after the morning of 19 June. The cyclist is under investigation for wilful trespass. For more on the cyclist and the gazetted area, read here. Singapore Pools Toto draw for 19 June saw one lucky ticket take home the Group 1 prize of over $12.3 million. The single winning share amount of over $12.3 million is the third highest recorded by Singapore Pools behind $13.1 million in May 2024 and $13 million in October 2023. The winning numbers for Thursday's draw (19 June) are 1, 10, 37, 40, 47 and 45, with the additional number being 19. The winning ticket was bought from an NTUC FairPrice at Yew Tee Point (1 QuickPick System 7 Entry). For more on the Group 2 winning tickets, read here. Two Singaporean men were arrested in Thailand on 17 June, along with a Thai national, for their alleged roles in running a transnational vice syndicate, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Wednesday (19 June). The Singaporean suspects, aged 36 and 38, and the 50-year-old Thai man, were arrested in a joint cross-border operation between the SPF and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The operation saw assets worth over 20 million baht (S$790,600) seized, including luxury condos, cash, mobile devices and SIM cards. The SPF also froze over S$1.26 million in suspected criminal proceeds held in a Singapore bank account belonging to the 38-year-old man. According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, one of the Singaporean suspects was arrested upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, while the other arrested at his residence in Thailand. Investigations started in 2023 and revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited foreign women and deployed them to Singapore as vice workers. From April 2023 to May 2025, at least 76 such women linked to the operation have been arrested, and the SPF said the resulting investigations "established useful information" against the syndicate. Singapore's Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Yeo Yee Chuan said, "The SPF is committed to working closely with our regional partners, and we thank the RTP for their invaluable collaboration in dismantling this criminal network to prevent the exploitation of women, stem the scourge of transnational crimes and take affirmative actions against the laundering of criminal proceeds." For more on the arrests, read here. A petition calling on the Government to mandate free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets that already impose a 10 per cent service charge has gained traction. There are over 2,000 signatures as of 20 June. Launched on by Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, the petition argues that water is a "basic necessity". Dr Yee told AsiaOne that the petition came about he observed how food and beverage outlets seem to be "encouraging" diners to buy drinks to "boost profit margins". Dr Yee said: "The last straw that broke the camel's back for me was when I recently brought my family to an expensive buffet, about $60 per person. "And they had the audacity not to serve water and instead requiring us to pay an extra $5 for free-flow beverages. I thought it was going too far." This is not the first time the issue has surfaced, though. Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle, have previously urged the Government to explore making free table water standard practice. In 2021, Christopher de Souza questioned "whether table water can be mandatorily made free-of-charge at F&B establishments" since Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. During the Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam urged the ministry to work with eateries, coffee shops and shopping malls to provide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice. However, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu has pushed back, stating that while Singapore's tap water is safe, providing it still incurs costs, and thus cannot be mandated under the Environmental Public Health Act. For more on the free tap water petition, read here. A performance by local theatre company Wild Rice has been banned by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The IMDA cited concerns that the revised script undermined Singapore's anti-drug policies and public trust in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). The show, titled Homepar, was initially approved under an R18 rating, but IMDA said the final script submitted on 5 June contained substantial changes from the original version cleared on 21 April. They said, "The new material depicts and glamorises drug abuse and portrays an undercover CNB officer shielding abusers from detection." In a statement on Friday (June 20), IMDA said the new material was found to be in breach of the Arts Entertainment Classification Code (AECC). This was done in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs. For more on the banned Wild Rice performance, read here. A woman is suing Singapore Airlines after she suffered a severe allergic reaction mid-flight, allegedly caused by a meal containing shrimp that was mistakenly served to her despite advance warnings. In her legal complaint, 41-year-old Manhattan resident Doreen Benary said she had informed the cabin crew of her shrimp allergy upon boarding flight SQ026 from Frankfurt to New York on 8 October 2024. But during the business class meal service, she claimed a crew member served her a meal containing shrimp, which she unknowingly ate. She only realised it after she "began to feel ill". "Despite the aforesaid warnings, during the course of the subject flight's meal service, a member of [the] cabin crew served [Benary] a meal containing shrimp," the complaint read. Benary questioned the cabin crew member who admitted to the error and apologised. By then, her situation worsened and Benary was 'violently ill', prompting an emergency diversion to Paris. She was rushed to a hospital in France, then a second facility, where she reportedly underwent "painful emergency medical treatment". For more on the lawsuit against SIA, read here. A Chinese student, who had been studying at University College London, has been jailed for life after being found guilty of drugging and raping 10 women. Zhenhao Zou, 28, a PhD student was convicted of 11 counts of rape, including offences committed in both London and China between September 2019 and May 2023. Only two of his victims have so far been identified, and the other eight have yet to be traced. Zou filmed the assaults, which took place while the women were unconscious, and kept their belongings – including earrings, hair accessories, and lipstick – in what prosecutors called a 'trophy box'. Zou is sentenced to life with a minimum term of 24 years, and was labelled a "sexual predator" by Judge Rosina Cottage. She said that Zou 'planned and executed a campaign of rape', treating the women "callously" and as "sex toys" for his own pleasure, which had "devastating and long-term effects". For more on the Zhenhao Zou's sentence, read here. Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang on Friday (20 June), in an attempt to repair ties with the military following a leaked phone call that has thrown her administration into crisis. In the call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen, Paetongtarn referred to Boonsin – commander of forces in northeast Thailand – as her 'opponent' while discussing an ongoing border dispute. The remarks, which surfaced online earlier this week, triggered political backlash, prompting the withdrawal of key coalition partner Bhumjaithai and fuelling speculation about the government's future. Paetongtarn, who has been in office for less than a year, issued a formal apology on Thursday while flanked by army and police chiefs. For more on Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leaked phone call, read here. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in discussions with insurer Great Eastern (GE) following the latter's decision to suspend the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth hospitals. In response to media queries, MOH stated that Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers "would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts". GE had notified its panel doctors earlier this week that it would temporarily halt the issuance of pre-authorisation certificates for Mount Elizabeth and Mount Elizabeth Novena hospitals from 17 June. The insurer high costs from the two hospitals, compared with other private hospitals, were the reason for the decision. GE clarified that the decision does not reflect on the quality of clinical care at Mount Elizabeth hospitals but that they were "prioritising facilities that deliver the same high-quality care with greater cost transparency and cost-effectiveness" A GE spokesperson told The Straits Times that the insurer "continues to be in active discussions with the hospital group involved and also the Ministry of Health on this topic". On the issue of IPs and additional coverage, MOH said in an email, "As these are commercial products, while MOH regulates the key parameters of IPs for financial sustainability, individual insurers' changes to administrative processes such as pre-authorisation framework and partnerships with private providers are based on their commercial and actuarial considerations." For more on the GE suspension of pre-authorisation certificates, read here. A cyclist who suffered a gunshot wound while riding in a gazetted area on 15 June may have taken steps to conceal his tracks from authorities. The 42-year-old man, identified as L, did not tell the police and National University Hospital (NUH) that he had been cycling near the Nee Soon live-firing range when he was hit by a projectile. According to checks by The Straits Times (ST) of the data on the Strava app, L entered the cycling trail from Chestnut Nature Park at about 9.50am on 15 June 15. He was with a group of about 10 cyclists at the time, and a regular riding partner identified as W. ST reported that W deleted details on Strava of his ride on 15 June 15. But, the route he took was mapped out on Garmin account, which is accessible to the public. After leaving Chestnut Nature Park, the pair entered the Woodcutter's Trail in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) at about 11am. The Ministry of Defence said in an earlier statement that the man was hit by a bullet slug at about 11.40am. The police said NUH alerted them at 11.55pm of the gunshot wound. In his initial interview with police investigators, L denied being anywhere near the restricted areas when he was injured. He only admitted to it the next day. W has privatised his Strava and Garmin accounts after the morning of 19 June. The cyclist is under investigation for wilful trespass. For more on the cyclist and the gazetted area, read here. Singapore Pools Toto draw for 19 June saw one lucky ticket take home the Group 1 prize of over $12.3 million. The single winning share amount of over $12.3 million is the third highest recorded by Singapore Pools behind $13.1 million in May 2024 and $13 million in October 2023. The winning numbers for Thursday's draw (19 June) are 1, 10, 37, 40, 47 and 45, with the additional number being 19. The winning ticket was bought from an NTUC FairPrice at Yew Tee Point (1 QuickPick System 7 Entry). For more on the Group 2 winning tickets, read here. Two Singaporean men were arrested in Thailand on 17 June, along with a Thai national, for their alleged roles in running a transnational vice syndicate, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Wednesday (19 June). The Singaporean suspects, aged 36 and 38, and the 50-year-old Thai man, were arrested in a joint cross-border operation between the SPF and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The operation saw assets worth over 20 million baht (S$790,600) seized, including luxury condos, cash, mobile devices and SIM cards. The SPF also froze over S$1.26 million in suspected criminal proceeds held in a Singapore bank account belonging to the 38-year-old man. According to Thai media outlet Khaosod English, one of the Singaporean suspects was arrested upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, while the other arrested at his residence in Thailand. Investigations started in 2023 and revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited foreign women and deployed them to Singapore as vice workers. From April 2023 to May 2025, at least 76 such women linked to the operation have been arrested, and the SPF said the resulting investigations "established useful information" against the syndicate. Singapore's Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Yeo Yee Chuan said, "The SPF is committed to working closely with our regional partners, and we thank the RTP for their invaluable collaboration in dismantling this criminal network to prevent the exploitation of women, stem the scourge of transnational crimes and take affirmative actions against the laundering of criminal proceeds." For more on the arrests, read here.
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. KV This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive 'Platinum Package' available for early access and exclusivity. A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details, visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Danny Boyle Says He Would Never Make Oscar-Winner ‘Slumdog Millionaire' Now Amid 'Cultural Appropriation' Concerns
Danny Boyle says he remains proud of Slumdog Millionaire, but he would never make the Oscar-winning film in the current climate. Reflecting on his 2008 Best Picture winner in an interview with The Guardian, Boyle said the film, about a Mumbai ghetto kid (Dev Patel) who wins a quiz jackpot, would be difficult to mount — and for good reasons. More from Deadline '28 Years Later' $5M+, 'Elio' $2.5M-$3M Previews - Thursday Night Box Office What Are The Critics Saying About '28 Years Later'? Deadline On The Red Carpet: Aaron Taylor-Johnson On '28 Years Later's Brexit Nod, Danny Boyle Talks "The Growth" Of Horror, Jodie Comer On "Manifesting" A Movie Musical & Tom Rothman With An Actor Tip 'We wouldn't be able to make that now,' the 28 Years Later director said. 'And that's how it should be. It's time to reflect on all that. We have to look at the cultural baggage we carry and the mark that we've left on the world.' Asked if he felt the production was a form of colonialism, Boyle responded: 'No, no … Well, only in the sense that everything is. At the time it felt radical. We made the decision that only a handful of us would go to Mumbai. We'd work with a big Indian crew and try to make a film within the culture. But you're still an outsider. It's still a flawed method.' He continued: 'That kind of cultural appropriation might be sanctioned at certain times. But at other times it cannot be. I mean, I'm proud of the film, but you wouldn't even contemplate doing something like that today. It wouldn't even get financed. Even if I was involved, I'd be looking for a young Indian film-maker to shoot it.' Boyle's comments suggest he is unlikely to be involved in the effort to revisit Slumdog Millionaire through a film sequel and/or TV adaptation housed at Bridge7, a production company founded by former Netflix executive Swati Shetty and former CAA agent Grant Kessman. Directed by Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy based on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup, Slumdog Millionaire follows the story of 18-year-old Jamal whose life of hardship in the slums of Mumbai gives him the answers he needs to win a Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-style show. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director. Best of Deadline 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More 'Stick' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Apple TV+ Golf Series 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out?
