Latest news with #ANN
The Star
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Defence minister demands public apology for assault on Cambodian soldier at Ta Mone Thom
A former Thai soldier assaulted a Cambodian in uniform at Ta Mone Thom Temple on July 13. Defence minister Tea Seiha (left) has called for a public apology. - Supplied PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's National Defence Minister has demanded that a former Thai patrol soldier, along with Thai authorities, issue a public apology for the unprovoked assault on a Cambodian soldier that took place at Ta Mone Thom temple on July 13. This demand was made in spite of the fact that the suspect has already been arrested by Thai authorities and is facing legal consequences. Speaking today, July 15, at an event to welcome Cambodian peacekeepers returning from the Central Africa Republic, defence minister Tea Seiha explained that on July 13, the former Thai soldier initially approached to shake hands but then suddenly attacked the Cambodian. 'If there was just an apology, I would be satisfied. There could be an apology; I believe there has been an informal apology. However, it hasn't been publicly announced that he apologized to Cambodia,' Seiha said. He further noted that the suspect, identified as 'Sommai', claimed he attacked the Cambodian soldier out of anger after seeing Cambodian civilians at Ta Mone Thom. He alleged that Cambodian soldiers prevented Thai civilians from accessing the temple. According to Seiha, Sommai face legal action in Thailand, as Thai authorities claim Ta Mone Thom belongs to them and plan to prosecute him in a Thai court. However, the minister argued that the suspect should be tried in Cambodia since the incident occurred on Cambodian soil. For now, Cambodia is monitoring the situation. 'What frustrates me even more is that some Thai lawyers have volunteered to defend him. Defending someone when the crime is clear is pointless. Where is the respect for the law in Thailand?' he asked. He noted that the lawyers publicly volunteered their services on social media, seemingly to gain popularity. The arrest was widely reported in Thai media but no updates on the nature of the charges he will face have been made available. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Brunei's lion dance troupe to ‘roar' at world championships
The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe in a group photo. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe will represent Brunei Darussalam at the 15th Genting World Lion Dance Championship from July 25 to 27 at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands, Malaysia. The international competition will see participation from 40 of the world's top lion dance troupes, making it one of the most prestigious and large-scale high-pole lion dance events globally. Unity Charity Association Lion Dance Troupe head coach Master Ong Boon Biau shared; 'We are excited to participate this year again. We have represented Brunei in past editions of the championship. We hope to perform well and make the nation proud.' The national flag handover ceremony was held prior to the team's departure. President of the Unity Charity Association Brunei Jake Goh Kiat Hing encouraged the lion dance team to use the opportunity to showcase Brunei's cultural strength and enhance the nation's traditional lion dance standards on the international stage. He expressed hopes of inspiring more Bruneian youth to take an interest in lion dance as both a sport and a cultural heritage. Goh said his aspiration was for Brunei Darussalam to one day host the World Lion Dance Championship, providing an opportunity for local talent to shine on home ground and further promote cultural exchange in the region. The championship is scheduled to commence on July 25, with the grand finale on July 27. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Thailand to crack down on sale of cannabis-laced sweets
Customers buy cannabis at a cannabis shop on Sukhumvit Road, one of the most popular tourist spots in Bangkok. -- PHOTO: REUTERS BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): The Thai government will intensify its crackdown on jelly candies and other sweets that contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits, a spokeswoman said on Monday (July 14, 2025). Deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan said authorities are concerned that children and young people may be affected by foods, drinks, and sweets containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) above the legal threshold. Nationwide inspections ordered To address the issue, the government has instructed the Ministry of Public Health to coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provincial public health offices nationwide. Their mission is to increase inspections of products containing cannabis extracts. The Public Health Ministry has also sought assistance from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board to inspect cannabis shops across the country to ensure compliance with the law. Penalties for non-compliance Ms Sasikarn said shop owners who mix cannabis into food without permission or who sell food or sweets without proper labelling to warn of THC content could face legal action. Offenders risk a maximum fine of 30,000 baht (S$1,186), a prison sentence of up to three years, or both. Those found selling products with THC levels exceeding the legal limit could face a fine of up to 20,000 baht, a jail term of up to two years, or both. THE NATION THAILAND/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore will step up its support of Timor-Leste's development of its government's capacity, as the region's youngest nation prepares to join Asean as a full member. The upgraded Singapore-Timor-Leste Asean Readiness Support (Stars) package, known as the enhanced Stars (eStars) package, will offer tailored assistance to help the South-east Asian nation meet requirements to join key Asean economic agreements. This was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 14 at a luncheon for visiting Timor-Leste President Xanana Gusmao. Mr Gusmao is on an official four-day visit to Singapore, more than a decade after his first as prime minister in 2013. He received a ceremonial welcome on July 14 before meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Speaking at the lunch held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Mr Wong said the refreshed package will also include training aligned with Timor-Leste's national development priorities, as well as leadership development programmes and scholarships for its future leaders. The eStars package, which runs from July 2025 to December 2028, will offer wider access to Asean-related training courses and expertise to support Timor-Leste's integration into the regional grouping. The first iteration of the Stars initiative formally began in 2022. Addressing Mr Gusmao, PM Wong said: 'Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to Asean is a significant milestone, both for your country and for Asean. Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao (right) was hosted to an official lunch by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Pan Pacific Singapore on July 13. -- ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the Asean family. And we will continue to stand with you on this journey.' Speaking at the same event, Mr Gusmao thanked Singapore for its support over the years, particularly in helping Timor-Leste prepare for Asean membership. He cited the training provided to Timorese civil servants in areas such as negotiation and policy writing, describing it as 'a real difference' that reflects cooperation 'measured not in words, but in actions'. Timor-Leste, with a population of 1.3 million, formally applied to join the regional grouping in 2011. It received in-principle endorsement in May, and its accession is expected to be formalised at the 47th Asean Summit in October. In his speech, PM Wong noted how Mr Gusmao has long-standing ties with Singapore, and that it is proud to be a partner of Timor-Leste. 'We remember well your many contributions to Timor-Leste's journey – fighting for independence, unifying the country, and guiding your people through the early years of nation-building,' Mr Wong said. He added that Singapore has 'stood in solidarity' with Timor Leste even before its independence. Mr Wong noted that the Republic was among the first countries to participate in a multinational peacekeeping mission led by Australia in 1999. Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002, following a 1999 United Nations-sponsored referendum in which an overwhelming majority voted to break away from Indonesian rule. The vote was marred by violence from pro-integration militias, following decades of unrest and foreign occupation. Over the decade since Timor-Leste gained independence, more than a thousand Singapore personnel have worked alongside the Timorese people to provide humanitarian assistance, build institutions, and support its 'transition to peace and stability', PM Wong said. Bilateral ties between Singapore and Timor-Leste have grown steadily, with Singapore starting its embassy in the capital Dili in 2024 – 'a reflection of its commitment to deeper engagement', Mr Wong said. Economic links between both sides are expanding, and Singapore companies are exploring opportunities in hospitality, real estate and other sectors, said PM Wong. He also noted that direct flights between the two countries have resumed, with a mutual visa waiver agreement implemented in 2024. Even prior to the Stars initiative started in 2022, more than 1,100 Timorese officials since 2002 have participated in courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which is Singapore's flagship platform established in 1992 for technical assistance and capacity building for developing nations. These courses help to build capabilities across a range of areas, from public administration to language and communications. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said President Tharman and PM Wong reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Timor-Leste's development through capacity building programmes, welcoming more Timorese officials to participate in the Singapore Cooperation Programme. As his country moves towards full Asean membership, Mr Gusmao acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasised that regional unity and solidarity are more important than ever in an increasingly unstable world. He noted how Singapore's development discipline and clarity of purpose was an example to nations, not only across the region but around the world. Singapore and Timor-Leste are countries of different cultures and histories, but both share a common spirit that their futures must be shaped by their people, said Mr Gusmao. He also spoke about how both nations are diverse and multicultural, and said it was inspiring to see how Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities coexist harmoniously in Singapore. Similarly, he shared how Timor-Leste draws strength from its indigenous roots, Portuguese legacy, and its many languages and traditions. 'This diversity is not a weakness. It is a source of unity, a quiet strength that holds our societies together,' he said. He said there is potential to deepen bilateral cooperation with Singapore, in areas such as tourism, education, infrastructure and investment. Highlighting Timor-Leste's natural beauty, from mountain ranges to tropical beaches rich in marine biodiversity, Mr Gusmao said his country's Blue Economy strategy underscores its commitment to sustainability. 'We welcome partnerships that align with that vision. Not just investment, but collaboration, knowledge-sharing and mutual growth,' he said. PM Wong also thanked Mr Gusmao and the government of Timor-Leste for a gift of 60 sandalwood saplings for Singapore's 60th year of independence. These saplings, he said, are a powerful symbol of how both countries can grow and thrive together in the years ahead – both bilaterally and in Asean. 'I assure you that Singapore will take good care of the saplings and make sure they grow into strong and sturdy trees; befitting of the enduring friendship between our two countries,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Jail, caning for Singapore man who had 285 child porn videos showing over 400 children, including infants
SINGAPORE: A police raid on a digital marketer's home in May 2022 uncovered 285 sexually explicit videos showing over 400 children in his possession. The videos include those involving infant boys below a year old. Investigations revealed that Danial Abdul Rahman had shared such content with others via Twitter and Telegram, but did not receive any money for doing so. On July 14, the 31-year-old Singaporean was sentenced to three years and a month in jail, and four strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to being in possession of such pornographic material. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Benjamin Low told the court that in 2017, Danial went on the Dark Web and downloaded child pornography onto his Google Drive account. He also joined various channels on messaging platform Telegram where such obscene materials were shared and distributed. In 2018, Danial created a Twitter account and posted obscene material showing male adults engaging in sexual activities with one another. He later had up to 500 followers on the platform. The DPP said that some of these followers and other Twitter users then sent him private messages, seeking his help in downloading obscene material, including those involving children. Danial agreed to do so and shared such content with them, before Twitter suspended his account in May 2021. After that, he started receiving requests for child pornography from multiple Telegram users. He then downloaded such content and shared them with the users. Investigations revealed that Danial distributed child pornography to multiple people, including at least five users via Twitter, for at least four years from 2018 to March 2022. Court documents did not disclose how his offence came to light, but police raided his home at around 10am on May 12, 2022 and found 285 sexually explicit videos showing over 400 children, including infant boys below a year old. The videos were between 20 seconds and nearly two hours long. The DPP had urged the court to sentence Danial to up to three years and three months' jail, and six strokes of the cane, adding: 'At least one video showed clear indications that the young male subject depicted in that video was in pain and distress, as evidenced by his crying.' - The Straits Times/ANN
