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Tuesday’s news-Oct 20

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  • Prachuap Khiri Khan video/Thailand faces heavy rain and flood risks/December deadline for foreign land nominee probes/New Cold War tests Thai choices
  • ECONOMY: France unrest offers Thailand lesson/Data centers and AI to fuel investment/World where there might be more people than jobs/Prepare for AI pain points/What do jobseekers need in the age of AI?
  • TOURISM: Thailand’s foreign arrivals fall 4.12%/French protests threatening Thai tourism/Travel subsidies for tour groups/Virgin Atlantic lands in Phuket
  • THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp/Bangkok ranked best culinary city in Asia
  • CLIMATE THAILAND: Toyota investing in pickup plant
  • FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

A Secret in Paradise – Prachuap Khiri Khan

A collaboration of the Hua Hin community reveals why “Prachuap Khiri Khan” is the peoples’ choice in Thailand. A group of local residents, together with schools supported by ex-minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat and local government tell the story of “A Secret in Paradise – Prachuap Khiri Khan”. Continued … 

Video 

Thailand faces heavy rain and flood risks until Sunday

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its seventh heavy-rain warning today, alerting parts of Thailand to heavy to very heavy downpours through Sunday. The warning also forecasts waves above three meters in thunderstorm areas of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

South, east coast: Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pattani and Narathiwat, and isolated very heavy rain in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperatures will be 23–24°C and maximum temperatures 31–33°C. Continued … 

Thailand sets December deadline for foreign land nominee probes

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered officials to complete investigations into suspected nominee arrangements used by foreigners to hold Thai land by December.

Anutin said enquiries must not stop with the name on a land title deed or company share certificates. Authorities must identify the person exercising real control and benefiting from the land, trace assets and examine those connected with any suspected network. Continued … 

New Cold War tests Thai choices

Scholars and experts advise Thailand to maintain strategic flexibility and avoid picking sides to preserve its ability to balance relations between the United States and China. This approach is intended to help the nation navigate the complexities of a new Cold War and avoid the risks associated with being caught in a direct geopolitical confrontation.

The advice emphasizes the importance of preserving strategic balance and flexibility to manage the competing interests of both superpowers. Experts suggest that choosing a side could trigger economic or security-related repercussions, as the competition spans critical sectors like trade, finance, technology, and outer space. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced stance allows Thailand to better manage its diverse relationships, which include navigating US trade policies and managing significant economic ties with China. – Bangkok Post AI

France unrest offers Thailand lesson in debt and fiscal discipline

France’s latest wave of unrest is drawing attention to the financial pressure on one of Europe’s largest welfare states, prompting Thai economists to warn that persistent budget deficits and weak fiscal discipline can eventually constrain public services and leave governments with fewer options during a crisis.

More than 500,000 people joined nationwide demonstrations in France after protests that began among secondary-school students over deteriorating school conditions and teacher shortages broadened into anger over living costs and underfunded public services. Continued … 

Data centers and AI to fuel digital investment boom

The Thai government is prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to transform the country into a regional leader and an intelligent nation. These investments are designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness, enhance digital sovereignty, and unlock new sources of economic growth through improved productivity.

By focusing on these areas, the government aims to transition from a fragmented digital presence to a unified, AI-driven backbone that supports both public and private sectors. Key strategic goals include building a robust foundation of data centers, cloud services, and advanced networking to support high-quality data and computing resources. Additionally, the strategy emphasizes developing a skilled local workforce and creating a globally competitive domestic AI industry to ensure that Thailand can effectively utilize emerging technologies rather than merely relying on imported solutions. – Bangkok Post AI

Where will young people stand in a world where there might be more people than jobs?

As young people hone their skills to enter the labor market, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, and in 15 years, there may be more job seekers than available positions. How will they prepare, and will the labor market create enough opportunities for this new generation?

A conference a the recent IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok featured a key panel discussion under the session Small AI, More and Better Jobs”. The main focus was on sharing data indicating that over the next 15 years, 1.2 billion young people will turn 18 and enter the labor market. The key question is whether the global economy at that time will be able to create enough jobs for these people, especially when AI is transforming work processes, from data searching and analysis to tasks that previously required human skills and experience. Continued … 

Employees warned to prepare for AI pain points as organizations prepare to downsize

Thanit Sorat , vice president of the Thai Employers’ Confederation of Trade and Industry, drew lessons and reflected on the perspectives of global financial leaders at the IMF – World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, pointing out that both the IMF and the World Bank share grave concerns about the impact of AI and advanced technologies, which will have an unprecedented and widespread effect on labor markets and employment.

A report by the IMF and the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates that businesses in Europe and the United States have adopted AI in more than one-third of their operations to enhance competency and productivity. This has already impacted employment in the West by 34%, and it is projected that this impact will expand globally, both directly and indirectly, by an average of 40% in the future. Continued … 

What do jobseekers need in the age of AI?

Artificial intelligence is changing how people work across a wide range of professions, from researching information and writing content to preparing reports and conducting basic data analysis. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster with AI tools. But for jobseekers, an important question remains: as AI becomes capable of doing more, what skills do employers still need from people?

An analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), presented during the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok found that hiring demand in occupations highly exposed to AI fell by about 10% before beginning to stabilize, even as AI capabilities continued to advance. The analysis drew on millions of online job advertisements across Asia. Continued … 

Thailand’s foreign arrivals fall 4.12%

Thailand’s foreign tourist arrivals totaled 24,423,680 from Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, down 4.12% year-on-year, according to preliminary figures released by Tourism and Sports Ministry. Foreign visitors spent 1,189.555 billion baht in Thailand during the period.

Thailand recorded 487,410 foreign arrivals during Oct. 11–17, up 4,035, or 0.83%, from the previous week. The weekly total represented an average of 69,630 arrivals a day. Continued … 

French protests seen threatening Thai tourism

Tourism operators in Thailand are concerned that mass protests in France could weaken inbound travel from Europe, a key source market for the country. These protests, driven by cost-of-living concerns and student demonstrations, threaten to disrupt the economy and further reduce European arrivals, which are already being impacted by unrest in the Middle East.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has noted that French tourists remain a strong source of demand, but prolonged unrest could lead to a gradual economic decline for travelers in the region. While Thailand has not seen an immediate impact on bookings due to recent demonstrations, industry experts worry that continued instability and high costs of living in France may influence the travel decisions of budget-conscious families and long-haul travelers. This situation adds pressure to a Thai tourism sector that is already navigating various global challenges. – Bangkok Post AI

New travel subsidies for tour groups

The Amazing Thailand campaign, specifically the Around Thailand with Tours initiative, aims to generate at least 208.8 million baht in tourism revenue. The government launched the domestic travel subsidy initiative to encourage group travel.

The program aims to reduce transportation costs for domestic tour groups through various subsidies, such as up to 40,000 baht per trip for groups traveling by van with at least six passengers. Additionally, tour groups traveling by bus can receive a subsidy of up to 10,000 baht per day, capped at 40,000 baht per trip for groups of at least 30 people. – Bangkok Post AI

Virgin Atlantic lands in Phuket

Thailand welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural direct flight from London Heathrow to Phuket yesterday, as advance bookings from the UK rose 17.5% ahead of the high season.
Virgin Atlantic launched the service to eliminate the need for passengers to connect through the Middle East. This seasonal route, which operates three times weekly from Oct. 18 to March 26, 2027, is the airline’s first service in both Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The service utilizes a Boeing 787-9 aircraft with 258 seats, and the inaugural flight saw a 98% passenger load factor. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the new route is expected to add approximately 3,096 seats to the monthly capacity as the country prepares for the high season. – Bangkok Post AI

Chiang Mai’s iconic elephant camp marks golden anniversary with major transformation

Mae Sa Elephant Camp, one of Chiang Mai’s longest-established tourist attractions, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with plans to revitalize its facilities, expand community partnerships and embrace a more sustainable approach to elephant tourism.

Founded in 1976 by the late Choochart Kalmapijit, Mae Sa Elephant Camp has played an important role in shaping Chiang Mai’s tourism industry for five decades. Now, under the leadership of his eldest daughter, Anchalee Kalmapijit, the camp is preparing to enter its 51st year with renewed ambitions for the future. Continued … 

Bangkok ranked best culinary city in Asia

Bangkok was named Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, marking its second consecutive win.Bangkok has now won three of the past four editions, with the Vietnamese capital Hanoi interrupting its run in 2024.

Bangkok’s food scene extends from street stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, offering both traditional Thai cooking and contemporary interpretations. A food walk here can move from a bowl of rolled rice noodles in peppery pork broth to crab fried rice to noodles topped with homemade fish balls. Continued … 

Toyota allots 1.49 billion baht for pickup plant

Toyota Motor Thailand is investing 1.49 billion baht to establish the country’s first production line for fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) pickup trucks.

This project, which is expected to begin commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2027, will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 units. The FCEV technology utilizes a hydrogen fuel cell system to generate electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct, which supports Thailand’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To support this new line, Toyota plans to upgrade its plant in Chachoengsao with specialized workstations for assembling critical FCEV components, including fuel cells, electric motors, batteries, and hydrogen storage tanks. – Bangkok Post AI

  • Thai police raid Bangkok Chinese-Korean scam network – Continued … 
  • 5 foreigners held with 5 tons of cannabis in Bangkok raid – Continued … 

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Friday’s news-Oct 31

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Kaeng Krachan Land Grab/Charn Issara Development’s Cha-am project/Bus crashes in Hua Hin/Super Full Moon on Loy Krathong/Heavy rain forecast/Man Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant/Firms suspected in money-laundering scams/Michelin Guide Thailand 2026/ECONOMY: Call for longer leases/PM asks for ‘better’ trade deal/Thailand’s rare-earth elements/Thailand’s automotive and auto parts industry/Thai Kun Circuit’s New Factory/TOURISM: Sustainable growth in Thai tourism/Are Thai resorts and hotels overcharging?/Top Countries for Affordable Medical Tourism/Pattaya 8th Worst for Pickpockets and Scams/Virgin Atlantic To Begin London–Phuket (HKT) Service/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: ‘We left UK for Thailand/Eco Travel Guide to Thailand/CLIMATE THAILAND: Thailand unites to fight PM2.5/China and green progress in Asia/INTERNATIONAL/HUA HIN LINKS

Forest Taskforce Probes Kaeng Krachan Land Grab

A special taskforce from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has launched an investigation into alleged forest encroachment and destruction in Kaeng Krachan National Park and adjacent state land in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The probe follows reports that investors have cleared forested hillsides and excavated soil in protected zones.

The taskforce is examining claims of land ownership under Nor Sor 3 Kor documents allegedly covering 3,162 rai — 2,016 rai of state property and 1,146 rai within the national park. Investigators found new evidence of encroachment beyond these documents, totaling 914 rai, 81 rai within the park and 833 rai of state land. The area shows extensive soil removal, hill excavation, and unauthorized blockage of public waterways. Continued …

A look at Charn Issara Development’s Cha-am project

Charn Issara Development’s Hua Hin developments continue to redefine Thailand’s luxury coastal living, expanding from Bangkok’s skyline to the shores of Hua Hin and Cha-am.

When CEO Songkran Issara reflects on his family’s roots in Cha-am, the story goes beyond property development. He recalls how the company’s first project in the area — Jindarak — was named after his wife’s great-grandfather, a former governor of Phetchaburi and a survivor of a WWII torpedo attack in the North Sea. Continued …

Bus crashes in Hua Hin, 8 students injured

Eight student cadets were injured when a Hua Hin–Pranburi route bus skidded on a rain-soaked road and crashed into a power pole while descending Khao Dang Pass yesterday. Police have charged the driver with reckless driving and damaging government property.

The accident occurred at around 6 pm. Police at Hua Hin Police Station received a report of a crash near the downhill section of Khao Dang Pass on the Hua Hin–Nong Phlab Road. Rescue teams from the Sawang Hua Hin Foundation were dispatched to the scene. Continued …

Super Full Moon to Grace Loy Krathong Night

Thailand will experience a spectacular celestial event on Nov. 5, coinciding with the Loy Krathong festival. The Super Full Moon, the closest the moon will be to Earth this year, will be visible in the sky.

The moon will be only 356,966 kilometers away from Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual. This astronomical phenomenon occurs due to the moon’s elliptical orbit, reaching its nearest point, or perigee, with an average distance of 357,000 kilometers from Earth. Loy Krathong participants can enjoy the visual treat as the moon rises at around 5:30 pm and remains visible throughout the night. Continued …

Heavy rain forecast across Thailand as low-pressure system strengthens

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported today that an active low-pressure cell covering the upper Gulf of Thailand is drawing moisture-laden easterly winds into the upper part of the country, while a weak high-pressure system lingers over northern areas. The confluence of easterly and southeasterly winds across the north is expected to bring increased rainfall, including isolated heavy showers in several regions.

Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain are forecast in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Minimum temperature 23-25 °C. Maximum temperature 29-34 °C. Continued … 

Man Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant in Phu Wua Forest

A 55-year-old man was found dead after being attacked by a wild elephant in the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary in Bueng Kan province. The discovery followed a three-day search after the man was reported missing by his relatives.

Authorities believe he encountered the elephant at close range while collecting forest produce and was trampled to death. Preliminary examinations indicated that the man sustained fatal injuries consistent with being attacked by a wild elephant. His body was discovered deep within the sanctuary where he had been foraging for forest products. Continued …

Seven listed firms suspected of involvement in Khmer-based, money-laundering scams

The House Committee on Money-Laundering & Drugs Suppression confirmed yesterday that seven listed firms on the Stock Exchange of Thailand have been reportedly suspected of being involved in money-laundering activities of the transnational rogue scammers and that representatives of those firms will be summoned to testify over the issue.

The committee chair declined to identify the suspected firms currently listed in the stock market or say how soon their executive officials or representatives will be summoned for testimony before his panel at parliament. Continued …

Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 Selection To Be Unveiled Nov 27

Culinary stars are set to dazzle at the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand 2026, officially scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 27 − marking the announcement of the highly anticipated full restaurant selection at the press conference and the celebration of Thailand’s talented culinary community.

The Bib Gourmand selection will be revealed a week prior to the award ceremony. This latest edition covers Bangkok and surrounding provinces, Phuket and Phang-Nga, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Isan (Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen), Koh Samui and Surat Thani, and Chon Buri. Continued …

Call for longer leases to boost home ownership

Three real estate associations have asked the next government to extend the lease period for residential properties from 30 years to 60 years, as a new generation of potential homebuyers can no longer afford to purchase them.

Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Assn., said extending the leasehold period would enable tenants to obtain mortgages covering up to 100% of the property value, compared with the current 60%-70%. Continued …

PM asks Trump for ‘better’ trade deal

Thailand has asked US President Donald Trump for a “better” trade deal as the two countries press ahead with tariff talks, following the signing of a peace agreement between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made a direct plea to Trump during an informal chat after a dinner with other leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit late Wednesday in South Korea, according to a Thai government statement. Continued … 

Where are Thailand’s rare-earth elements that US seeks found?

Amid the international focus on rare-earth elements (REE), with the US rapidly rebuilding its supply chain in a move to end decades of dependence on China as tensions between the two powers persist despite a temporary trade truce, there is strong public interest about this within Thailand.

According to the Department of Mineral Resources, rare earths are extremely rare elements used as crucial upstream raw materials in the production processes of various high-tech industries, both current and future, such as metal alloys, catalyst and chemical process in automotive and petrochemical industries, ceramics/glass industry, phosphors with examples being LED bulbs, fluorescent lamps and flat-panel displays, rechargeable solid-state batteries (Ni-MH), fiber optics, and more. Continued …

Thailand’s automotive and auto parts industry is facing multiple major challenges

The Kasikorn Research Center says Thailand’s automotive industry must brace for US import tariff measures, intensifying competition from Chinese automakers, and seek more stringent environmental and safety standards of trading partners, all of which pose challenges to the industry’s long-term adaptation and competitiveness.

Dr. Rujipun Assarut, KResearch assistant managing director, said, “Although Thailand’s automobile exports to the US account for a small share, the US import tariff measure under Section 232 is likely to indirectly affect Thai car exports to global markets. This is because major producers such as Japan and South Korea may diversify their exports to other markets to reduce reliance on the US, thereby intensifying global competition. Concurrently, the may directly hurt Thailand’s auto parts measure exports to the US, which account for around 26 percent of the total value of Thai auto parts exports.” Continued …

Thai Kun Circuit Expands PCB Manufacturing with New Factory

Thai Kun Circuit has broken ground on a new factory at 304 Industrial Park in Prachinburi as part of its plan to expand production capacity and strengthen its position in the global electronics supply chain.

The facility will enable Thai Kun Circuit to meet rising demand for high-precision, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs across key sectors, including automotive electronics, industrial and safety control systems, consumer electronics, and communications. The investment underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing technology, enhancing product quality and increasing R&D capabilities. Continued …

5 proposals offered for sustainable growth in Thai tourism

Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and former prime minister, delivered a keynote address on “Tourism and the Future of Thailand” at the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) meeting yesterdy.

He painted a grim picture of Thailand’s economic situation, which has stagnated for over a decade. With growth currently at 2% annually — among the lowest in the region — he warned that economic improvement and a better quality of life for Thai people will remain unattainable unless the country breaks free from its slow-growth cycle. Continued …

Are Thai resorts and hotels overcharging tourists?

The post-pandemic world has witnessed a significant resurgence in global tourism, with Southeast Asia being one of the regions that have seen a rapid rebound in visitors. However, this revival of the tourism sector has also brought to light concerning practices in the luxury hotel industry in countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

Allegations of overcharging, inflated prices, and declining service standards are making headlines as these destinations continue to attract international travelers. With the rise in travel costs and the diminishing quality of service, the question arises: are luxury hotels in these countries exploiting tourists to maximize profits, or is this a natural consequence of the tourism industry’s post-pandemic recovery? Continued …

Top Countries for Affordable Medical Tourism

As healthcare costs continue to rise across many  Western nations, more and more patients are opting for treatment abroad — the process of traveling internationally to receive medical care, often at substantially lower cost· With the aid of platforms like the AiroMedical platform, patients can compare options, coordinate logistics, and find accredited providers·

Here we shine a spotlight on the leading destinations for affordable medical tourism in 2025-2026, highlighting their strengths, typical savings, and things to consider· Continued …

Pattaya Ranks 8th Worst Globally for Pickpockets and Scams

Pattaya has been identified as the eighth worst city globally for pickpocketing and scams, according to a report by Compare the Market, a U.K.-based insurance price comparison site. The city scored 44.43 out of 100 points, with about 3.1 scam mentions per 1,000 visitor reviews. Visitors are particularly advised to be cautious in street vendor areas and nightlife districts.

This ranking comes as part of a study analyzing over 75 cities worldwide based on the frequency of theft and scam mentions in tourist reviews. The report highlighted Pattaya’s vibrant party atmosphere as a magnet for opportunists. Notably, street vendors and nightlife hotspots are common places where travelers often report security concerns. Continued …

Virgin Atlantic To Begin London–Phuket (HKT) Service Next October

Virgin Atlantic is launching new services between London Heathrow and Phuket for winter 2026. The three times a week service will operate from Oct. 18, 2026, capturing the growing demand for luxury winter escapes.

As the only direct route from London Heathrow to Phuket, travelers will now be able to enjoy a seamless journey to one of Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations. Customers will be able to book package holidays with Virgin Atlantic Holidays from Oct. 30, 2025, with prices starting from £999 per person. Flights will also be available to book from Nov. 26, 2025, on virginatlantic.com. Continued …

‘We left UK for Thailand after feeling burnt out – now we save £1k a month on rent’

A British couple who felt “burnt out” by a poor work-life balance in the UK have now relocated to Thailand, saving themselves £1,000 a month in rent and paying just £2.76 for their water bills. Roshni Ward, 30, and her fiancé Louis Hunt, 33, began contemplating a move overseas after growing “fed up” with life in the UK, citing rising crime rates and the dreary weather as key factors.

The pair, who previously rented a flat in Rye, East Sussex, were working gruelling 11-hour days, as well as overtime, leaving them feeling exhausted and burnt out. In search of a slower pace of life, they made the decision to move to Chiang Mai in September. Continued …

The Eco Travel Guide to Thailand

Thailand is no longer just a destination of tropical fantasia; it has evolved into a place where refined luxury intersects with environmental and cultural consciousness. From Bangkok’s green-inflected skyscrapers to Chiang Mai’s regenerative lodges and the sequestered beaches of the south, travelers who demand comfort and meaning are finding both.

Landing in Bangkok means entering a metropolis of high energy and even higher possibilities for sustainable luxury. Here, daytime can be devoted to temple visits via electric tuk-tuks, rooftop dinners where the produce is sourced from regional farmers, and conversations about how luxury hospitality in Bangkok is embracing water recycling and solar technology. Continued … 

Thailand unites to fight PM2.5 as smog season looms

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Pollution Control Department, in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Automotive Industry Group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), is moving forward with efforts to tackle the small dust particle (PM2.5) issue during the end-of-year season.

This initiative, driven by the “Green List Plus: Fight Dust, Reduce PM2.5” project, was announced Wednesday and aims to promote public participation in reducing pollution from various sources and to stimulate cooperation from the business sector through incentive measures. Continued …

China and green progress in Asia

For the past two decades, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, has been reshaping the Asia-Pacific’s approach to growth. Since the 2011 Honolulu Leaders’ Declaration, APEC has placed “green growth” at the heart of its agenda, showing progress and environmental sustainability don’t have to be at odds.

Energy lies at the core of this transformation. As the foundation of both economic expansion and environmental protection, improving energy efficiency has become central to APEC’s collective commitments. Continued …

Trump shaves China tariffs after Xi meeting

US  esident Donald Trump said yesterday he had agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to trim tariffs on China in exchange for Beijing cracking down on the illicit fentanyl trade, resuming US soybean purchases, and keeping rare earths exports flowing. Continued …

King Charles III Strips Prince Andrew of Titles and Evicts Him from Royal Residence

King Charles III yesterday stripped his disgraced brother Prince Andrew of his remaining titles and evicted him from his royal residence after weeks of pressure to act over his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Buckingham Palace said. Continued …

5 More Arrests as Louvre Jewel Heist Probe Deepens

The dragnet tightened around the Louvre thieves yesterday. Five more people were seized in the crown-jewels heist — including a suspect tied by DNA — the Paris prosecutor said, widening the sweep across the capital and its suburbs. Continued …

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