thai army accuses

Thai Army Accuses Cambodia of Continued Shelling of Civilian Areas

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodian forces of continuing to target Thai civilian areas with heavy weapons, despite repeated condemnations and reports to the international community. The allegations were made on Thursday as shelling reportedly damaged homes and infrastructure along the border.

Cambodian Rocket Fire Injures Seven in Thai Border Villages

Colonel Kannanat Pornnipatkul, assistant spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Army, stated that Cambodia fired approximately 40 BM-21 rockets into Ban Klong Pang village in Sa Kaeo province early Thursday morning, heavily damaging and burning three houses. She reported that since hostilities resumed on December 7, Cambodian attacks have struck at least 150 civilian areas, damaging 190 houses, a hospital, five religious sites, two schools, farmland, and public utilities. The assaults have resulted in one civilian death and 13 injuries.

“This clearly shows that Cambodia targets not only the Thai military forces but also Thai civilian areas,” Colonel Kannanat said.

Cambodia has countered that Thailand has conducted its own strikes on Cambodian civilian areas using heavy weapons and F-16 fighter jets. Thailand maintains that all its operations are defensive responses to Cambodian aggression. The claims from both sides cannot be independently verified.

While overall conflict intensity has declined, Colonel Kannanat noted that Cambodian forces continue to fire at Thai military positions in the Phu Makua-Huai Ta Maria area of Si Sa Ket province and at Bang Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo. Thai forces have regained control in most areas but have yet to fully secure Ban Nong Chan.

Foreigners report insecurity in Cambodia after travelling to the country

In a related development, Defence Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri denied allegations circulated by Cambodian embassies abroad that Thai immigration officials were mistreating travelers transiting to Cambodia. He affirmed that all travelers are treated fairly and without discrimination, though authorities have acknowledged enhanced scrutiny for individuals suspected of criminal activity or potential involvement in the conflict as foreign military advisers. Airports of Thailand Plc has stated that no passengers have been unduly inconvenienced by the increased security measures.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Barbie sequel talks hit roadblock as negotiations …

    ByJustpaste.in

    The huge success of Barbie made a sequel seem almost inevitable. After all, the 2023 film became a global phenomenon, earning more than $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office and turning into one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits ever. Fans quickly began asking when Barbie and Ken would return to the big screen. However, the road to a second film has become more complicated than many expected. Recent reports suggest that negotiations for a Barbie sequel have reached a major roadblock. Warner Bros. is reportedly still working to secure new agreements with key members of the original team, including director Greta Gerwig, co-writer Noah Baumbach, and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. None of them were contractually committed to a sequel after the first film, meaning fresh deals must be negotiated before production can move forward.  Adding to the pressure is a reported deadline tied to the film rights. According to recent reports, Warner Bros. has until December to finalize arrangements for a sequel before certain rights could revert to Mattel, the company behind the iconic Barbie doll. That deadline has increased the urgency of the ongoing talks.  The creative side of the project has also played a role in the delay. Following the release of the original film, Greta Gerwig repeatedly said she did not have an idea for a sequel. She explained that she had poured everything into the first movie and was not thinking about a follow-up at the time. More recent reports, however, indicate that Gerwig and Baumbach may now have a potential story in mind, but they are reportedly keeping those details private while negotiations continue.  Money is believed to be another major factor in the discussions. Reports claim that salary demands and profit-sharing arrangements are among the issues slowing progress, with all sides trying to reach an agreement that reflects the original film’s enormous success.  Despite the current challenges, a sequel has not been ruled out. Industry insiders believe there is still strong interest from both the studio and the creative team to continue the franchise if the right deal can be reached. For now, fans will have to wait as negotiations continue behind the scenes, hoping Barbie’s next adventure eventually makes its way to theaters.

  • |

    Anthropic releases Claude Opus 5, offering high pe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Anthropic on Friday released Claude Opus 5, a new artificial intelligence model that the company says approaches the performance of its most powerful system at half the price. The San Francisco-based startup, a chief rival to OpenAI, said the model tops industry benchmarks for coding and knowledge work while consuming fewer computing resources than earlier versions. The claim addressed rising concerns among business customers who have balked at the expense of running advanced AI systems. Claude competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, with customers paying based on the amount of work performed, measured in units called tokens. Opus 5 costs $5 per million input tokens and $25 per million output tokens, half the price of Fable 5, Anthropic’s most expensive publicly available offering. The company said the new model performs close to Fable 5 across many tasks despite the lower cost. Cost has become a major issue after Anthropic and its rival OpenAI both filed for stock market listings in June. Wall Street is scrutinising their business performance more closely than ever ahead of their market debuts. The release of Opus 5 is a strategic move by Anthropic to address the growing demand for affordable AI solutions while maintaining high performance. On cybersecurity, Anthropic said it deliberately avoided training Opus 5 on cyber tasks, and that the model remains behind Mythos 5  its most capable and most tightly restricted system, available only to select partners  on both offensive cyber work and biological research capabilities that could be misused. Mythos is Anthropic’s most advanced series of AI models, and its strength at finding weaknesses in computer systems has caused controversy, pushing the company to build tight guardrails around them. The company said Opus 5 finds software flaws about as well as Mythos 5 but lags far behind in turning those flaws into something that could be weaponised into an attack. Citing the reduced risk, Anthropic said its automated safety filters will intervene roughly 85% less often on Opus 5 than on Fable 5, the Mythos-class model it released last month. Fable 5 and Mythos 5 were briefly pulled from public access in June after the US Commerce Department imposed export controls, which were lifted at the end of that month. The release of Claude Opus 5 marks a significant milestone for Anthropic as it seeks to compete in the rapidly evolving AI market. By offering a high-performance model at a lower cost, the company aims to attract a broader range of customers, including businesses and developers who may have been priced out of the market. The focus on affordability and performance reflects the growing demand for AI solutions that can deliver results without breaking the bank. As the AI industry continues to evolve, the competition between Anthropic, OpenAI, and other players is expected to intensify, with companies racing to develop models that are both powerful and cost-effective. Anthropic’s strategic approach to balancing performance, cost, and safety positions it well in the competitive landscape, and the company is likely to continue innovating to meet the needs of its customers. The launch of Opus 5 is a testament to Anthropic’s commitment to advancing AI technology while addressing the practical concerns of businesses and developers. The AI industry will be watching closely to see how the market responds to this new offering and how it shapes the future of AI development and deployment.

  • | |

    Oman oil spill spreads dramatically, nearing scale…

    ByJustpaste.in

    An oil spill off the coast of Oman is rapidly expanding into one of the worst maritime environmental disasters in years after weeks of largely unchecked spread, according to international agencies, satellite imagery and environmental organizations. The slick, which originated from a grounded tanker carrying Russian crude, had reached Oman’s mainland by Wednesday, the United Nations shipping agency confirmed. John Amos, an oil spill specialist who reviewed satellite imagery, said the affected area now covers more than 2,000 square kilometers. The vessel involved, the Caroline Bezengi, was carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil and operates under international sanctions. It ran aground on June 30 near an Omani island that forms part of a protected marine nature reserve. The tanker first reported trouble off the coast of Yemen on June 8, and maritime sources said an explosion appeared to have occurred on board. No party has claimed responsibility for any attack, though the ship was navigating waters tied to two separate conflicts during its voyage from Russia to India. The tanker departed the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April, a region central to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have targeted vessels belonging to the so called shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil, a network that includes the Caroline Bezengi. Ship tracking data shows the tanker then passed through the Suez Canal in late May before sailing near Yemen, where Iran aligned Houthi forces have become entangled in the broader regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. A tangled set of war related and sanctions related shipping regulations is already complicating the emergency response and could further delay efforts to contain the disaster, according to insurers and analysts. The IOPC Funds, the intergovernmental body responsible for compensating tanker spill damages, told a foreign news agency it will not cover cleanup costs since the incident is being classified as an act of war rather than an ordinary accident. The 25 year old tanker also lacks coverage from any recognized Western insurer. Amos, who serves as chief executive of the environmental nonprofit SkyTruth, said the worst case outcome would involve no adequate response capable of preventing further damage. He said the spill’s scale could ultimately rival the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster and noted that the tanker is comparable in size to the Sanchi, an Iranian vessel that collided with a freighter off China in 2018 in what became the world’s worst tanker disaster in decades. Slick accelerates toward mainland The spill was first identified by analysts in early July and has since begun reaching Oman’s mainland, according to the International Maritime Organization. A spokesperson for the agency said oil is drifting offshore northeast of Al Qibliyyah Island, with some already washing ashore, and confirmed that contingency planning for the spill is underway. The IMO said seasonal monsoon weather has restricted access to the tanker and delayed salvage efforts. Satellite images show the vessel grounded at Al Qibliyyah Island, part of a nature reserve that includes the Hallaniyat Islands and provides habitat for endangered sea turtles, humpback whales and coral reef ecosystems, all of which now face heightened risk from the spreading oil. Omani officials said Monday the slick covers nearly 400 square kilometers, though they have not responded to requests for additional detail on containment efforts beyond confirming the use of booms to limit the spread. Environmental groups and independent specialists estimate the true size at several times that figure, and say the rate of spread has accelerated sharply since early August. Greenpeace reported Tuesday that the affected area grew from around 45 square kilometers at the end of July to 150 square kilometers by early August, then quadrupled to roughly 600 square kilometers within just two days, according to Hanen Keskes, the group’s political campaigns lead for the Middle East. Amos’s estimate of 2,000 square kilometers suggests the spill has grown more than 40 times larger since the start of August alone. Amos said containing the disaster will require more than floating booms, including stabilizing the grounded vessel and transferring any remaining crude to another tanker. He warned that delays in salvage operations will only worsen the tanker’s condition and make the eventual recovery effort more complicated and dangerous.

  • | |

    Zoha Tauqeer criticized for overacting in ‘Kaisa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Young Pakistani actress Zoha Tauqeer is facing criticism from viewers over her emotional performance in the drama serial Kaisa Yeh Ishq. Tauqeer, who has been building her career in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, first appeared on television through Chocolate Times. She co-hosted the show alongside her mother, television personality Ayesha Jahanzeb. She later became part of Public Demand and gradually moved into acting. (Reviewit.pk⁠) Her acting credits include projects such as Apa Shamim, Chawlbaaz and Zabt. More recently, she has appeared in Zahr-e-Mohabbat and Kaisa Yeh Ishq, where her performances have attracted considerable attention from viewers. However, the response to her latest performance has been mixed. A recent emotional scene from Kaisa Yeh Ishq sparked criticism on social media, with several viewers accusing the actress of overacting. Much of the criticism focuses on her crying and emotional expressions. Some viewers believe that her performance becomes too intense in certain scenes and takes away from the impact of the character’s emotions. Others have questioned whether she is being repeatedly offered similar roles that require prolonged emotional breakdowns. Several social media users also compared her acting style with other popular Pakistani actresses. Some comments described her as an “overactor,” while others joked that she appeared to be following a familiar style seen in emotional television performances. (Reviewit.pk⁠) Another criticism raised by viewers is that Tauqeer appears to be getting typecast. According to some reactions, many of her recent characters revolve around heartbreak, betrayal and crying, leaving little opportunity for her to demonstrate a wider acting range. However, criticism does not necessarily mean that Tauqeer lacks talent. She is still a young performer developing her craft, and Kaisa Yeh Ishq gives her an opportunity to experiment with emotionally demanding material. It is also important to remember that an actor’s performance is shaped by several factors, including the script, direction, editing and the way a scene is written. A highly emotional sequence can sometimes appear exaggerated because of the overall presentation rather than the actor alone. Tauqeer’s journey is particularly interesting because she began in front of the camera as a young co-host before transitioning into acting. Her experience with Chocolate Times and Public Demand gave her an early connection with television audiences before she started taking on dramatic roles. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The current backlash may therefore be another stage in her growth as an actress. As her career develops, taking on more varied characters could help her move beyond the emotional roles that viewers currently associate with her. For now, the discussion surrounding Kaisa Yeh Ishq shows that audiences are paying attention to Zoha Tauqeer. Whether the criticism affects her future choices or encourages her to explore a broader range of performances remains to be seen.

  • | | |

    Goods transport strike enters fourth day

    ByJustpaste.in

    The nationwide strike by the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has entered its fourth consecutive day. The continued suspension of freight services has raised concerns about possible disruptions to the supply of essential goods. Transporters say there has been no major breakthrough in talks with the government. They have therefore decided to continue their protest. Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said the government must take serious steps to end the deadlock. He said transporters were still willing to negotiate. However, he stressed that talks alone would not be enough. The transporters want clear progress on their demands before ending the strike. The ongoing protest has created uncertainty for businesses and traders. Goods transport vehicles play a key role in moving food, fuel and other essential items between cities. A prolonged strike could affect the movement of supplies. It could also create difficulties for wholesalers, retailers and consumers. There are concerns that shortages in some markets may push up prices. Food items could become more expensive if supplies remain disrupted for an extended period. The transporters launched the protest over rising petroleum prices. They are also opposing the government’s policy of changing petroleum prices on a daily basis. The alliance has demanded action on the issues affecting the transport sector. Transporters argue that frequent changes in fuel prices make it difficult for them to manage operating costs. They have called for serious engagement from the government. They want their concerns to be addressed through negotiations. Malik Shehzad Awan said the transporters had not closed the door to dialogue. However, he maintained that the government must demonstrate meaningful progress. The strike is affecting freight movement at a time when businesses depend heavily on road transport. Goods vehicles are used to supply markets across the country. If the deadlock continues, the impact could become more visible in local markets. Traders may face delays in receiving supplies, while consumers could face higher prices. The transporters have not announced a deadline for ending the strike. They are waiting for further government action and progress on their demands.

  • | | |

    Second phase of AJK elections kicks off

    ByJustpaste.in

    The second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections began on Sunday with polling underway in Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies located across Pakistan. Polling started at 8am and will continue until 5pm without any break. Election officials opened polling stations early in the morning, while voters began arriving to cast their ballots. Security personnel were deployed across sensitive areas to ensure a peaceful voting process. This phase of the elections covers nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division. These include five constituencies in Muzaffarabad district and two each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley districts. At the same time, polling is also being held for 12 refugee constituencies representing refugees from the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region. More than 340 candidates are contesting the elections in this phase. According to election authorities, 207 candidates are in the race for the nine seats in Muzaffarabad division, while another 137 candidates are contesting the refugee constituencies. More than 809,000 registered voters are eligible to vote in Muzaffarabad division. The refugee constituencies have over 438,000 registered voters. Thousands of election staff have been deployed to conduct polling and oversee the voting process. Authorities have established 1,483 polling stations across Muzaffarabad division. Among them, 533 have been declared highly sensitive, 741 sensitive and 209 normal. In addition, 1,057 polling stations have been set up for refugee constituencies in different provinces. The refugee constituencies are spread across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan and Islamabad. Polling arrangements have been completed in all regions where registered refugee voters are residing. In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, around 27,000 registered voters are casting their votes for three refugee seats. Election officials have established 175 polling stations, while enhanced security has been provided at sensitive locations. In Gujrat, Wazirabad and Mandi Bahauddin, nearly 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order during polling. More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to elect their representative in the constituency. Polling is also taking place in Karachi and several districts of Sindh for two refugee constituencies. Election officials have made arrangements to facilitate voters across the province. In Balochistan, polling stations have been established in Quetta, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Hub, Loralai, Sibi, Mastung, Zhob and Barkhan for refugee voters. Similar arrangements have been made in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Swat and Mansehra, where polling is being held for another refugee seat. The second phase of the elections is taking place amid heightened political tensions between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Relations between the coalition partners have remained strained since the first phase of polling, with both parties accusing each other of electoral irregularities in several constituencies. Senior leaders from both sides held multiple meetings in recent days in an effort to resolve the dispute. However, the talks failed to produce an agreement before the second phase of voting. The PPP has demanded legal action and re-polling in selected constituencies, while the PML-N has rejected allegations of organized rigging and maintained that the election results reflect the will of the voters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to review the political situation and discuss developments related to the AJK elections. Senior party leaders also attended the meeting and discussed the coalition’s future strategy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *