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Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Climate
- Bangkok Post
Premier hands out aid kits in flood-hit Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the flood-ravaged district of Phaya Mengrai on Saturday and ordered urgent relief for struggling residents. The flood situation in the district began to ease Saturday morning, with water levels receding by over 80%. However, many residents remain in distress, unable to cook due to a lack of clean water, kitchen equipment and energy supplies. Ms Paetongtarn flew to Chiang Rai Saturday to inspect the flood-affected areas, accompanied by Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich, permanent secretary for Interior Unsit Sampuntharat, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director-general Pasakorn Boonyalak and Department of Provincial Administration director-general Chaiyawat Chuntirapong. The PM's visit included a stop at Ban Sop Pao, tambon Mae Pao, in Phaya Mengrai, where she was briefed on the flood situation. Provincial governor Charin Thongsuk said floodwaters had mostly subsided and, barring further rainfall, the area should return to normal soon. Officials said rain was still expected, but once conditions stabilise, damage assessments will be conducted to initiate compensation measures under the Disaster Relief Fund framework. Assistance guidelines include: up to 150 baht per person per day for meals (three meals per day), 700 baht per family for survival kits, 3,800 baht per family for basic essentials, up to 49,500 baht per household for home repairs, 5,700 baht per family for farm building repairs and 1,100 baht per person for clothing. Ms Paetongtarn also met residents, offered words of encouragement and handed out survival kits. Later, she visited Wat Santikhiri to distribute more aid packages. She acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by climate change and assured the public the government would not neglect them. "I've already given orders for full support. Regarding compensation, I've asked the Interior Ministry to act quickly -- people shouldn't have to wait too long," she said. Tambon Mae Pao, another flood disaster zone, Saturday morning saw steady rainfall and widespread mud residues across roads and homes. Despite the receding waters, residents are still struggling, with limited access to clean water, cooking tools and fuel. As a result, there have been calls for ready-to-eat meals to be made available to alleviate hardship during the recovery period. Earlier, the army distributed emergency aid kits, while state agencies continued to monitor the situation closely in case of further heavy rain. Attakorn Sirilattayakorn, MP for Chachoengsao and newly-named agriculture minister under the Klatham Party, also joined the prime minister's visit -- drawing attention to his active role on the ground even before formally assuming office.
Libya Review
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyan PM Attends Police Academy Graduation Ceremony in Benghazi
Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad took part in a major graduation ceremony on Saturday in the eastern city of Benghazi, marking the commencement of the fourth class of cadets from the Higher Institute for Police Officers. The event was attended by Libya's Ministers of Interior and Defense, along with a number of senior officials, military commanders, and security leaders. The presence of top-level government and military figures underlined the significance of the occasion and the government's continued focus on supporting national security institutions. The ceremony featured impressive military displays and tactical field exercises by the newly graduated officers, showcasing their readiness, discipline, and the professional training they have undergone. These performances demonstrated the institute's role in preparing a new generation of officers to meet Libya's pressing security challenges. Prime Minister Hammad commended the graduates and reiterated his government's commitment to strengthening the country's internal security infrastructure. He praised the efforts of the security and defense ministries in maintaining stability, particularly in eastern Libya. The graduation comes at a time of ongoing efforts to rebuild and professionalize Libya's military and police institutions, amid regional tensions and internal divisions. The Libyan government-designate, led by Osama Hammad, continues to emphasize national unity and institutional development as part of its strategic goals. The Higher Institute for Police Officers in Benghazi plays a vital role in training and equipping officers to uphold law and order across the country. This latest batch of graduates is expected to be deployed across various sectors of the Libyan security apparatus. As Libya navigates a complex political landscape, such events serve as both a morale boost and a message of continuity for the country's law enforcement and defense sectors. Tags: benghazilibyaOsama HammadPolice Academy
The Hill
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Hill
Trump megabill in danger after fourth GOP senator threatens ‘no' vote on key motion
President Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' appears to be in serious danger of stalling on the Senate floor after Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy (R) threatened to vote 'no' on a critical motion to proceed to the legislation because it includes language to sell millions of acres of public lands. 'I oppose the sale of public lands and will vote no on the motion to proceed if it is included,' Sheehy posted on X on Saturday afternoon after Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told colleagues to expect a 4 p.m. vote to advance the measure. The legislation includes language sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) directing the secretary of the Interior to sell between 0.25 percent and 0.5 percent of public lands to build more housing throughout the American West. The provision directing the Bureau of Public Lands to sell millions of acres appears to exempt Montana, which was not among the 11 states named in the bill. Three other Republican senators have said they will either vote to proceed to the bill or final passage of the bill for various reasons: Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.). Thune can only afford three defections and still advance the bill. Republicans control 53 Senate seats. Tillis told reporters after a closed-door meeting with colleagues Saturday that he will vote against the bill because of steep cuts to federal Medicaid spending and urged GOP leaders to return to the Medicaid changes passed by the House last month. 'I'm going to vote no on motion to proceed and on final passage,' he said. 'I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form,' Tillis said in a statement released by his office. He said the bill 'would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities.' 'This will force the state to make painful decisions like eliminating Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands in the expansion population,' he warned. Johnson said he's voting 'no' on the motion to proceed because he just got his copy of the legislation at 1:23 am and hasn't had a chance to read it carefully. He wants Senate Republican leaders to add substantially bigger spending cuts to the bill and has proposed targeting mandatory spending programs outside of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. 'I'm not going to vote for motion to proceed today. We just got the bill. I got my first copy about 1:23 in the morning, this morning,' he said on 'Fox & Friends Weekend.' Paul is a hard 'no' vote because the legislation includes a provision to raise the debt limit by $5 trillion. Thune said his leadership team would know when the vote is held where exactly his colleagues stand on the bill. 'We'll get to the vote here before long and we'll answer all those questions,' he said when asked about the threatened 'no' votes from Sheehy, Tillis, Johnson and Paul.
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Fool-proof security at ‘Husseiniyas' in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 28: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef conducted an inspection tour on Friday evening of several Hussainiyas and mourning ceremonies in various parts of Kuwait. The tour was part of ongoing efforts to monitor security and organizational preparations for the month of Muharram, to ensure full readiness. Accompanied by security and National Guard leaders, Sheikh Fahad was briefed on the implemented security plan and the coordination efforts with relevant authorities, including civil defense, emergency medical services, and the traffic control system. Meanwhile, Major General Abdullah Saffah, the Assistant Undersecretary for Special Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, conducted an inspection tour of several schools hosting Shiite mourning ceremonies during the month of Muharram. Accompanied by the Director-General of the Special Forces Brigadier General Dakhil Al-Dakhil, Major General Saffah reviewed the security and safety measures in place. The inspection focused on assessing security readiness in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the highest levels of protection and comfort for the worshippers. In addition, the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Al-Adwani, conducted a field tour on the second day of Muharram of several Hussainiyas throughout Kuwait. The tour was part of ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of the Ministry of Interior's security and organizational plan to secure religious rituals during this month. Major General Al-Adwani reviewed the readiness of security teams deployed at the sites, as well as the deployment of patrols and checkpoints. He emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination among relevant sectors and increasing preparedness to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, as well as the smooth flow of entry and exit. Major General Al-Adwani praised the high level of discipline and efforts exerted by security personnel in carrying out their field duties, stressing the importance of maintaining this level of seriousness and efficiency as a reflection of the ministry's readiness and capability to secure religious rituals.
Arab Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
O state of the new era, how wonderful it is to establish justice
FROM the very beginning, we supported the purification of national identity by revoking the citizenship of individuals who committed forgery, engaged in bribery, or held dual nationalities in violation of Kuwaiti law. As this is a matter of sovereignty, it faced no public opposition and was rightfully left to the discretion of the ruler. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has given this issue his full attention, addressing it in several meetings and press conferences, where he stressed that no one would be treated unjustly. Observers of public affairs and newspaper columnists have praised this initiative, affirming that Kuwait, throughout its history, has never been a place for injustice. When certain privileges were restored to those whose citizenship had been revoked under Article 8 of the relevant law, it was welcomed as good news. This was followed by another positive step, which was the return of their passports. This eased much of their hardship and marked the beginning of a way out of the tunnel of suffering. However, these measures did not extend to those whose citizenship was revoked under the 'meritorious acts' clause. This group is small in number but holds a prestigious place in society. They have made several significant contributions in various fields and have served Kuwait with distinction. Many among them have been officially honored by the state for their achievements in science, culture, and the arts, with some even receiving high-level accolades and numerous awards. Since decisions to revoke citizenship fall under sovereign authority, their validity or accuracy is not open to public debate. Nevertheless, an important question remains - Would it not be reasonable to allow these individuals to retain the privileges they once received upon acquiring Kuwaiti citizenship, particularly as many of them continue to contribute meaningfully in their professional, medical, artistic, and cultural fields and serve Kuwait with dedication? Wouldn't it be better to continue extending these privileges, at least temporarily, until they can manage their affairs and secure alternative citizenship? This group does not impose a financial or material burden on the state. On the contrary, they are truly an added value to Kuwait's international standing. Their situation calls for empathy, as they have no other homeland to turn to. It would be both fair and humane to treat them differently from others, especially considering they have committed no crimes against honor or integrity. It is true that among those whose citizenships were revoked, some had acquired them through fraud, bribery, or other illicit means. Some are implicated in serious crimes, including a recently uncovered drug trafficker who fraudulently obtained Kuwaiti citizenship. Only God knows how many lives were affected by this individual. Many citizens fell victim to addiction because of his actions. Such criminals, and those who aided, bribed, or participated in the forgery, fully deserve to be held accountable. However, there is an important distinction between such offenders and those who were granted citizenship in recognition of their honorable service to Kuwait. Among this latter group are doctors who have worked to treat addicts, as well as intellectuals, artists, and university professors who have played a vital role in educating the public about the dangers of drug use and addiction. Combating drugs is not limited to security measures or judicial actions alone. It is a comprehensive system that begins with education, public awareness, and preventive outreach, while also shedding light on the deceptive tactics employed by criminals. The law provides for three levels of trial to ensure that the scales of justice remain balanced. Those whose citizenship was revoked, having originally acquired it due to exceptional contributions, may be treated in line with this legal principle. This would mean allowing them to retain the benefits associated with citizenship until the Grievance Committee, formed under the direction of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, issues a final decision on their case. Should the committee choose to reinstate their citizenship, they would have suffered no undue loss and would continue their service to Kuwait. We affirm once again that we are today living in an era of justice, where the rights of the wronged are being restored. There would be no harm in His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah showing compassion toward this vital group, as these individuals have significantly contributed to Kuwait and continue to do so.
