International News
Thailand Breaks Ground, Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Thailand made history on Tuesday by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
The landmark decision came after the Senate granted final approval, with 130 votes in favour, four against, and 18 abstentions, amending the marriage law to allow same-sex couples to marry.
The legislation will now proceed to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal approval and is expected to take effect 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette.
Once enacted, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as one of the few Asian countries where same-sex couples can legally marry.
Activists anticipate that wedding ceremonies could commence as early as October.
While addressing senators following the vote, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and committee member involved in reviewing the law stated, “We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this historic moment. Your efforts have brought about significant change. Today, love triumphs over prejudice.”
Prior to the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, described the legal amendment as ‘a victory for the people.’
The recent legislation has updated marriage laws by replacing terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
It also ensures that same-sex couples enjoy equal rights to adoption and inheritance as heterosexual couples.
Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, shared with AFP, “My partner has a son, and I want legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say in his welfare. This bill makes that possible.”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and the bill, will host celebrations at his official residence, welcoming activists and supporters later.
In central Bangkok, activists are organizing an evening rally featuring a drag show. Throughout Pride Month in June, prominent shopping malls have displayed the rainbow flag in solidarity.
Thailand has earned a reputation for its longstanding tolerance of the LGBTQ community, with local media reporting overwhelming public support for marriage equality based on opinion polls.
Since the Netherlands pioneered the first unions in 2001, more than 30 countries worldwide have legalized same-sex marriage.
International News
DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home
Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.
Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.
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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”
The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”
Details later……….
International News
Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital
Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.
The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.
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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.
Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.
Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.
Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.
For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.
International News
‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock
According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.
“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.
“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”
Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”
“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.
“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.
Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.





