Mae Sot, a town on the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, is notorious as a hub for cross-border human trafficking and transnational organised crime run by Chinese mafia syndicates. Despite this, government action has been grossly inadequate to combat the problem. During a recent visit to Mae Sot to review anti-human trafficking efforts, Pol Lt Gen Prachuab Wongsuk, acting deputy national police chief, identified the town as the country's top hotspot for cross-border human trafficking, online scams, gambling, and other illegal activities. This is not surprising. Each year, thousands of victims from various countries are lured by fake high-paying job offers to work in Thailand, but are funnelled through Mae Sot to Myawaddy, Myanmar's border town opposite Mae Sot, to work for Chinese scam operations. According to victims, they are swept through immigration at Bangkok's international airports and driven through border checkpoints to Mae Sot without issue. Some are even flown directly to Mae Sot. Undeniably, local corruption is involved. Once in Myawaddy, the victims are imprisoned, their phones confiscated, they are forced into debt bondage, and are forced to scam people worldwide. Those who refuse or fail to meet quotas face torture, including beatings, electrocution, and other abuse. They must pay a ransom if they want to be released. While the Chinese operators carry out the torture, the facilities are guarded by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), two armed groups operating in Myanmar's Karen State. In addition to Thais, human trafficking victims come from various countries, including Laos, the Philippines, Iraq, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Kenya, and others. On Oct 26, the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking, a human rights NGO, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, calling for the immediate rescue of 110 victims and action to stop Chinese syndicates using Mae Sot to traffic people into Myanmar. The group also appealed to the BGF, DKBA, the Defence Ministry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for rescue operations. Nothing has happened. Several embassies have contacted the network to help rescue their citizens held by Chinese mafia groups, pushing the number of human trafficking victims seeking help to over 500. Thailand can no longer ignore this issue. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, online scams run by these Chinese criminal networks cost Thailand at least 50 million baht every day. This not only harms the country's productivity but also worsens its struggling economy. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that East and Southeast Asia lost between $18–37 billion to online scams in 2023 -- around 648 billion to 1.3 trillion baht. Meanwhile, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) estimated these syndicates globally stole nearly $64 billion a year, or about 2.28 trillion baht. Apart from economic damage, the criminal networks have co-opted political and business elites in host countries, worsening corruption, fueling money politics and undermining democratic principles. While the scam compounds operate in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, Thailand cannot deny its role as a transit hub for trafficking victims exploited by these Chinese syndicates. According to Usip, thousands of victims from 60 countries have been trafficked and enslaved in the Southeast Asian scam industry. This level of crime would not be possible if Thailand were more effective in stopping it. The acting deputy police chief recently visited a group of scam victims in Mae Sot on Nov 12. His team found a group of Chinese people who had arrived suspiciously, claiming they were tourists heading to Pattaya but had been unknowingly driven to Mae Sot by a taxi driver. The police freed all concerned, including the taxi driver, and announced to the media that they had rescued a group of Chinese people from human trafficking. Case closed. This is not just inefficiency; it's a dangerous failure of duty that allows human trafficking to continue unchecked. It's true that the power, reach, and advanced technology of the cyber fraud industry require international cooperation to stop and punish them. However, Thailand cannot ignore its responsibility to take legal action against crimes happening within its borders -- especially against corrupt officials and those involved in money laundering. Additionally, the government must address the telecommunications infrastructure enabling these online call centres. Thailand must stop being a silent partner in this transnational crime before more lives are destroyed.The New England Patriots return home for the final two games of their 2024 campaign. But even though they will exclusively be playing at Gillette Stadium to close out the season, their chances of adding to their win total seem slim: the Patriots will welcome the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills to Foxboro in Weeks 17 and 18. The first of those games will come on Saturday, and according to FanDuel Sportsbook will once again end in disappointment for New England. Whereas the Patriots are 3-13 and headed straight toward a top-2 selection in next year’s draft, the 9-6 Chargers are fighting to secure a playoff spot. A win on Saturday would allow L.A. to continue its season for at least another week. Kickoff between the two founding members of the old AFL will take place at 1 p.m. ET on December 28.
Unlock Hidden Investment Secrets! Discover Top Analyst Picks NowTraffic citations against Dolphins' Tyreek Hill dismissed after officers no-show at hearing
BREAKING NEWS Easey Street suspect to face murder and rape charges By WILLIAM TON FOR AAP Published: 23:32 GMT, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 23:48 GMT, 3 December 2024 e-mail Almost five decades on from the frenzied stabbing murders of two women in their home, the prime suspect in the investigation is set to finally face court. Perry Kouroumblis landed in Melbourne late on Tuesday night after being extradited from Italy , marking the first time in about eight years he has set foot on Australian soil. It is expected he will be interviewed by police on Wednesday and subsequently face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Kouroumblis will formally be charged with two counts of murder and one count of rape during the court appearance. He was arrested at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in September over the alleged slaying of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, in January 1977. Dubbed the 'Easey Street murders', the friends were found dead with more than two dozen stab wounds in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood in Melbourne's inner north. Ms Bartlett's 16-month-old son Gregory was found unharmed in his cot. The 65-year-old Kouroumblis was filmed sporting a white beard and wavy grey hair as he flew back to Melbourne on a Qatar Airways flight flanked by Victoria Police officers late on Tuesday. Perry Kouroumblis landed in Melbourne late on Tuesday night after being extradited from Italy, marking the first time in about eight years he has set foot on Australian soil Reports described him as docile on the plane, taking advantage of a meal service and watching movies Police had issued an INTERPOL red notice alert for Kouroumblis on two charges of murder and one of rape. The Greek-Australian dual national was not able to be arrested in Greece due to a 20-year statute of limitation on the initiation of murder charges. Following his arrest, he told Italian authorities he was 'happy' to be extradited and his lawyer said he was prepared to face trial but that a judge will have final sign off. Kouroumblis maintains his innocence. Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett were last seen alive on January 10, 1977, and their bodies were found three days later. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has described the murders as 'an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide'. Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong were murdered in their home on Easey St, Collingwood in 1977 He said advances in technology, investigative techniques and retracing statements had contributed to the breakthrough in Victoria's 'most serious cold case and longest cold case' ever solved. 'There is simply no expiry date on crimes that are as brutal as this,' he said. The force offered a $1million reward in 2017 to catch those responsible. The women went to school together at Benalla in Victoria's north and their families said their deaths changed many lives irrevocably. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Interpol Italy Share or comment on this article: Easey Street suspect to face murder and rape charges e-mail
Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of ChristmasA 21-year-old man who went swimming in the Murrumbidgee River has died after drowning, police say. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue The incident occurred at Pine Island Reserve in Greenway on Sunday afternoon, December 29. The swimmer was reported missing about 6pm after he had not resurfaced. Police and emergency services began looking for the man whose body was found about two hours later. "A search for the man commenced and sadly, his body was found in the water by AFP divers about 7.50pm," a police spokesperson said. READ ALSO: A body in Lake Burley Griffin and the inheritance question answered 40 years later DFAT told to rein in diplomatic visas after slavery cases 'Please slow down': Road crime and injuries are on the rise in Canberra Police will be preparing a report on the death for the ACT coroner. Anyone who witnessed the incident and had not already spoken to police was urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444 and quote reference 7938612. Pine Island Reserve in Greenway. Picture by Elesa Kurtz Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Bageshri Savyasachi Journalist I am the police reporter for The Canberra Times. I cover crime, corrections and other emergency services. I am interested in investigative journalism and human stories. Contact me at bageshri.s@canberratimes.com.au or send confidential tips to bageshri.s@proton.me I am the police reporter for The Canberra Times. I cover crime, corrections and other emergency services. I am interested in investigative journalism and human stories. Contact me at bageshri.s@canberratimes.com.au or send confidential tips to bageshri.s@proton.me More from Canberra 'A dying breed': Where to find good atmosphere and classic pubs on the South Coast No comment s The govt should prove it's on the side of citizens when it comes to housing No comment s How to tackle the tricky issue of EV charging in apartment complexes No comment s 'Please slow down': Road crime and injuries are on the rise in Canberra No comment s DFAT told to rein in diplomatic visas after slavery cases No comment s A body in Lake Burley Griffin and the inheritance question answered 40 years later Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading... WEEKDAYS The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Loading... WEEKLY Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Loading... WEEKLY FootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Loading... DAILY Early Look At David Pope Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon. Loading... AS IT HAPPENS Public Service News Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service. Loading... WEEKLY Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Loading... WEEKLY Property Get the latest property and development news here. Loading... WEEKLY What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Loading... WEEKLY Weekend Reads We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Loading... WEEKLY Times Reader's Panel Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers. Loading... WEEKDAYS The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Loading... TWICE WEEKLY The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Loading... WEEKLY Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Loading... TWICE WEEKLY Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Loading... AS IT HAPPENS Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Loading... DAILY Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Loading... DAILY Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Loading...
Kim Dotcom shared his first social media post since suffering a life-threatening stroke in November. Dotcom posted a photo with family, with wife Liz Dotcom calling it a “Christmas miracle”. Dotcom was hospitalised in early November, with his lawyer saying they had not known whether he would survive. Kim Dotcom has shared his first social media post since suffering a life-threatening stroke amid his extradition battle. Dotcom was hospitalised in November after having the serious stroke, just months after the Justice Minister signed an extradition order for the internet entrepreneur, who faces charges in the US. “It’s been very serious and we honestly did not know whether he would survive or what that looks like,” his lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, said at the time. Now the internet mogul has made his first public post since the incident, sharing a photo to X of himself surrounded by family.Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100Lewandowski hits Champions League century as Barca beat Brest
What Is ‘Queen Never Cry’ Meme About? Explained By A called “ has been making a lot of waves on social media sites like . This has invited interest from many fans, who wish to learn more about it and where it originates from. So, what is the meaning of the “Queen Never Cry” meme? Without further ado, here is a detailed explanation of the popular meme and its origins. ‘Queen Never Cry’ meme explained The “Queen Never Cry” or “Queen Don’t Cry” meme originates from a panel of a popular webtoon called The Ki Sisters. The aforementioned webtoon panel features a mother and her newborn baby. In the panel, a nurse who helped deliver the baby hands it over to her mother. However, the child soon starts crying. Immediately after this, the nurse whispers “Queen never cry” to the baby’s ears. This is then followed by the baby stopping to cry and putting up a blank and cold facial expression. This same expression continues in a subsequent montage depicting the baby’s growth into an adolescent and later an adult. Check out the viral meme below: Queen never cry ? The “Queen never cry” meme quickly gained popularity on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok because of its wild and unique nature. It also became viral because of how it combines emotional expression with drama and humor. Consequently, netizens then took to social media platforms to act out the meme and film their own renditions of it. Here is one example of a TikTok user reading a comment that states, “The fact that seeing her cry made me wanna cry too.” The user quickly did an expression signifying ‘no’, and said with a dubbed voice “Queen never cry,” subsequently acting out the meme. Users also recreated the meme with characters from popular television shows and video games. For example, here are the and of the meme. Furthermore, social media users even created versions of the meme representing countries like . Overall, the “Queen Never Cry” meme enforces the notion of holding yourself together and staying in control, when coming across situations that could potentially elicit strong emotional reactions. Abdul Naushad is a Contributing SEO Writer. He has previously written over a 100 articles for Sportskeeda. In his spare time, he likes to play video games, watch movies and aimlessly browse and watch different kinds of YouTube videos whether they be gaming reviews, movie explanations or even funny sketches and skits. Share article
Musk calls for abolishing consumer protection agencyMae Sot, a town on the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, is notorious as a hub for cross-border human trafficking and transnational organised crime run by Chinese mafia syndicates. Despite this, government action has been grossly inadequate to combat the problem. During a recent visit to Mae Sot to review anti-human trafficking efforts, Pol Lt Gen Prachuab Wongsuk, acting deputy national police chief, identified the town as the country's top hotspot for cross-border human trafficking, online scams, gambling, and other illegal activities. This is not surprising. Each year, thousands of victims from various countries are lured by fake high-paying job offers to work in Thailand, but are funnelled through Mae Sot to Myawaddy, Myanmar's border town opposite Mae Sot, to work for Chinese scam operations. According to victims, they are swept through immigration at Bangkok's international airports and driven through border checkpoints to Mae Sot without issue. Some are even flown directly to Mae Sot. Undeniably, local corruption is involved. Once in Myawaddy, the victims are imprisoned, their phones confiscated, they are forced into debt bondage, and are forced to scam people worldwide. Those who refuse or fail to meet quotas face torture, including beatings, electrocution, and other abuse. They must pay a ransom if they want to be released. While the Chinese operators carry out the torture, the facilities are guarded by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), two armed groups operating in Myanmar's Karen State. In addition to Thais, human trafficking victims come from various countries, including Laos, the Philippines, Iraq, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Kenya, and others. On Oct 26, the Civil Society Network for Victim Assistance in Human Trafficking, a human rights NGO, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, calling for the immediate rescue of 110 victims and action to stop Chinese syndicates using Mae Sot to traffic people into Myanmar. The group also appealed to the BGF, DKBA, the Defence Ministry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for rescue operations. Nothing has happened. Several embassies have contacted the network to help rescue their citizens held by Chinese mafia groups, pushing the number of human trafficking victims seeking help to over 500. Thailand can no longer ignore this issue. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, online scams run by these Chinese criminal networks cost Thailand at least 50 million baht every day. This not only harms the country's productivity but also worsens its struggling economy. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that East and Southeast Asia lost between $18–37 billion to online scams in 2023 -- around 648 billion to 1.3 trillion baht. Meanwhile, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) estimated these syndicates globally stole nearly $64 billion a year, or about 2.28 trillion baht. Apart from economic damage, the criminal networks have co-opted political and business elites in host countries, worsening corruption, fueling money politics and undermining democratic principles. While the scam compounds operate in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, Thailand cannot deny its role as a transit hub for trafficking victims exploited by these Chinese syndicates. According to Usip, thousands of victims from 60 countries have been trafficked and enslaved in the Southeast Asian scam industry. This level of crime would not be possible if Thailand were more effective in stopping it. The acting deputy police chief recently visited a group of scam victims in Mae Sot on Nov 12. His team found a group of Chinese people who had arrived suspiciously, claiming they were tourists heading to Pattaya but had been unknowingly driven to Mae Sot by a taxi driver. The police freed all concerned, including the taxi driver, and announced to the media that they had rescued a group of Chinese people from human trafficking. Case closed. This is not just inefficiency; it's a dangerous failure of duty that allows human trafficking to continue unchecked. It's true that the power, reach, and advanced technology of the cyber fraud industry require international cooperation to stop and punish them. However, Thailand cannot ignore its responsibility to take legal action against crimes happening within its borders -- especially against corrupt officials and those involved in money laundering. Additionally, the government must address the telecommunications infrastructure enabling these online call centres. Thailand must stop being a silent partner in this transnational crime before more lives are destroyed.
