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- Sega Considers Netflix-like Subscription Service for Games
Sega is contemplating the launch of its own subscription service for video games, similar to Netflix, which could further drive the shift toward gaming through streaming. Current offerings in the market, including Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, allow gamers to pay a monthly fee for access to a library...
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21 December 21 2024Entertainmenthttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210258 - US Senate Passes Funding Bill, Averting Government Shutdown
The U.S. Congress passed a spending bill early Saturday morning to prevent a government shutdown, just in time for the busy holiday travel season. The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 85-11 to continue government funding, 38 minutes after the previous funding expired at midnight (0500 GMT Saturday), without invoking shutdown procedures during...
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The U.S. Congress passed a spending bill early Saturday morning to prevent a government shutdown, just in time for the busy holiday travel season. The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 85-11 to continue government funding, 38 minutes after the previous funding expired at midnight (0500 GMT Saturday), without invoking shutdown procedures during the interim. The legislation will now be sent to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it into law.
The funding package had previously cleared the Republican-controlled House of Representatives with bipartisan support. This late-night vote concluded a hectic week in which President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk disrupted an initial bipartisan agreement, creating chaos in Congress.
The final version of the bill removed several provisions favored by Democrats, who accused Republicans of succumbing to pressure from an unelected billionaire lacking government experience. Additionally, Congress did not act on Trump’s request to raise the debt ceiling before he takes office on January 20, which poses challenges for future borrowing.
The legislative package extends government funding until March 14, providing $100 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farm support. Some Republicans opposed the bill over its lack of spending cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the party would have more influence next year with majorities in both chambers of Congress and Trump in the White House. He noted Trump’s support for the package as a vital step to bridge the legislative gap.
A government shutdown would have disrupted vital services like law enforcement, national parks, and delayed paychecks for millions of federal employees. A trade group in the travel industry warned that the shutdown could cost airlines, hotels, and various businesses around $1 billion per week and lead to significant disruptions during the crucial Christmas season.
The package resembles a bipartisan proposal that was dismissed earlier in the week due to backlash from Trump and Musk, who deemed it too cluttered with unrelated provisions. Most of those elements were stripped from the final bill, including a provision that would have limited investments in China—a concern for Musk’s interests.
Trump has appointed Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, to lead a budget-cutting task force, although he will not hold an official position in the administration. Musk expressed satisfaction with the revised package, stating on his social media platform X that it had been significantly streamlined.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries noted that despite the challenges, his party achieved some goals and prevented Republicans from facilitating a debt-ceiling hike that could ease the path for cutting taxes.
The call to lift the debt ceiling was overwhelmingly rejected by the House on Thursday, with even 38 Republicans voting against it. Johnson mentioned that lawmakers would revisit the issue in January.
Representative Rich McCormick, one of 34 Republicans opposing the funding bill, argued it failed to alter the nation’s fiscal trajectory and would only add to the debt burden. “If we continue as we are, we will become a country of the past,” he asserted.
The federal government last experienced a 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term due to a border security dispute. Previous conflicts over the debt ceiling have caused tremors in financial markets, as a U.S. default could trigger global credit disruptions. The current debt limit has been suspended under an agreement that technically expires on January 1, but lawmakers may not need to address the issue until spring.
Credit: Reuters
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21 December 21 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210255 - Italy’s Deputy PM Salvini Acquitted in Migrant Kidnapping Case
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has been found not guilty in a criminal kidnapping case stemming from his decision in August 2019 to bar a migrant vessel from docking in Italy, leaving it stranded offshore. The ruling judge stated on Friday that “the facts do not exist.” The case...
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Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has been found not guilty in a criminal kidnapping case stemming from his decision in August 2019 to bar a migrant vessel from docking in Italy, leaving it stranded offshore. The ruling judge stated on Friday that “the facts do not exist.”
The case dates back to Salvini’s tenure as interior minister when he prevented the Spanish-flagged NGO rescue boat Open Arms from docking in Sicily, carrying 147 asylum seekers. The migrants remained at sea for 19 days under harsh conditions until a Sicilian court intervened, allowing them to disembark. Children and vulnerable individuals were airlifted to safety during the crisis.
At the time, Salvini justified his actions by citing national security concerns amid efforts to combat irregular immigration by sea into Italy.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “great satisfaction” with Salvini’s acquittal, calling it a judgment that illustrates the unfounded nature of the accusations against him.
The case gained international attention when American actor Richard Gere, who was in Italy for vacation, provided food and water to the stranded migrants. Although he was named as a witness, Gere did not testify due to objections from Salvini’s defense led by Giulia Bongiorno, a member of Salvini’s Lega party. Recently, Elon Musk commented on social media that it was “crazy” for Salvini to be tried for “defending Italy.”
Salvini responded to Musk’s endorsement, stating, “Defending Italy’s borders was my duty, and I am proud of what I accomplished. Regardless of the verdict, our fight for FREEDOM and SECURITY in Italy and Europe will continue.” Musk replied, “You did the right thing.”
During nearly eight hours of deliberation, prosecutor Marzia Sabella argued that Salvini had overstepped his authority as interior minister, asserting there were no national security grounds for preventing the migrants’ disembarkation.
Speaking to reporters outside the Palermo courthouse ahead of the final hearing, Salvini expressed pride in his actions, stating, “I kept the promises I made, I fought mass immigration, and today is a good day because I am proud to have defended my country.” He added, “I would do everything I did again.”
This verdict arrives as Meloni’s government is attempting to establish a plan to send migrants to Albania for processing, a scheme facing legal challenges in the judiciary. The European Court of Justice is set to review the legality of these Albanian Centers, which have cost Italian taxpayers millions of euros.
Credit: CNN
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21 December 21 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210252 - Two Dead, Dozens Injured in Car Attack at German Christmas Market
A tragic incident occurred at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a car drove into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a child, and injuring dozens more. Officials reported that 68 individuals were injured, with 15 sustaining serious injuries. The premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff,...
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A tragic incident occurred at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, where a car drove into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a child, and injuring dozens more. Officials reported that 68 individuals were injured, with 15 sustaining serious injuries.
The premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, confirmed that a 50-year-old Saudi citizen, who had been living in Germany since 2006 and worked as a doctor, was arrested as the suspect. A preliminary investigation indicates that he acted alone, though further inquiries are ongoing. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the suspect has no known connections to Islamist extremism.
Eyewitness footage showed emergency services responding to the scene, where people were found lying on the ground. Unverified videos on social media appeared to capture the moment the car struck the crowd. A spokesperson for Magdeburg stated that local hospitals were preparing for a “mass casualty event,” while around 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel were deployed to assist.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concerns, stating, “Reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst.” He extended his thoughts to the victims and their families, asserting support for the residents of Magdeburg. Scholz is expected to visit the city on Saturday.
Shortly after the incident, market organizers announced the closure of the event, urging the public to allow emergency services to do their work. Eyewitness accounts described the chaos, with one resident, Nadine, recounting how her boyfriend was struck by the vehicle.
Journalist Lars Frohmüller reported seeing “blood on the floor” and medical professionals working diligently to aid the injured. The incident coincided with a football match in the city, where the local team offered their condolences to the victims and their families.
This attack raises chilling memories of previous Christmas market incidents in Germany, most notably the 2016 attack in Berlin, where a truck was driven into a market, killing 12 people and injuring 49. French President Emmanuel Macron extended his solidarity to Germany, expressing shared grief over this latest tragedy.
Credit: BBC News
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21 December 21 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210249 - Casino legalisation bill on the Way
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the government will decide the locations for casino-entertainment complexes to ensure fairness in the bidding process if the bill legalizing gambling in the country is passed. “If the government selects the locations, it will enable investors to compete fairly in the bidding process....
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Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the government will decide the locations for casino-entertainment complexes to ensure fairness in the bidding process if the bill legalizing gambling in the country is passed.
“If the government selects the locations, it will enable investors to compete fairly in the bidding process. This approach will prevent bid specifications or conditions from being manipulated to favor any particular bidder,” Mr. Julapun explained.
He also noted that some investors may own land and may attempt to push for a casino-entertainment complex to be built on their property.
He explained that a government committee would determine how many casino complexes will be built in the country. Once the number is decided, the committee will present the proposal to the cabinet for approval, as stipulated in the current version of the bill.
“This project will be a game changer, as it is expected to boost tourism and increase tourist spending,” Mr. Julapun added.
He stated that a government committee would determine the number of casino complexes to be built in the country. Once the number is decided, the committee will present the proposal to the cabinet for approval, as required by the current version of the bill.
“This project will be a game changer, as it is expected to boost tourism and increase tourist spending,” Mr. Julapun said.
“An investment of at least 100 billion baht will be required for such a complex, and the project will stimulate the economy. Construction is expected to take three to four years and boost GDP by 0.2% annually. Once operational, it is also expected to increase GDP by 0.7%,” he said.
A study by the Fiscal Policy Office indicated that establishing entertainment complexes in Thailand could attract an additional 5–20% more foreign tourists, with the average spending per visitor rising from 40,000 baht to 60,000 baht.
The government is pressing ahead with the bill to establish entertainment complexes and legalize casinos within them. A public hearing on the bill was completed in August, and the bill, along with the necessary feedback, is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The bill consists of 65 sections, which stipulate that an entertainment complex must acquire a licence to operate, valid for up to 30 years. Operators must also pay a 5 billion baht registration fee, plus an annual payment of 1 billion baht. Each complex will be evaluated every five years, and after 30 years, the licence can be renewed for another 10 years.
Individuals under the age of 20 will be prohibited from entering these venues. The complexes will be open to all foreigners, but Thai nationals will be required to pay an entrance fee of 5,000 baht.
Under the bill, a policy board will be established, chaired by the prime minister, which will be responsible for setting the rules and regulations governing the gaming complexes.
Five potential locations have been identified: two in Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Mr. Julapun previously mentioned that the ministry would engage in discussions with coalition partners to secure their support for the casino-entertainment complex project.
The project is part of the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy agenda, as outlined by Premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra in parliament on September 12.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul had earlier stated that the casino scheme should be discussed with coalition partners before being submitted to the cabinet.
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21 December 21 2024After Darkhttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210246 - Austrian tourist arrested in fatal jet ski incident
A 25-year-old Austrian man, identified only as David, has been arrested in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that resulted in the death of a Russian tourist at Karon Beach, Phuket. The incident took place on December 17, 2024, when 58-year-old Kirill was swimming near the Sue Puen Mon...
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A 25-year-old Austrian man, identified only as David, has been arrested in connection with a fatal jet ski collision that resulted in the death of a Russian tourist at Karon Beach, Phuket. The incident took place on December 17, 2024, when 58-year-old Kirill was swimming near the Sue Puen Mon Bai restaurant.
What was initially believed to be a drowning was later revealed, through witness accounts and CCTV footage, to have been caused by a speeding jet ski that struck the victim and then fled the scene. Local fishermen found the body shortly after midnight on December 18. Authorities struggled to identify the victim at first, but a hotel-branded beach towel left on the shore helped confirm he was a Russian tourist traveling alone.
Further investigation of nearby hotel CCTV footage revealed two foreign tourists riding jet skis in the area. Local jet ski rental operators identified the jet skis as belonging to the “Chao Mai” company, which had rented out three jet skis (numbers 5, 10, and 12) at the time of the incident.
Jet skis #5 and #12 were rented by two foreigners traveling together. Upon inspection, jet ski #5 was found to have scratches and paint damage on its front section, while jet ski #12 showed no damage. The investigation revealed that jet ski #5 had been operated by Mr. David, an Austrian national.The post Austrian tourist arrested in fatal jet ski incident appeared first on Pattaya One News.
21 December 21 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210242 - Pattaya traffic police need Help
As Pattaya grapples with severe traffic congestion on inadequate roads, the city’s traffic police seem to have taken a back seat. Officers, easily identified by the word “Traffic” emblazoned on their uniforms, share responsibilities with the main police force, but locals are increasingly frustrated as cars, baht buses, and motorbikes...
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As Pattaya grapples with severe traffic congestion on inadequate roads, the city’s traffic police seem to have taken a back seat. Officers, easily identified by the word “Traffic” emblazoned on their uniforms, share responsibilities with the main police force, but locals are increasingly frustrated as cars, baht buses, and motorbikes appear to navigate the chaos unchecked.
Traffic control booths at major intersections, aside from the one at Second and Central Roads, often appear abandoned. Drivers park freely in red-line prohibited areas with little intervention, though occasional ticketing sweeps on Beach Road still occur. Double parking on Thepprasit Road has become a common sight, exacerbating an already chaotic situation.
Ahead of the festive season, Police Lt. Colonel Phanupong Nimsuwan, head of Pattaya’s traffic division, outlined four key priorities: reviewing road signs, conducting alcohol tests, cracking down on illegal parking, and addressing unauthorized U-turns. He also claimed that 30,000 additional parking slots had been created citywide, though details were sparse. What remains unclear is the number of officers actively enforcing traffic laws on the ground.
Individual police officers have cited various reasons for their reduced presence. Some attribute it to a focus on night patrols and breath tests, while others suggest officers have been reassigned to different duties. A more cynical perspective suggests that the sheer magnitude of Pattaya’s traffic issues might have prompted a hands-off approach as the holiday season nears. Expanded ring roads, intended to alleviate congestion, are also believed to have worsened traffic within the city.
Ultimately, the core problem lies in the sheer volume of vehicles competing for limited road space. As the adage goes, “You are not stuck in traffic; you are the traffic.” Long-term solutions, such as cable cars, mini-railways, or a vastly improved public transport system, paired with measures like fines or restrictions on private vehicles in the city center, could offer relief. However, these initiatives require decades of planning, massive financial investment, and the political will to weather public discontent. In the short term, however, increased police presence on Pattaya’s roads would be a welcome step forward.
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20 December 20 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210239 - Man claims self-defence for selling Guns
Cyber police arrested a 37-year-old man for operating a YouTube channel selling gun barrels and firearms online. During his arrest, authorities found four methamphetamine pills in his possession, and a subsequent search of his home uncovered a large cache of illegal items. The suspect claimed that he kept the firearms...
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Cyber police arrested a 37-year-old man for operating a YouTube channel selling gun barrels and firearms online. During his arrest, authorities found four methamphetamine pills in his possession, and a subsequent search of his home uncovered a large cache of illegal items. The suspect claimed that he kept the firearms for self-defense.
Police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, led by Trairong Piwpan, raided a residence in Tha Som, Hua Sai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat . The operation was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Pak Phanang Provincial Court. The main suspect, identified as Chaiyut, was taken into custody along with the narcotics and weapons.
The investigation began with online surveillance, where authorities discovered the illegal sale of rifled gun barrels through a YouTube account named ตนมี ฝีมือ. Undercover officers posed as buyers and purchased a barrel for 2,050 baht (US$60). This purchase was traced to a postal transaction, with Duanghathai listed as the sender.
The name Duanghathai appeared in dispatch records 119 times, all linked to the YouTube account, which was associated with a firearm trading group on the LINE messaging app.
During the search warrant execution, officers found Busaya at the residence. She identified herself as the homeowner and the spouse of Chaiyut. A search of their bedroom revealed a substantial collection of firearms and ammunition.
Busaya confessed that all the items belonged to Chaiyut, who was working on a flood relief project in the province at the time. Police later apprehended Chaiyut at his job site, where a search of his vehicle uncovered a 9mm blank-firing gun, matching ammunition, and methamphetamine pills hidden in his bag.
photo Khaosod
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20 December 20 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210236 - Thailand Holiday period to see over 18000 flights
Airports across the country are expected to handle more than 18,000 flights during the upcoming New Year holiday, as Thailand’s aviation industry continues to recover and grow, according to the Transport Ministry. From December 27 to January 2, a total of 18,280 flights are projected, averaging 2,211 flights per day....
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Airports across the country are expected to handle more than 18,000 flights during the upcoming New Year holiday, as Thailand’s aviation industry continues to recover and grow, according to the Transport Ministry.
From December 27 to January 2, a total of 18,280 flights are projected, averaging 2,211 flights per day. This represents a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri.
The figures were compiled by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai).
The rise in domestic air travel is attributed to the high demand from people returning home for the holidays and tourists traveling to the provinces to celebrate the New Year, according to the deputy minister.
The aviation industry is expected to maintain strong performance next year, with at least one million flights projected to serve airports nationwide, up from 981,270 flights this year.
Ms. Manaporn also noted that airports’ facilities and technologies will be upgraded to accommodate the growing traffic, driven by the steadily recovering tourism sector.
To prepare for the New Year travel surge, the deputy minister instructed Aerothai and relevant agencies to adopt the I-Smart approach, which focuses on inclusivity, safety, security, sustainability, approachability, reasonable pricing, and timely travel with the support of technology.
The goal is to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience while preventing flight delays and reducing overcrowding during check-in.
Aerothai president Nopasit Chakpitak stated that the company is increasing High Intensity Runway Operations (Hiros) during the holiday period to maximize runway capacity. Hiros works by reducing the time each aircraft occupies the runway, allowing more flights to land and take off.
Additionally, preferred-exit taxiways will be opened to ease congestion on the runways.
Mr. Nopasit explained that Hiros could increase Suvarnabhumi Airport’s capacity to 94 flights per hour, up from the current 68, and raise Don Mueang Airport’s capacity to 57-60 flights per hour, compared to the current 52.
Phuket International Airport is also preparing for a significant increase in flight traffic over Christmas and New Year.
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20 December 20 2024Breaking Newshttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210232 - Man and a transgender woman Clash
A man and a transgender woman were involved in a confrontation at Pattaya Beach early this morning, resulting in the man being injured. Pattaya police received a report of a physical assault at the beach and immediately responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found 34-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, Mr....
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A man and a transgender woman were involved in a confrontation at Pattaya Beach early this morning, resulting in the man being injured.
Pattaya police received a report of a physical assault at the beach and immediately responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found 34-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, Mr. Chayut, with minor puncture wounds on his right leg and back. Rescue workers provided initial first aid, but Mr. Chayut refused to be taken to the hospital.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Natchachai, who appeared to be a transgender woman, was calmly sitting on the beach. Police officers attempted to search Natchachai for the weapon used in the attack, but she claimed it was only a pair of glasses.
Mr. Chayut explained that while he was waiting for passengers by the roadside, Natchachai approached him and tried to steal his phone, which was attached to his motorcycle.When she was unsuccessful, Natchachai allegedly threw an egg at his head from a nearby restaurant and then used a sharp object to stab him in the back and leg, causing his injuries.
Meanwhile, Natchachai claimed that she and Mr. Chayut were old friends. She said Chayut had borrowed money from her and failed to repay it. On that day, she confronted him about the debt, and she also alleged that Chayut often took pictures of groups of women and LGBTQ individuals on the beach. The confrontation escalated into a verbal argument, which eventually turned physical.
Witnesses stated they didn’t hear the argument but saw Natchachai walk across the beach to retrieve an egg from a nearby shop and throw it at Mr. Chayut.
Both parties were brought to Pattaya Police Station for questioning. Police are currently investigating the incident to determine who is at fault.
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20 December 20 2024Crimehttps://pattayaone.news/?p=210229