Thai Woman Arrested for Extorting Monks Using Sex Videos and Photos

BBC News,

Thai police have arrested a woman, referred to as “Ms Golf,” who allegedly had sexual relationships with at least nine Buddhist monks and used explicit photos and videos to blackmail them. Authorities estimate she extorted over 385 million baht (around $11.9 million) over three years. A search of her residence uncovered more than 80,000 files used in the extortion scheme. The investigation began after an abbot in Bangkok suddenly left the monkhood, reportedly under pressure from her threats.

Police said she demanded over seven million baht in child support from one monk, falsely claiming to have his child. They found her method of extortion involved similar tactics across multiple victims. Much of the money was allegedly spent on online gambling. Ms Golf now faces charges including extortion, money laundering, and possession of stolen property.

This case adds to a growing list of scandals in Thailand’s revered Buddhist institution, already under criticism for issues like sexual misconduct and drug trafficking. The Sangha Supreme Council has pledged to review regulations, and King Vajiralongkorn recently revoked royal titles from 81 monks, citing misconduct. Experts argue the rigid hierarchy within the monastic order discourages accountability and reform, though some hope the current investigations might prompt meaningful change.

20 Palestinians Killed in Crowd Surge at Gaza Aid Site, GHF Reports

BBC News,

At least 20 people died in a deadly crowd surge at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Nineteen victims were trampled to death and one was stabbed, according to GHF, which blamed the chaos on Hamas-affiliated agitators. However, local hospital Nasser Medical Center reported that 10 people died from suffocation after GHF’s private security abruptly closed the aid distribution.

GHF, backed by the U.S. and Israel, has come under increasing scrutiny for its role in Gaza aid distribution. The UN’s human rights office said 674 people have been killed near GHF sites in the past six weeks, and 201 more along aid routes. Witnesses claim many were shot by Israeli forces while seeking assistance.

Though GHF previously denied any fatalities near its sites and criticized the UN for using data from Hamas-run ministries, this latest incident has drawn global concern. The UN refuses to cooperate with GHF, calling its setup unethical. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has acknowledged civilian harm and stated efforts are underway to minimize such incidents.

NATO Chief Warns India, China, Brazil of Sanctions Over Russia Trade

DW News,

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged China, India, and Brazil to pressure Russia into serious peace talks or face severe U.S. economic retaliation. Speaking in Washington, Rutte warned that failure to act could trigger massive secondary sanctions. His statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 100% tariff on countries maintaining trade with Russia and a looming 500% tariff bill in Congress.

Rutte emphasized that these countries—major buyers of Russian oil and gas and key BRICS members—must rethink their alliances. “Call Vladimir Putin and tell him to get serious about peace,” Rutte stated, warning that inaction would hit Brazil, India, and China “very hard.”

Trump had already pledged to raise tariffs on BRICS nations challenging U.S. dominance. Meanwhile, bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. are preparing legislation to further punish countries that continue trading with Russia. Experts note that these actions could reshape global trade alliances and put intense diplomatic pressure on Russia’s key economic partners.

14 Million Children Missed All Vaccinations in 2024, UN Warns

AP News,

In 2024, over 14 million children globally did not receive a single dose of any vaccine, according to a new estimate from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Nine countries—Nigeria, India, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Angola—accounted for more than half of these missed vaccinations.

While initial vaccination rates remained steady at 89% for DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), completion of the full three-dose series rose only slightly to 85%. WHO officials warned that drastic aid cuts and vaccine misinformation are threatening decades of public health progress.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, closure of the USAID agency, and recent cancellation of funding for Gavi by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have severely undermined global immunization efforts. The UN reported that measles outbreaks surged in 60 countries last year, including a child fatality in the UK.

Experts say herd immunity for measles requires 95% coverage, yet global levels remain far below. “It is never too late to be vaccinated — even as an adult,” said Prof. Helen Bradford of University College London. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for urgent efforts to counteract aid cuts and misinformation.