Trench-digging Ukrainian troops targeted by Russian strikes - CNA

NEAR BAKHMUT: Shovels in hand and helmets on heads, Ukrainian soldiers jumped out of a military truck and prepare to dig a trench near Bakhmut, in the conflict-hit east of the country.

The team leader gave instructions to the 30 or so diggers: "You have to dig from there to there," he said, pointing to a few dozen metres of green grass damp from the night's rain.

The chosen spot is between a small road and some woods, about six kilometres from the Russian frontline.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. These days, most of the fighting is in the east, for control of the industrial Donbass region, in particular the city of Bakhmut, which has been almost completely destroyed.

The group leader continues: "Half of you dig, half of you can smoke, and then you change over. You dig until 2.30pm and then we get out of here," he said, mid-morning on Sunday.

"That's Bakhmut, that's the front," he adds, pointing to all sides.

The soldiers on the first digging duty put their rifles in the grass and, shovels in hand, lined up along the designated stretch of ground. The others stand slightly back.

But the trench-diggers didn't even have time to start before the shrill sound of a rocket ripped through the air, exploding less than 50 metres away.

Some soldiers dived to the ground, others ran to lie down at the edge of the adjacent wood.

Twenty or so explosions in a row followed, close by or more distant.

The detonations followed one another for about 20 seconds. Then silence returned.

A few soldiers stood up, but quickly fall back when two more explosions sounded.

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2023-04-30 21:37:57Z
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Philippines will not become military staging post, says President Marcos - CNA

MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos said his government would not allow the Philippines to become a "staging post" for military action, ahead of a meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday (May 1).

Manila recently granted Washington access to more Filipino military bases as the allies seek to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region and its sweeping claims over disputed waters, islands and shoals.

"We will not encourage any provocative action that will involve the Philippines by any other country," Marcos told reporters Sunday aboard a plane en route to Washington.

"We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a staging post for any kind of military action."

Marcos's visit comes after the United States called on China to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the contested South China Sea following a near-collision with a Philippine coast guard vessel.

"We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Saturday, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response. Manila and Washington are bound by a 1951 mutual defence pact.

The Apr 23 incident was "a near-crash and that ... can cause casualties on both sides", Marcos said on the flight, according to a statement by the Philippine presidential palace.

"That's exactly what we want to avoid."

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2023-05-01 05:42:11Z
1970351531

Join the Labour Day Celebration at Hong Lim Park on 1 May: Rally for Workers' Rights - The Online Citizen Asia - The Online Citizen Asia

SINGAPORE — Workers from all walks of life are invited to gather at Hong Lim Park on 1 May, from 3 pm to 7 pm, to celebrate Labour Day and show solidarity in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.

The event aims to honour the sacrifices made by the labour movement in securing hard-won victories, such as the eight-hour work week, paid parental leave, and Labour Day itself. Participants will come together to envision a more just and equal society for all workers in Singapore.

The Labour Day Rally will feature a powerful lineup of live bands and comedians, as well as inspiring speeches from working-class heroes such as Uncle Peter, a food delivery rider; Erah, a mother and community volunteer; Staffan, a Registered Nurse; and Uncle Chua, an ex-bus driver.

These speakers will share their personal experiences and insights on various issues faced by workers, and advocate for change in their respective industries.

The purpose of the event is to bring workers together, raise awareness about the struggles faced by working-class individuals, and demand a fairer, more equitable society.

The event will also showcase booths from community organizations such as Function 8, Transformative Justice Collective, SG Climate Rally, and SG Riders, among others, providing information on their initiatives and opportunities for engagement.

Attendees are encouraged to wear red attire, symbolising unity and strength. Bring a water bottle, pack a picnic or snacks, and prepare for rain or shine. Bring your friends and family to join in the celebration of workers’ rights and the ongoing struggle for a better, fairer Singapore.

For more information about the event, visit the Labour Day Rally ’23 website and follow the event on social media for updates on the program and activities.

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2023-04-30 09:52:32Z
1986159933

Philippine leader travels to US to bolster ties amid China tensions - CNA

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1. Philippine leader travels to US to bolster ties amid China tensions  CNA
2. Philippine’s Marcos travels to US to bolster ties amid China tensions  South China Morning Post
3. Marcos visits U.S., HSBC investors vote on spinoff, SEA Games begin  Nikkei Asia
4. US expects business engagement, military boost from summit with Philippines  The Straits Times
5. United States President Biden, Philippines counterpart Marcos set to meet as tensions grow with China  Times of India
6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2023-04-30 07:56:00Z
1970351531

From watermelon to weed: Thai farmers regret switching to cannabis as prices fall - The Straits Times

NAKHON PHANOM - When Thailand legalised cannabis for medical use in June 2022, thousands rushed to stake their claim, including small-time farmer Tukta Sinnin.

The 43-year-old pumped in nearly 500,000 baht (S$19,500) to grow more than 400 cannabis plants on her land in Nakhon Phanom, a north-east province by the Mekong River.

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2023-04-30 04:00:00Z
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US demands Beijing stop ‘provocative and unsafe’ acts in South China Sea - South China Morning Post

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US demands Beijing stop ‘provocative and unsafe’ acts in South China Sea  South China Morning PostView Full coverage on Google News
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2023-04-29 19:58:37Z
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One family, five candidates: Dynasties rule rural Thailand - CNA

SA KAEO, Thailand: Politics is a family affair for the Thienthong clan, one of Thailand's most enduring political dynasties, with five members running in next month's general election, for two different parties.

They are one of a number of families woven into the fabric of Thai politics - the most famous of which is the Shinawatras, whose patriarch Thaksin was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 and continues to loom large from exile abroad.

The financial rewards of elected office - an MP earns around US$3,500 a month - may be little more than loose change to these ultra-wealthy clans, but the influence it brings can be highly profitable to their business interests.

The Thienthong family built their wealth on a successful logistics business in their eastern heartland - which includes a major border crossing to Cambodia - and have dominated the region's politics since the 1970s.

In the run-up to the May 14 vote, theirs is the name plastered on campaign posters along the rough country roads of poor, rural Sa Kaeo province.

Kwanruen Thienthong, her daughter Treenuch and nephew Sorawong are all contesting the three constituency seats up for grabs in Sa Kaeo.

Sorawong is running for Pheu Thai, the main opposition party riding high in the polls, while the two women are with the army-backed Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) which led the outgoing ruling coalition.

Sorawong's brothers are also running for Pheu Thai: Surachart in a Bangkok constituency, and Surakiat, on the party list.

"Politics is politics. Family is family. We have different standpoints in politics but we're still family," Sorawong tells AFP.

Treenuch began her career as an MP with a forerunner party of Pheu Thai more than 20 years ago but switched to PPRP, was re-elected in 2019 and serves as education minister.

For voters in Sa Kaeo the family's track record on the ground matters more than party names or political ideology.

"They go down to every area and when there's work or there are requests for help from the locals, they help," Treenuch supporter Sirinthip Sawangkloi told AFP at a noisy rally.

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2023-04-29 08:56:09Z
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