Thai court to rule on former PM Thaksin's royal insult case

A Bangkok court is set to deliver a verdict in a lese majeste case against former Thai Prime Minister and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. He faces up to 15 years in prison over a 2013 interview in which he suggested palace involvement in the 2014 military coup. Critics say Thailand’s law is often used to silence political opponents, and past cases have punished even minor perceived insults to the monarchy.

According to BBC, the ruling comes as Thaksin’s daughter, suspended PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces her own court case, which could remove her from office. Observers say the outcomes may hinge on Thailand’s traditional power brokers, with Thaksin potentially remaining free on bail while appeals and further legal battles unfold.

 

At least 18 die in Colombia in two attacks attributed to FARC dissidents

Colombia experienced two violent attacks on August 21, 2025 attributed to dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla group, resulting in at least 18 deaths and over 40 injuries, BBC reported.

In Cali, a cargo vehicle loaded with explosives detonated near a Colombian Aerospace Force base, killing six people and injuring 71. Hours earlier, a National Police UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter involved in a coca leaf eradication mission was shot down in Amalfi, Antioquia, resulting in 12 officers’ deaths.

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attacks, attributing them to dissident factions of the former FARC guerrilla group that rejected the 2016 peace agreement. The government has pledged to pursue the perpetrators with full force.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges Colombia faces in addressing violence from groups opposed to the peace accord, according to BBC.

 

Nigeria deports 60 Chinese, 39 Filipino convicted in crypto romance scams

Nigeria has deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos, for involvement in internet fraud and cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said. The crackdown targets scams that trick victims into fake cryptocurrency investments and online romances, according to Al Jazeera.

EFCC noted additional deportations since August 15, with more planned. The operation follows a December Lagos raid that arrested 792 suspected cybercriminals, including 192 foreigners. Experts warn these gangs exploit weak cybersecurity systems, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and Europeans, causing major financial losses.

 

Trump administration says it’s reviewing all 55 million US visa holders

The US State Department is reviewing over 55m visas for potential violations that could lead to revocation or deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced an immediate pause on worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing risks to public safety and American livelihoods, according to Al Jazeera.

All visa holders face continuous vetting for overstays, criminal activity, or support for terrorism. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, including workplace raids, restrictions on humanitarian programs, and revocation of student visas—some linked to protests or protected speech.