A lady vanishes: In China, a movie star disappears amid culture crackdown

14 Sept 12:03 Key points summarised by AI

Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing vanished in June, sparking widespread speculation amidst reports of a tax evasion probe within the film industry.
Her disappearance underscores Beijing's broader, aggressive crackdown on popular culture, compelling entertainers to align with socialist values and moral integrity.
This extensive cultural 'clean-up' extends beyond tax issues, impacting various creative sectors like film, music, and gaming, stifling artistic expression and enforcing ideological conformity.
The government's intervention, driven by President Xi Jinping's push to control the cultural scene, is seen as threatening creativity and forcing artists to conform to strict party lines.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.