Can Europe live without Russian natural gas?

13 Sept 11:21 Key points summarised by AI

Russia has significantly reduced natural gas supplies to Europe, including through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, creating an energy crisis and uncertainty for the upcoming winter.
Europe, historically reliant on Russia for 40% of its gas, now faces soaring energy prices, industrial strain, and challenges in filling storage reserves to meet winter demand.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is leveraging energy as a political weapon against the European Union over the war in Ukraine, while Russia's revenue from oil and gas exports has doubled due to spiking prices.
Europe is scrambling to secure alternative energy sources like more expensive liquefied natural gas (LNG), extending coal plant operations, promoting conservation, and proposing a voluntary 15% reduction in gas use across member states.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.