Acting Thai PM submits request for lower house dissolution
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has formally requested King Maha Vajiralongkorn to dissolve the lower House of Representatives, Xinhua reported.
The move follows the opposition People’s Party backing the Bhumjaithai Party’s candidate for prime minister ahead of the parliamentary vote, signaling potential shifts in the country’s political landscape.
US military kills 11 people in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says
The US military carried out a strike on a Venezuelan vessel linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, killing 11 people. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, sharing a video on Truth Social showing the boat exploding at sea, according to Reuters.
The Pentagon has not disclosed details on the type or quantity of drugs involved. Human rights advocates have questioned the legality and proportionality of the strike, while Venezuela’s government disputed the video’s authenticity, though Reuters found no evidence of manipulation.
This marks the first military action since the US increased its naval presence in the southern Caribbean, deploying at least seven warships and a nuclear submarine to combat narcotics trafficking. The escalation comes amid heightened tensions, as the US recently raised its reward for information leading to President Nicolas Maduro’s arrest to $50m, Reuters reported.
Bomb blast kills 11 at rally Political Rally in southwestern Pakistan
A bomb exploded at a rally in Quetta, southwestern Pakistan, killing 11 people and injuring around 30. The event marked the anniversary of nationalist leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal. His son, Sardar Akhtar Mengal, who attended the rally, was unharmed.
The explosion occurred in a parking area as attendees were leaving, and authorities suspect a suicide attack. No group has claimed responsibility. Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, has a history of unrest involving Islamist militants and separatist insurgents. Investigations are ongoing, according to Reuters.
Trump dismisses rumors he is in ill health
President Donald Trump has dismissed recent rumors about his health as “fake,” emphasizing his active schedule over the Labor Day weekend, including media interviews and a visit to his Virginia golf course. The speculation followed his brief absence from public events and comments from Vice President JD Vance, who affirmed confidence in Trump’s health but noted readiness to assume leadership if needed, Reuters reported.
Trump, 79, had a full physical in April showing no major issues. Doctors attributed minor leg swelling and hand bruising to age-related conditions and routine factors, which the White House described as not serious.
