"The European Union is finalizing a new package of sanctions aimed at closing loopholes that officials say have allowed Russia to use cryptocurrency to circumvent existing restrictions.
The EU is seeking to ban all cryptocurrency transactions with Russia” as part of the upcoming 20th sanctions package.
Among the foreign lenders, the EU has proposed sanctioning two Kyrgyz banks, Keremet and OJSC Capital Bank of Central Asia, along with banks in Laos and Tajikistan." ZH
"Flash floods triggered by heavy rains damaged more than 150 homes in northern Thailand. The torrential downpour struck Chiang Rai spawning floods that reached up to four feet deep. Footage shows the deluge surging across a field as floodwaters ravaged 80 acres of farmland. Classes were suspended as roads were rendered impassable to many cars. Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said it was closely monitoring the situation, warning that persistent rainfall will continue to lash the region. Residents, including those living in foothill and riverside communities, have been urged to evacuate to higher ground. Soldiers from the 37th Military District have also been deployed to help with relief efforts as emergency teams brace for more severe weather. The Thai Meteorological Department said ongoing heavy rainfall across northern Thailand was fueled by a monsoon trough stretching across the country, Laos and Vietnam." The Independent
"Estimated magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck at 8:37 am today 29 km from Keng Tung, Myanmar (Burma) affecting northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China. The earthquake could be felt in Chiang Rai province registering 3.6 on the Richter scale." BT
