Cambodia’s Top Opposition Party Barred From July Elections, Leaving Hun Sen’s Party Unchallenged

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26 May 2023, 10:30

Political party Candlelight Party's poster, right, is displayed near a bridge outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, May 25, 2023. Photo: Heng Sinith / AP

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s top opposition party was barred Thursday from participating in elections set for July after the Constitutional Council refused to overturn a decision not to register the party over a paperwork issue.

The Candlelight Party, the sole credible challenger to the governing Cambodian People’s Party in the upcoming polls, lost its appeal because its complaint was deemed unlawful, the council said in a brief statement.

The decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Cambodian courts are widely considered to be under the influence of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government and his Cambodian People’s Party.

The National Election Committee on May 16 had refused to register the Candlelight Party, saying it failed to provide necessary documents. A few days later the party officially filed an appeal with the Constitutional Council asking it to overturn the election commission’s ruling.

AP23135473355943 — Candlelight Party supporters register on the participant lists near their party’s logo before their march during an election campaign for the June 5 communal elections in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, May 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Kimsour Phirith, a spokesperson for the Candlelight Party, said he “regretted” Thursday’s decision since it denies the party’s supporters nationwide from being able to vote for their preferred candidates.

“The absence of the (Candlelight Party) from the election means the voices of the people are dismissed. Such a move would never occur in a real democratic country,” Kimsour Phirith said.

The U.S. State Department said it would not send official observers to witness the elections and is “deeply troubled” by the decision barring the Candlelight Party from participating.

“Contrived legal actions, threats, harassment, and politically motivated criminal charges targeting opposition parties, independent media, and civil society undermine Cambodia’s international commitments to develop as a multiparty democracy” spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

It urged Cambodia authorities “to reverse course to ensure its citizens can participate in a fair, multiparty democracy.”

About 9.7 million Cambodians are registered to vote in the July 23 elections for the 125 members of the National Assembly. Eighteen political parties are registered and recognized by the election committee, but the absence of the Candlelight Party leaves only Hun Sen’s party, its allies and small parties that lack a national presence to contest the polls.

The Cambodian People’s Party has held an iron grip on power for decades and controls almost every level of government. Hun Sen, 70, an authoritarian ruler in a nominally democratic state, has held his position for 38 years.

Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia gestures as he talks about his vision for the Mekong region in the World Economic Forum on ASEAN at the National Convention Center Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Bullit Marquez / Associated Press

He and his party hold all the advantages of incumbency ahead of the election, with dominance in political organizing, personnel, finances and media influence. Hun Sen’s eldest son, army chief Hun Manet, is widely expected to replace his father as prime minister after the polls.

The Candlelight Party is the unofficial successor to the Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had posed a serious challenge to Hun Sen’s party before the 2018 elections. It was dissolved just months ahead of the polls by a controversial court ruling that alleged it had plotted the illegal overthrow of the government.

The party’s disbanding enabled the governing party to win all the seats in the National Assembly. Western nations declared the election was neither free nor fair, and imposed mild economic sanctions in response.

Most prominent opposition members are now in self-imposed exile to avoid being jailed on various charges they say are trumped up and unfair.

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Story: Sopheng Cheang

Suspect in Killing of 4 People, Including 2 Police Officers, in Japan Captured After Standoff

By

Associated Press

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26 May 2023, 10:00

A vehicle carrying a suspect, unseen, arrives at a police station in Nakano, Nagano prefecture, central Japan Friday morning, May 26, 2023. Photo: Kyodo News via AP

TOKYO (AP) — Police said they arrested a man Friday who had holed up in his father’s house armed with a rifle and a knife after allegedly killing four people, including two police officers, in central Japan.

TV Asahi showed the man with his hands on his head walk out of the house and be ushered into a police vehicle.

Masanori Aoki, 31, a farmer, was arrested under a court warrant on suspicion of murder by police in Nakano, a city in Nagano prefecture. Police said the house was owned by his father, a local politician. NHK public television said one of two women who escaped while the suspect was holed up told police that the attacker was her son and that his father was chairman of the city assembly.

japan stab2 — A police officer controls traffic near the scene of a fatal stabbing and shooting incident in Nakano, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on May 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

Police said earlier that two police officers were shot by the suspect when they arrived at the scene after receiving an emergency call saying a woman was stabbed.

A witness told NHK on Thursday that a woman fell while being chased by the suspect, who then stabbed her with a knife and shot at two police officers as they arrived at the scene in a patrol car.

The woman and the two police officers were pronounced dead at a hospital. An older woman, who was injured but could not be rescued because she was near the suspect, was found dead early Friday, police said.

japan stab1 — Police officers stand near the scene of a fatal stabbing and shooting incident in Nakano, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on May 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

During the standoff, TV footage showed police wearing bulletproof vests and carrying shields, with an ambulance nearby. Police sealed off a 300-meter (330-yard) radius around the house, and city officials urged people in the quiet farming neighborhood to stay home.

Violent crimes are rare in Japan. It has strict gun control laws and only a handful of gun-related crimes annually. But in recent years, there have been some high-profile cases involving random knifings on subways and arson attacks, and there is growing concern about homemade guns and explosives.

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Story: Mari Yamaguchi

UOB inspires its region-wide customers with the new cards film ‘For All You Love’

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Contributor

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26 May 2023, 09:36

Bangkok, 25 May 2023 – UOB has recently released new credit cards film titled ‘For All You Love’ across ASEAN markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam to highlight the regional presence and global strength of UOB credit cards as well as the Bank’s ambition to serve an aspiring ASEAN.

Mrs Vira–Anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, Head of Retail and Brand, UOB Thailand, said “Following the acquisition of Citi’s retail business in four countries, UOB is ready to better serve the growing customer base across ASEAN. This film marks our ambition to inspire our seven million customers, our staff, business partners and prospective customers.”

Through the film, viewers will embark on a playful journey in Barcelona, Spain, through the eyes of a dynamic couple enjoying fun moments together. The couple in the film represent the aspirations of UOB’s customers and embody their love for travel, feasting, retail and experiences. The film demonstrates how the global strength of UOB credit cards enables the couple to go on many exciting experiences together.

As consumers look for the best in dining, travel and retail at home and abroad, UOB’s unparalleled regional coverage and local network can serve unique lifestyle needs and preferences across ASEAN. Currently, UOB has the largest ASEAN consumer banking footprint and is the top three cards issuer in Thailand.

The film was directed by David Tsui – a filmmaker renowned for his storytelling ability and his emotive ‘Path of Love’ ad series for Solvil et Titus. The music is a re–composed version of the famous classic song, “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart’, designed to evoke emotions and create a light–hearted feeling of romance for viewers.

For Thailand, the film is now broadcast across online media channels and out–of–home media. Watch the full cut of the film here.

Tourism Industry To Support ‘PM Pita’ As Tourism Ambassador

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2023, 08:58

Chamnan Srisawat, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said the TCT wants the new prime minister, whether it is Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat or another person, to become an ambassador to promote Thai tourism to attract foreign tourists to the country. He added that this is a quick-win strategy to boost the tourism industry, which is the driving force of the Thai economy.

The TCT President added that tourism must be a national agenda with the Prime Minister present at every meeting with every ministry. Processes need to be coordinated between ministries. If possible, Chamnan wants the next minister to come from either Move Forward or the Pheu Thai Party.

AP21180423876777 — Waves break on the empty tourist beach of Patong on Phuket, southern Thailand, Tuesday, June 29, 2021. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

“I would like to see a seamless connection because tourism is on the upswing. Tourist demand is not the problem. The number of foreign tourists coming to Thailand will reach the target of 25 million this year. What we are concerned about is the supply side for tourism, which still has some bottlenecks and needs to be improved to impress tourists,” Chamnan said.

chinese thai tourism5 — Chinese tourists take photos at the Grand Palace scenic spot in Bangkok, Thailand on May. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Pita will be a good ambassador for Thai tourism after the new government is formed as Thailand’s 30th prime minister, as he is a leader who fits well with the younger generation. He will be able to attract international tourists, especially from China, South Korea and Japan. TAT also wants to attract younger tourists to visit the Kingdom.

Looking ahead to the formation of the government, which will be completed in August, at the start of the peak season, Yuthasak said that if the new government gives more support to entrepreneurs, it will boost the economy and reduce the slowdown in private spending on both tourism and national expenditure.

Tom Hanks Urges Harvard Grads To Defend The Truth And Resist Indifference

By

Associated Press

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26 May 2023, 05:07

Harvard Commencement Hanks — Actor Tom Hanks delivers a commencement address during Harvard University commencement exercises on the school's campus, Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Tom Hanks told graduates of Harvard University on Thursday to be superheroes in their defense of truth and American ideals, and to resist those who twist the truth for their own gain.

“For the truth to some is no longer empirical. It’s no longer based on data, nor common sense, nor even common decency,” said the two-time Academy Award winner during his keynote address. He invoked the Latin word for truth, “veritas,” Harvard’s motto.

“Telling the truth is no longer the benchmark for public service,” he said. “It’s no longer the salve to our fears, or the guide to our actions. Truth is now considered malleable, by opinion and by zero sum endgames.”

AP23145628508189 — Actor Tom Hanks examines a ball as part of a spoof during Harvard University commencement exercises on the school’s campus, Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Cambridge, Mass. Hanks was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts during the ceremonies. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

That left the more than 9,000 graduates at Harvard’s 372nd commencement with a choice to make, said the Hollywood icon, who has played an astronaut, a soldier, a little boy in a man’s body and even a Harvard professor in a decades-long movie career.

“It’s the same option for all grownups who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: Those who embrace liberty and freedom for all; those who won’t; or those who are indifferent,” he said. “Only the first do the work of creating a more perfect union, a nation indivisible. The others get in the way.”

Near the end of the speech, he drove the point home to a group that included not just undergraduates but those who graduated from Harvard’s professional and extension schools.

“The responsibility is yours. Ours. The effort is optional. But the truth, the truth is sacred. Unalterable. Chiseled into the stone and the foundation of our republic,” he said.

AP23145673050302 — Graduating Harvard University students celebrate their graduate degrees in public policy during Harvard commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 25, 2023, on the school’s campus, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Hanks, who was awarded an honorary doctor of arts degree, poked fun at his own lack of academic credentials on a stage filled with some of the world’s brightest minds and most accomplished scientists.

“It’s not fair, but please don’t be embittered by this fact,” Hanks said. “Now, without having done a lick of work, without having spent any time in class, without once walking into that library — in order to have anything to do with the graduating class of Harvard, its faculty, or its distinguished alumni — I make a damn good living playing someone who did,” he said in reference to his depiction of fictional Harvard professor Robert Langdon in three movies based on Dan Brown’s novels — “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels & Demons” and “Inferno.”

“It’s the way of the world, kids,” he said to a chorus of laughter.

Before Hanks headed to the podium to give his speech, Harvard President Lawrence Bacow, presiding over his last commencement before stepping down, called Hanks, “Wilson’s bestie, Buzz’s buddy, Ryan’s savior, America’s dad,” and presented him with a Harvard volleyball, in tribute to his role in “Cast Away,” where to stay sane his character talks to an old volleyball.

AP23145628621108 — Actor Tom Hanks examines a ball as part of a spoof during Harvard University commencement exercises on the school’s campus, Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Cambridge, Mass. Hanks was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts during the ceremonies. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Hanks proved to be the most popular person on stage, posing for selfies with faculty members before the ceremony and giving congratulatory fist bumps to dozens of Harvard students who graduated summa cum laude.

“May goodness and mercy follow you all the days,” he said, referencing a biblical verse. “All the days of your lives. Godspeed.”

Man United Secures Champions League Return With 4-1 Rout Of Chelsea

By

Associated Press

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26 May 2023, 04:25

Britain Soccer Premier League — Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United secured a return to the Champions League with a 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday.

Goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford ensured a victory that means a Premier League top-four finish is now certain in Erik ten Hag’s first year at the club.

United moved up to third and two points above Newcastle going into the final game of the season.

AP23145692445824 — Manchester United’s Casemiro (18) scores his side’s opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

United needed a point from its final two games to secure qualification to the Champions League and went ahead in the sixth minute when Casemiro headed in Christian Eriksen’s free kick.

Mykhaylo Mudryk should have put Chelsea ahead before that, but the $108-million signing completely misfired with only goalkeeper David de Gea to beat.

Martial doubled United’s lead in first-half stoppage time to put the home team in control going into the break.

AP23145720282997 — Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta, left, in action as Manchester United’s Anthony Martial scores his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Fernandes added a third from the penalty spot in the 73rd after being brought down by Wesley Fofana.

It got worse for Fofana and Chelsea when the defender’s misplaced pass was seized on and substitute Rashford added a fourth five minutes later.

Another substitute Alejandro Garnacho hit the bar late on as United went in search of another.

Chelsea substitute Joao Felix scored a consolation in the 89th, but it was another miserable night for the Londoners, who have now lost eight of their 10 games under interim manager Frank Lampard.

AP23145749774371 — Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, right, fails to save the goal from Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

One concern for United was a first-half injury to Antony, who looked in distress as he left the field on a stretcher.

The Brazil international looked in distress as he left the field at Old Trafford in the 29th minute.

He held his face as he was carried off, and United manager Erik ten Hag consoled him with a pat on the stomach before he was taken to the locker rooms.

AP23145704386481 — Manchester United’s Antony lies on a stretcher during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

It was not immediately clear what part of the body Antony hurt, but he was in pain after a challenge from Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. Antony was replaced by Marcus Rashford.

The injury will be a concern for Ten Hag ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City next week. United is already without Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer for that match.

Antony, who was a $95 million signing from Ajax last summer, left with United leading Chelsea 1-0 through an early goal from Casemiro.

United needs a point from its final two games to secure Champions League qualification.

1 Woman, 2 Policemen Dead In Stabbing, Shooting In Central Japan

By

Kyodo News

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25 May 2023, 23:41

A woman and two police officers died on Thursday in a stabbing and shooting incident involving a man in possession of a hunting rifle in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan.

The man has holed up in a nearby residence, likely the house of a local assembly speaker, according to police and local officials. Another man is injured but his condition is unknown, because he is still too close to the scene to be rescued.

The police received an emergency call at around 4:25 p.m. about a man stabbing a woman in Nakano, northern Nagano Prefecture. Police officers who rushed to the scene were shot.

More gun shots were heard later in the day, according to the police.

A man living in the neighborhood detailed the harrowing incident that unfolded in front of him, saying he saw a man running after a woman and stabbing her, and later firing a gun at a police car from point-blank range when officers arrived at the scene.

The usually peaceful area, which is dotted with homes and rice fields, was disrupted with police sirens blaring and citizens urged to stay in their homes as the man remained on the run.

The suspect was last seen wearing camouflage clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a mask. The residence he appears to be in is that of Masamichi Aoki, the speaker of the Nakano city assembly.

The 72-year-old eyewitness said he first spotted the attacker chasing a woman shouting for help while he was working in a field at about 4 p.m.

The suspect then grabbed the woman by the arm before stabbing her in the back with a blade that appeared to be around 30-centimeters long. He stabbed her again in the chest while she lay facing upward, according to the eyewitness.

“I killed because I wanted to,” the suspect was quoted as saying, when the eyewitness asked why he had done such a thing.

As the man left on foot, the 72-year-old local rushed to his home about 150 meters away, called the police and took the officers to a parking area where the stabbing took place.

The attacker then reemerged as the police car was parking, and immediately fired a gun into the driver’s side.

The witness, terrified by the sound, ran away. He said he heard more guns shots but was too afraid to look back.

The scene of the incident is about 2 kilometers west of Shinshunakano Station on the Nagano Electric Railway.

Thailand Sets Date to Bring Back Poor Elephant Plai Sak Surin

By

Khaosod English

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25 May 2023, 22:18

Thailand has arranged a date for the return of “Plai Sak Surin,” a male elephant who lived in Sri Lanka for 21 years before returning to Thailand for treatment.

Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that he worked with the Thai Embassy in Sri Lanka to contact the moving cage company and contacted the Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft company to bring the elephant back to Thailand on July 2, 2023, for treatment at Chang Lampang Hospital.

Thongsuk Malingam, Plai Sak Surin’s mahout and former owner, came to Sri Lanka to help care for him for six months after learning of his illness from the conservation group Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE), which called on the Thai government to return Plai Sak Surin.

Plai Sak Surin, who was underweight, shackled, and had abscesses on his hip and crippled right leg, had been to the vet twice for treatment.

Thongsuk claimed that during his six-month stay in Sri Lanka, it was showed that Plai Sak Surin will never have a better life in Sri Lanka since he is not properly cared for. They also shackled the elephant to both front legs, and once he was crucified, they forced him not to walk for exercise, which harmed his health.

Weed Entrepreneurs Ask MFP For Clarity On Their Future

By

Khaosod English

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25 May 2023, 19:56

The explanation of the Move Forward Party (MFP) about cannabis policy has come after the weed entrepreneurs showed their oppressiveness for the new government.

Sirikanya Tansakul, the soon-to-be Move Forward Party list leader MP and Deputy chief, said on May 25 that there will be lawsuits following the Health Ministry’s announcement to classify weed as an illegal drug. She, however, stressed that entrepreneurs who have been operating their businesses legally will be protected and will be able to continue their businesses.

During the protection period, the government will move forward with drafting legislation and regulations for the use of cannabis under the Cannabis Act. The law will also protect and compensate for any damages that may arise from future changes. She added that some of the harms were caused by the loopholes of the previous government.

Previously, Prasitchai Nhoonuan, chairman of Write Future of Thai Weed, posted attacking messages to the Move Forward Party after Pita Limjaroenrat, the party leader, and leaders of seven parties signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bring weed back under the illegal drug law.

He said that the Move Forward Party did not value weed as a fact, but chose to make it a political movement and harm the people. He added that the party agreed with the people to bring the Weed Bill from the people to Parliament. Prasitchai said that the network will stop its protests if Move Forward can answer 2 questions without bias.

First, Move Forward must comparatively present the benefits and dangers of alcohol, cigarettes and pot. The party must produce research that will be presented to the public. If it turns out that smoking pot is more dangerous than alcohol and cigarettes, the network will support the party in reclassifying pot as an illegal drug.

Secondly, Move Forward must provide an answer to the implications of the Free Liquor Act. Why does the party support the empowerment of free alcohol but bring back weed as an illegal drug, only allowing small producers to produce weed and people have to scramble for money to buy it, contrary to people’s longstanding traditional knowledge of weed? Weed then becomes like beer, which people can consume but have to find the money themselves to buy.

Preda Chaiyo, an owner of Nud Kun@Pattaya, said entrepreneurs do not support the MOU as weed is an industrial crop. He added that weed has boosted the economy since he opened his shop and that weed has more benefits than dangers depending on how it is used. He said it was not a good idea to make weed an illegal drug again.

Shops that have permission to both grow and sale, they can continue their business without much clarity until the new government is formed. After that, it will depend on the designated authority to reform weed shops.

Preda said he wished Move Forward MPs from each district knew that they were also from tourist areas and knew very well that weed had boosted the economy in these areas such as Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Finally, he wished that there could be a compromise.

David Foster is bringing all-time hits to Bangkok this August

By

Contributor

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25 May 2023, 17:04

Royal Paragon Hall in partnership with Maximage are hosting one a spectacular concert of the year “THONBURI PHANICH GROUP PROUDLY PRESENTS HITMAN DAVID FOSTER AND FRIENDS BANGKOK 2023.”

David Foster – the acclaimed “Hitman,’ is the legendary musician, composer and producer of our time. He has also played a key role in the success of numerous world-renowned artists and the creator of all-time hit songs such as I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing and Never Enough from the movie The Greatest Showman.

David Foster is bringing his hits to Bangkok, performed by award-winning artists Michael Bolton, Loren Allred, Katharine McPhee and Peabo Bryson. Young Thai talent Putthipong ‘Billkin’ Assaratanakul will also join David Foster on stage for the first time. The world-class concert is sponsored by Thonburi Phanich Group, Singha Drinking Water, Air Asia, Plan B Media and MET 107.

The concert “THONBURI PHANICH GROUP PROUDLY PRESENTS HITMAN DAVID FOSTER AND FRIENDS BANGKOK 2023” will be performed on 5 August 2023 at 19.00 hrs at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon.

Tickets are available from 3 June 2023 at all ThaiTicketMajor or online at www.thaiticketmajor.com at THB10,000 / 5,500 / 4,500 / 3,500 and 2,500.

For more ticket information, please call 02-262-3456. VIZ members can enjoy pre-booking privilege on 2 June 2023 at ONESIAM SuperApp. For more event information, visit Facebook : Royal Paragon Hall, MET 107 or www.met107.fm

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