AFP Video

Ghosts in their machines: Thai livestream spooks a new generation


Bangkok (AFP) – It is almost midnight, and above a semi-abandoned Bangkok shopping centre, Ghost Radio is on air. Millions tune in to the call-in show to hear and share their tales of the supernatural. Thailand has a rich history of belief in spirits, which shows no sign of fading, with callers to show coming increasingly from the kingdom’s younger age groups. “With the influence of Twitter and TikTok, more young people call” says Khemjira Jongkolsapapron, one of those selecting callers to go on air.

©AFP

Economy decided Finnish election says political expert


Helsinki (AFP) – Finnish political scientist, Mikko Majander, says “the economy was a decisive factor” for voters in Sunday’s tightly fought general election, which saw the Scandinavian country’s centre-right National Coalition claim victory. Finland’s far-right Finns Party came in second, with Sanna Marin’s Social Democrats finishing in third.

©AFP

Missouri farmers divided over US solar push


The solar power boom is facing growing opposition among US farmers and landowners in the Midwest, where companies are trying to buy land to build solar farms. In Callaway County, Missouri, where anti-solar signs have appeared on the side of the roads, the debate has deeply divided the community.

Kenyan opposition leader calls off anti-government protests


Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga calls off a protest on Monday and says his party is prepared for dialogue with the government, following two weeks of chaotic street demonstrations. Odinga has accused President William Ruto of stealing the presidency and considers his government illegitimate, although the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld the results of last year’s elections.

Witness describes cafe blast that killed top Russian military blogger


Saint Petersburg (AFP) – “It was like a slow-motion movie,” says one witness of an explosion at a cafe in Russia’s second-largest city of Saint Petersburg that killed a prominent Russian military blogger and left 25 others injured. The Ria Novosti agency, quoting a source close to the inquiry, said “a girl” had supposedly dropped off a package with a “figurine” inside intended for the blogger.

©AFP

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