4 dead, over 30 missing after ferry sinks near BaliーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Rescue efforts are underway in Indonesia for at least 32 people who went missing after a ferry sank Wednesday night near the island of Bali. Officials say the vessel was traveling from Java to Bali. They say the accident has claimed at least four lives. They also say the ferry was carrying 65 passengers and crew members as well as vehicles and trucks. When the ferry started to tilt, I initially intended to jump into the sea. But the ship quickly sank. So I didn’t jump but sank with the water entering the ship maybe about 7 m deep. So I immediately climbed up to the top. Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 10,000 islands and fairies are commonly used as transportation. Reuters news agency says accidents are frequent due to poor safety standards. Vietnam is finalizing a trade deal with the US. This comes days before a pause on what US President Donald Trump calls reciprocal tariffs will expire. Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokesperson gave an update at a news conference on the status of the talks. Negotiation teams of Vietnam and the US are working together to exchange ideas and concretize discussions between the two leaders. Trump said on social media Wednesday that all Vietnamese goods will face a 20% levy, much lower than a total of 46% the country faced in April, but it’s unclear if the earlier 10% global tariff is included in the 20%. He also warns he’ll tax goods from other countries transited through Vietnam at 40%. US media report the move is aimed at cracking down on Chinese products being rooted through the country. Trump also says Vietnam has agreed to give the US total access to its markets and lower tariffs on American goods. Thailand is also rushing to negotiate a deal with the Trump administration before the July 9th deadline. Finance Minister Pitai Chunha is in Washington and is scheduled to meet with US trade representatives on Thursday. Thailand was slapped with a total of 36% tariffs, but it has asked the US to review the rate by proposing to expand imports of energy resources and agricultural products. Thailand’s new cabinet members have been sworn in at a ceremony held in Bangkok. This includes the suspended prime minister Pat Hongan Chinawat who has been appointed culture minister while she’s under court investigation over a controversial leaked phone call. Pat Hong Tan and other cabinet members took the oath Thursday, two days after the constitutional court suspended her from her duties over a call with Cambodian Senate President Hunen. While holding her ministerial post, she’ll be able to attend cabinet meetings. Deputy Prime Minister Pum Tam Yachai has been named Thailand’s acting prime minister. He took over the role from another veteran politician from the ruling Pu Thai party. The party leads a coalition in parliament with only a thin majority. The court is now weighing whether to remove Patong Tan entirely from the premiership. Thai media report it’s expected to take around a month or longer for a verdict to be handed down. Wraps up our bulletin. I’m Shalop Hansan, a ruler in Bangkok.
July 3 NEWSROOM TOKYO Bangkok Live Lineup:
00:00 4 dead, over 30 missing after ferry sinks near Bali
01:03 Vietnam finalizing trade deal with US
02:33 Suspended Thai PM sworn in as culture minister
#asia #indonesia #tourism #vietnam #usa #trade #tariffs #thailand #politics
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