Briefly

THAILAND

Parliament debates political tensions

The parliament began a special session on Monday that was called to address tensions as protests draw demonstrators into the streets almost daily demanding the prime minister's resignation and other reforms. The demonstrations in Bangkok and other cities have three main demands: Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha step down, the Constitution be amended to make it more democratic and reforms be made to the monarchy to make it more accountable. Speaker of the House Chuan Leekpai cautioned the parliamentary session was not to discuss the monarchy's role.

UNITED STATES

FBI probing fire in ballot drop box

The FBI is investigating a fire set on Sunday in a Boston ballot drop box holding more than 120 ballots, with Massachusetts election officials describing the incident as a "deliberate attack". The fire was set early on Sunday outside the Boston Public Library downtown, according to the office of William Galvin, Massachusetts secretary of the commonwealth. Early voting began on Saturday in Massachusetts, and more than 2 million residents have already cast their ballots in person or by mail.

Agencies - Xinhua