JEDDAH: Palestinian pop singer Mohammed Assaf, who is currently on a US tour, has raised more than $275,000 for Palestinian refugees through the first leg of the tour in Seattle.
The “Promise for Palestine” tour features Assaf and Palestinian-American civil rights activist Linda Sarsour, and is presented by Islamic Relief USA.
“Thanks to my dear fellows in Seattle for your support of your full presence on Sunday. With your generous contributions, we have been able to raise more than $275,000, all of which will go to Palestine refugees,” tweeted Assaf, who is also a goodwill ambassador for peace for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
In a video posted on Twitter before the Seattle gig, Assaf said: “My greetings to my beloved American community and to America. I just arrived in Seattle. I am glad to make this tour for our friends and families in Palestine. And a special thanks to all those who will attend and to Islamic Relief USA. I am looking forward to seeing you all in my concerts, Insha’Allah.”
The fundraising event for Palestine humanitarian aid will span seven cities, giving participants a chance to witness Assaf’s live performance.
Mohammed Assaf in US to raise funds for Palestinian refugees
Mohammed Assaf in US to raise funds for Palestinian refugees
Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push
- The Health Department says Thais consume 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended six teaspoons
- Officials warn this increases obesity and diabetes risks. A survey found iced coffee and bubble tea contain high sugar levels
BANGKOK: For many Thais, a meal doesn’t feel complete without an iced coffee or tea so sugary it could pass for dessert. The government, concerned about the health consequences, wants them to dial it back.
Starting Wednesday, nine major coffee chains across the country have pledged to cut the default sugar content in some of their drinks by half in a government initiative aimed at tackling excessive sugar consumption.
According to the Health Department, Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons. Health officials warn that such high intake increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
The initiative is the first significant step to change consumers’ sugar consumption behavior, said Amporn Benjaponpitak, the director general of the department.
Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy, said 2025 data show that about 45 percent of Thais aged 15 and older are obese, while 10 percent of the population has diabetes.
A survey by the Bureau of Nutrition found that a 22-ounce (650-milliliter) iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar, while a 10-ounce (300-milliliter) serving of bubble milk tea — an iced milk tea with tapioca pearls known as boba — can contain as much as 12 teaspoons.
Sirinya Kuiklang, an office worker, said she approves of the changes. She already orders her drinks at just 25 percent of the standard sugar level, but she is aware that many others consume too much sugar.
“It’s good for Thai people,” she said.
Another office worker, Porwares Tantikanpanit, said he has enjoyed his non-coffee beverages at their current sugar levels but is willing to adjust if shops reduce the sweetness.
However, putting the policy into practice may prove challenging. Officials have said each brand can apply the initiative as they see fit.
Some customers have expressed confusion in response to social media posts promoting the initiative, asking how to order drinks with the level of sweetness that they prefer. Several brands said that the reduction applies only to certain menu items.
