Regional news from Southeast Asia in English — ASEAN politics, economy and diplomacy, covered by Thai PBS World.
Myanmar’s junta has sentenced to death three high-ranking officers who oversaw the surrender of a strategic town on the Chinese border to ethnic minority fighters last month, military sources told AFP. Hundreds of troops put down their weapons and handed over the town of Laukkai in Shan state to the so-called Three Brotherhood Alliance after
Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen is scheduled to travel to Bangkok tomorrow to visit Thaksin Shinawatra, at the latter’s residence in Ban Chan Song La, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter confirmed today. Hun Sen is worried about Thaksin’s condition and asked for a personal meeting with Thaksin, Paetongtarn said, adding Hun Sen will have lunch
The ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat is scheduled to take place in Luang Prabang on March 8-9. The main agenda of this retreat, as outlined by the Lao chair, will be to discuss economic priorities. These priorities include further strengthening ASEAN economic integration and connectivity, promoting inclusivity and sustainability, and advancing the digital future. The retreat
Yangon, Myanmar – Two people were killed in a crush outside a passport office in Myanmar on Monday, a rescue worker said, as thousands rush to leave the country to escape a junta military service law. Two women aged 52 and 39 died early Monday after hundreds of people surged to get in line at the
More than 1,000 people lined up at the Thai embassy in Yangon on Friday as young people sought to leave Myanmar after the junta said it would impose military service. The military said last weekend it would enforce a law allowing it to call up all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for
Indonesia Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in a presidential election on Wednesday after unofficial vote counts showed him with a huge lead that could see him win in a single round. Political veteran Prabowo, a former special forces commander, had about 58% of votes according to four pollsters, based on ballots counted in a
Hanoi, Vietnam – Young men and women flocked to an ancient pagoda in central Hanoi on Wednesday hoping a Valentine’s Day offering would help them find a partner — a major priority for many Vietnamese. Office worker Nguyen Thi Ly respectfully placed a tray with sweets, water, money — fake bills of both dong and US
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesians began voting for a new president Wednesday with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto the frontrunner despite concerns over his human rights record and claims of improper support from outgoing leader Joko Widodo. Polls project that Subianto, a military chief during the Suharto dictatorship a generation ago, is on course to secure a majority
As Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pursues closer ties with neighbouring Cambodia, he is also under pressure to speed up, set clear timelines and procedures for negotiations on the two countries’ overlapping claims over areas in the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand is in a rush to settle its maritime dispute and also quickly tap abundant petroleum
Denpasar, Indonesia – The Indonesian resort haven of Bali began imposing a 150,000 rupiah ($10) tax on arriving tourists Wednesday to preserve the culture of the “Island of Gods”, officials said. Tourist-dependent Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors annually and the beach-dotted island is trying to capitalise on its popularity to boost its coffers and protect its
Myanmar’s junta is enforcing a law allowing the military to summon all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for at least two years, it said on Saturday, as it struggles to crush opposition to its 2021 coup. The country has been in turmoil since the military seized power that year, with massive pro-democracy
Clark, Philippines – NASA has kicked off a series of c, in an ambitious mission to improve the models that help to forecast and fight air pollution. Millions of deaths each year are linked to air pollution, and improving the ability to identify its sources and behaviour can lead to more accurate warning systems for the public. Starting
