Asians > ASEAN
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Survey shows Thai public skeptical of new prime minister's independence
SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - A recent poll conducted by Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals that 74.4 percent of Thais believe Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cannot govern without the influence of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The survey, which questioned 1,310 adults nationwide on Aug. 20-21, found that 59 percent think it's "impossible" and 15.4 percent consider it "somewhat impossible&q
August 26, 2024 -
Laos hosts ASEAN women leaders' summit
SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Laos welcomed women from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Thursday for the second day of a Pre-Summit Event preceding the third ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit. Aly Vongnobountham, president of the Lao Women's Union, chaired the meeting. She emphasized the importance of discussing issues like violence against women and economic empowerment to combat poverty. Vongnobountham highlighted the economic impact of unpaid care work, stating
August 23, 2024 -
Thailand detects Asia's first case of new mpox strain
SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Thailand has become the first Asian country to confirm a case of the new mpox virus strain, clade Ib, according to The Bankok Post. The patient, a 66-year-old European male who arrived in Bangkok from Africa, tested positive last week. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has identified 43 close contacts of the patient, who are now under 21-day surveillance. Thai health authorities are intensifying screening measures at all international entry point
August 23, 2024 -
Thailand holds steady on key interest rate amid political shifts
SEOUL, August 22 (AJU PRESS) - Thailand's central bank maintained its key interest rate at 2.5 percent on Wednesday, marking the fifth consecutive hold, amidst political changes and economic uncertainties. The Bank of Thailand's (BOT) monetary policy committee decided to keep the rate steady, aligning with most economists' expectations in a recent survey, according to Reuters. BOT Assistant Governor Piti Disyatat commented on the potential for future adjustments, sayi
August 22, 2024 -
Pita Limjaroenrat, former Thai opposition leader, heads to U.S.
SEOUL, August 21 (AJU PRESS) - Pita Limjaroenrat, the 43-year-old ex-leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP), is set to leave for the United States following a ban on his political activities. He plans to become a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, his alma mater, where he will write memoirs and participate in seminars. Pita led the MFP to a surprise victory in last year's election but failed to secure the prime minister position due to opposition from pro-mili
August 21, 2024 -
Malaysia, India agree to strengthen economic ties
SEOUL, August 21 (AJU PRESS) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to New Delhi marks a significant step in mending relations with India, which had cooled since 2019. The leaders agreed to expand trade, allow increased migration of Indian workers to Malaysia, and use local currencies for bilateral transactions. This trip, Anwar's first to India since taking office in November 2022, aims to reverse the negative impacts of previous tensions, including reduced palm o
August 21, 2024 -
Malaysia revises 'orangutan diplomacy' policy after protests
SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Malaysia has modified its controversial "orangutan diplomacy" strategy following environmental group protests. Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, announced that while palm oil importing countries can still adopt orangutans, the primates will remain in their natural habitats. The government plans to establish a fund with adopting nations or companies to support forest conservation NGOs. This change comes after the init
August 20, 2024 -
Singapore expands parental leave, social support measures
SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced significant welfare policy enhancements during his inaugural National Day address. The government plans to increase paid parental leave and provide financial aid to low-income unemployed individuals. By 2026, couples will be entitled to a combined 30 weeks of paid parental leave, with the government covering the cost of an additional 10 weeks. Starting April 2025, each parent will be mandated one m
August 20, 2024 -
Philippines reports new mpox case, strain yet to be identified
SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday the detection of a new mpox case, the first since December 2023, according to CNBC. The patient, a 33-year-old Filipino man with no recent international travel history, marks the country's 10th confirmed case since July 2022. Health officials are currently awaiting sequencing results to determine the specific strain of the virus. This comes amid global concerns over a new mpox vari
August 19, 2024 -
China, Philippines clash again in South China sea
SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - China and the Philippines confronted each other in the South China Sea again on Monday, with the Chinese Coast Guard accusing Philippine vessels of intentionally colliding with a Chinese ship near Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Xianbin Reef. China claimed two Philippine Coast Guard ships illegally entered the area without permission. One vessel reportedly ignored warnings and deliberately collided with a Chinese ship in what China described as an
August 19, 2024
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N. Korea fires multiple SRBMs into East Sea
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Autonomous robot collects recyclables and patrols in Seoul park
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Blinken heads to Egypt for a new cease-fire proposal
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Chinese lieutenant general calls for enhanced risk management between China and U.S.
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Yamaha Motor CEO wounded in alleged knife attack by daughter
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Viet Nam's GDP growth forecast slashed by 0.15 percent following Typhoon Yagi's $2 billion damage
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LG Energy Solution to showcase high-voltage mid-nickel battery at German trade fair
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Indian police detain over 100 Samsung workers during strike at factory
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3 fishermen killed in boat accident near southwestern port city
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Thai baby hippo 'Moo Deng' captures hearts across Asia, sparks tourism boom