The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Friday 14 August 2026
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.  

Thai senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law
From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022 to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives, saying "the referendum should be arranged on the same day as the next general election that has tentatively been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying "It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed with organising the referendum on the same day as the general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

China calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected 73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member states.
The meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended to share information and to improve coordination between China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and Asean countries have been in close communication since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting, said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam opens consulate in Macau
From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at the launching ceremony that the office aims to better ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to recieve support from local organisations including the Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers, in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
 The Southeast Asian Times

US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to the White House
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation of the United States State Department in a "landmark" visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a senior state department official saying that the meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the President of the United States "would skirt protocol" because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official saying that "there was a broad agreement that it made sense to treat General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the state department official as saying.
The Southeast Asian Times

France agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia during the first official visit by a French head of state to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister said that a joint expert committee is to be established to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement that the identification process would respect the sensitivities and values of the two countries and consider the requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan river.
The Southeast Asian Times

"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian national identity card
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the country’s founding philosophy of Pancasila
“If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed of including our religion on our national identity card," he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The Souheast Asian Times

The Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge" performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013, reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script, a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August, have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court to enter pleas on December 29.
The Southeast Asian Times

World including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents and State representatives including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the inauguaration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member nations have also been invited to attend the swearing in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
“All chairpersons of political parties have also be invited,” said the speaker.
The Southeast Asian Times

Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The Southeast Asian Times

Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act
From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources in accordance with their policies they also have a responsibility to ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government a mandate to establish a task force including police to monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times
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Malaysia grants wife of former PM Najib Razak stay of US$17 million payment for jewels missing in raid

Rosmah Mansor, 74, wife of former PM Najib Razak arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Putrajaya on Wednesday October 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, August 14: The High Court granted, Rosmah Mansor, 74, wife of incarcerated ousted former prime minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, a conditional stay of payment of RM67.5 million (US$17 million) to Lebanon jewellery company Global Royalty Trading over the loss of 43 pieces of jewellery pending her appeal, reports the Star.
Judicial Commissioner Marianne Antoinette Ghani ordered Rosmah Mansor, to deposit the full payment into a joint stakeholders' account held by solicitors for both parties, saying ''Rosmah Mansor does not have to pay the money directly to Global Royalty while her appeal is pending.''
''The arrangement would protect Global Royalty Trading rights to the money if Rosmah's appeal failed, while ensuring the funds remained in Malaysia and could be returned to Rosmah if her appeal succeeded,'' said the Judicial Commissioner.
Rosmah Mansor, had filed an appeal against the June 10 High Court decision that had order her to pay RM67.5 million to Global Royalty within one month after the High Court has found her liable for 43 missing pieces of jewellery that included diamonds necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras.
The Lebanese jewellery company, Global Royalty Trading claimed that only one of the 44 pieces of jewellery was retained by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), saying ''the remaining 43 pieces were not in police custody.''
Rosmah Mansor has denied possession of the 44 pieces of jewellery that she claims were seized by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in a raid on the home of ousted Prime Minister, Najib Razak and Rosmah Mansor on May 17, 2018.
"All 44 pieces of jewellery were seized by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP),'' Rosmah Mansor told the Kuala Lumpur High Court on June 7, 2022.
"It is common knowledge that all the valuable property that belonged to me and my family was seized by the police," she said.
Rosmah Mansor, denied that she had requested the jewellery from Lebanese jewellery company, Global Royalty Trading, saying "the jewellery was offered to me for the benefit and profit of Global Royalty Trading,'' she said.
''The jewellery was offered to attract publicity and credibility," she said.
In May 2018 the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 seized 114 million ringgit ($28.6 million) in cash and more than 400 womens luxury brand name handbags in raids on apartments owned by Rosmah Mansor and family members of former Prime Minister Najib Razak
The arrest of Rosmah Mansor was arrested on October 3, 2018, pleading not guilty to 17 charges of money laundering and claiming trial on all charges.
Former ousted Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak was arrested on July 3, 2018 for his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of US$346,010,489 million from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar Foreign Minister rejects ASEAN's Special envoy role in Myanmar: says ''no longer needed''

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, left, and Foreign Minister of Myanmar, Tin Maung Swe, right, at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bangkok Tuesday July 14, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, August 13: The Former Ambassador to China and North Korea, Tin Maung Swe, who was appointed Foreign Minister of Myanmar on April 6, 2026 after the former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, was elected President on April 3, 2026, rejected ASEAN's Special Envoy role in Myanmar saying ''an ASEAN Special Envoy is no longer needed, reports Reuters.
"Myanmar is of the view that the appointment and continued role by the ASEAN chair of a Special Envoy to Myanmar is no longer necessary" said Foreign Minister of Myanmar, Tin Maung Swe at the Myanmar Business Forum 2026 in Bangkok August 8, 2026.
Foreign Minister of Myanmar, Tin Maung Swe, said that the Myanmar government was established from the multi-party democratic election held in December-January, saying there would be no need for any further ASEAN special envoys.
ASEAN chair for 2026 Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. Lazaro, said at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat on January 26-29 in Cebu City, Philippines that ''the 11-member regional bloc has not endorsed the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar three phase election between December 28, and January 26.''
''As of now, ASEAN does not recognize the recently held elections,'' she said.
She said that some ASEAN member nations viewed the election as potentially positive, saying ''this did not amount to a formal endorsement of the elections.''
''ASEAN continues to withhold recognition of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in 2021,'' she said.
''We do not recognize the military administration,'' said Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. L
Myanmar Foreign Minister, Tin Maung Swe, rejected the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Five Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan that was proposed in Jakarta at the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting (ALM) on April 24, 2021 after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar former Commander-in-chief Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing had seized the civilian elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021.
On July 14, 2026 at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bangkok, Myanmar Foreign Minister, Tin Maung Swe, urged ASEAN to allow Myanmar to follow its own path based on domestic political realities.
He rejected the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Five Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan, saying the Myanmar Union Parliament passed a motion on 9 July 2026 calling for a review of the ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan.
He said the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) Peace is inconsistent with ASEAN's fundamental principles and does not reflect the current political realities in Myanmar.''
''Myanmar's democratic elected government has the responsibility to implement the decision of the Parliament,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand jails Chinese national for 46 years for illegal possession of military grade weapons

Chinese national Sun Mingchen, 31, arrested after the Chon Buri Provincial Police find stockpile of military grade weapons in his vehicle in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district in Pattaya, Chong Buri Province on Friday May 8, 2026

From News Reports
Bangkok, August 12: The Pattaya Provincial Court sentenced a Chinese national to 46 years in prison on Monday for offences under the Controlling Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation of Firearms Act 1947, with Chinese national , Sun Mingchen, 31, pleading guilty to all charges, reports the Bangkok Post.
Chinese National, Sun Mingchen 31, who holds both a Chinese and Cambodia passport, a pink ID card, an official identification document for long-term foreign residency in Thailand, pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of military-grade weapons, C4 explosive, signal-jamming equipment and other prohibited military hardware.
The Pattaya Provincial Court ordered the forfeiture of all the seized items, including a 9mm Glock pistol, M4 and M16 assault rifles, bulletproof vests, a chemical protection mask, and other military hardware.
Chinese National, Sun Mingchen, 31, was charged with offences under the Controlling Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation of Firearms Act 1947 after the Chon Buri Provincial Police found a stockpile of military grade weapons in the vehicle driven by the Chinese national on Saturday May 9, 2026.
The Chon Buri Provincial Police found the military-grade weapons in the vehicle after the vehicle had overturned in an accident on old railway road in Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district in Pattaya, Chong Buri Province on Friday May 8, 2026.
The Chon Buri Provincial Police also found a large stockpile of war-grade weapons including weapons marked ''LOT RTA'' at the residence of the Chinese national at the Maple housing estate in Pattaya City.
''Weapons marked ''LOT RTA'' indicate the weapons were manufactured by the Royal Thai Army Ammunition Plant for official use,'' said Chon Buri commander Pol Lt Gen Pongphan.
He said that videos showing Chinese national, Sun Mingchen, 31, training with the Cambodia Hun Sen's Bodyguard Unit were also found at the Maple Housing estate residence in Pattaya City
The Cambodia Hun Sen's Bodyguard Unit is a heavily armed security unit within the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), referred that was created by a 2009 sub-decree to provide personal protection for former Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, and his family.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand and Myanmar state space agencies sign MoU without ASEAN consensus

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, left, and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul sign bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on Thailand GISTDA and the Myanmar Space Agency MSA in Bangkok Wednesday August 5, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 11:The former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who was elected President on April 3, 2026 in the first general election since the seizure of the civilian elected National League of Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, signed three MoU's including on Thailand and Myanmar's state space agencies without consensus from ASEAN in Bangkok on August 5, reports the Bangkok Post.
Department of Foreign Trade (DoFT) director-general, Arada Fuangtong, said that Myanmar's participation in the Myanmar Business Forum 2026, "A New Chapter in Thailand-Myanmar Business Partnership", provides a platform for businesses from both countries to expand commercial networks.
''Myanmar's participation marks an important milestone that could become a turning point in reviving economic, trade and investment ties after years of restrictions caused by instability in Myanmar,'' he said.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) including a Labour Cooperation Pact, an Environmental Water Quality Accord and the GISTDA Space Technology MoU on August 5.
The Labour Cooperation Pact agreement includes a MoU on a specific Agreement on the Employment of Workers to legally streamline cross-border recruitment and safeguard migrant worker rights.
The Environmental Water Quality Accord includes formal Terms of Reference (TOR) that establishes a joint technical framework to manage cross-border pollution across shared northern waterways including the Kok and Sai rivers.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency GISTDA MoU includes the bilateral agreement between Thailand GISTDA and the Myanmar Space Agency MSA to share Earth observation data for monitoring cross-border agriculture, disasters and land-use tracking.
The bilateral MoU signed by Thailand GISTDA and the Myanmar Space Agency MSA follows the ASEAN Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) seminar that was hosted by GISTDA, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) March 12 and 13, 2026 in Manila
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn called on stakeholders to translate dialogue into concrete actions in his challenge to ASEAN member states to look past words and establish operational regional space safety mechanisms.
He warned about the growing congestion and risks in Earth's orbit, saying ''ASEAN’s economies, disaster response, and digital connectivity are heavily reliant on space services.''
''What happens in orbit does not stay in orbit" he said.
The signing of an MoU by Thailand GISTDA and the Myanmar Space Agency MSA on August 5, 2026 reportedly follows the ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn challenge to translate dialogue into concrete actions rather than wait for a full 11 nation consensus as stipulated in the ASEAN charter.
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S condemns China's attempt to enforce Ecological and Environmental Code over West Philippine Sea

Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Enrique Manalo, centre, presents the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Chart 1567, titled "Bajo de Masinloc and Approach" to the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) on Saturday July 29, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, August 10: The U.S. State Department condemned China's ongoing attempt to enforce a unilateral national nature reserve on Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippines Sea that China has named Huangyan Island and claims it is located in the South China Sea, after China introduced a domestic Ecological and Environmental Code over Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026, reports Reuters
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that the introduction of China's domestic Ecological and Environmental Code over Scarborough Shoal is a dubious environmental and legal pretext to expand its territorial and maritime claims.
China announced plans for a nature reserve on Huangyan Island on September 10, 2025 with China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian, saying "the establishment of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Island falls within China's sovereignty.''
"China does not accept the Philippines unreasonable accusations and protests, and urges the Philippines to cease its infringements and provocations,'' he said.
China introduced a new domestic Ecological and Environmental Code over Scarborough Shoal on August 1, 2026,
with China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi saying ''China is firmly opposed and would never accept the Philippines establishment of its maritime boundaries around Scarborough ​Shoal in the South China Sea.''
He said that the Philippine establishment of a map showing maritime boundaries around Scarborough ​Shoal that was deposited with the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) ''is a serious violation of China's territory sovereignty.''
On July 29, 2026 Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Enrique Manalo, presented the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Chart 1567, titled "Bajo de Masinloc and Approach" to the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS)
The deposit was executed under Article 16 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ensuring the country's official maritime zones form part of the public international record.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia and Philippines agree to new Defence Cooperation Agreement but with Philippine sovereignty of sites

Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia for the 3rd Philippines-Australia Defence Ministers’ Meeting on Friday August 7, 2026

From News Reports:
Darwin, August 9: Australia and the Philippines agreed to conclude and sign a new Australia-Philippine Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) at the 3rd Defence Ministers' Meeting held in Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory on Friday, with Philippine National Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. saying in a joint statement ''the new Australian-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement maintains full Philippine sovereignty over all sites and differs from the U.S. Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), reports Philippine Inquirer.
The new Australia-Philippine Defence Cooperation Agreement follows the Statement of Intent on Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement signed by Australia and the Philippines on August 22, 2025 at the 2nd Defence Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Philippines Department of National Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr signed a statement of Intent on Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement during the Amphibious Landing Operation (Alon) Exercise in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines on August 22, 2025
The statement of Intent on Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed to increase joint capability, enhance interoperability, and strengthen defence ties between the Philippines and Australia.
The Philippines and Australia agreed to undertaked projects to support the Philippines' territorial defence, progress in maritime security and defence infrastructure and to ongoing commitment to joint military Exercise Alon 2025.
The new Australian-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) allows Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to operate from and rotate through Philippine military bases for joint training exercises and deployment.
Australia and the Philippines have committed to upgrading the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) basing capabilities in the Luzon Economic Corridor and the Palawan Straits in the West Philippine Sea that face the South China Sea.
The new Australia-Philippine Defence Cooperation Agreement commits Australia and the Philippines to the management and construction of eight defence infrastructure projects across five locations in the Philippines.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Philippines Department of National Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr stated in the new Australian-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that all construction and upgrades remain fully consistent with Philippine sovereignty and ownership.
Philippine Defence Secretary Teodoro said that the new Australian-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA)
maintains full Philippine sovereignty over all sites and differs from the US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), saying ''the new Australian-Philippines Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) does not allow the prepositioning of Australian military assets.''
The Southeast Asian Times

United States requests extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy from the Philippines

The United States requested the extradition of Philippines Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor, Apollo Quiboloy on Wednesday July 22, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, August 8: The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has received a formal request from the United States for the extradition of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, to face trial in the United States for child sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling, with spokesperson Analyn Ratonel saying ''the Department of Foreign Affairs confirms it has received the United States government's request for the extradition of Apollo Quiboloy,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''The Department of Foreign Affairs has forwarded the request to the Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ),'' said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Analyn Ratonel.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking on September 8, 2024 ending a 16-day siege at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City, Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
On August 7, 2024 the Philippine Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on bank accounts and assets of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, including 10 bank accounts, seven properties and five vehicles and an aircraft in the name of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The freeze order also includes 47 bank accounts, 16 real properties and 16 motor vehicles in the name of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ , 17 bank accounts, five real properties and 28 motor vehicles in the name of Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), and 23 bank accounts, one property and four motor vehicles in the name of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI)
The freeze order also includes 76 bank accounts in the name of nine Kingdom of Jesus Christ patrons.
The Philippine Court of Appeals said that allegations verified by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) with supporting documents give ''reasonable ground to believe that the bank accounts are linked to the crimes under the Philippines and the United States laws.''
Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez said that the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is the first point of contact for extradition requests, saying ''Department of Foreign Affairs would first determine whether the extradition bid is in compliance with the Philippines-US treaty and other applicable laws.''
He cited Article 11 of the 1994 Philippines-US extradition treaty, saying ''the treaty sets the framework for temporary and deferred surrender of a person who is facing charges in both countries.
''If the Philippines chooses to postpone the extradition of Apollo Quiboloy, it may do so until the person has been fully prosecuted or has completed serving his or her sentence, depending on the circumstances of the case,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai woman on death row for cyanide poisoning acquitted of sixth murder charge for cyanide poisoning

Royal Thai Police escort Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, to the Bangkok Criminal Court a day after her arrest for the premediated murder of Thai woman, Siriporn Kanwong, with cyanide poisoning on April 26, 2023

From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 7: Thai woman, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, who is on death row at the Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok for the premediated murder of Thai woman, Siriporn Kanwong, on April 25, 2023, and who was charged with the lethal poisoning with cyanide of a further nine victims , was acquitted of the sixth charge of cyanide poisoing on Tuesday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, is appealing the death sentence for the lethal poisoning of Thai woman, Siriporn Kanwong, with cyanide.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, who was charged on May 9, 2023 with the lethal poisoning of Monthathip Sai Khao-in with cyanide at the victims luxury condominium in Bangkok's Thong Lor area on July 7, 2015 was acquitted by the Bangkok Criminal Court on Tuesday.
The Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, had murdered her friend, Monthathip Sai Khao-in, with cyanide-laced food on her return to Thailand from Canada on July 7, 2015.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, was entrusted with managing the commercial rental properties in Sam Phran district of Nakhon Pathom that were owned by Monthathip Sai Khao-in.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, and several other friends met Monthathip
Sai Khao-in at Suvarnabhumi airport on her return from Canada on July 7, 2025. stopping for rice porridge on the way to the victim's luxury condominium.
Monthathip Sai Khao-in died at her condominium later that day.
The autopsy report stated that Monthathip Sai Khao-in Monthathip died of heart failure, or possibly an underlying medical condition.
The examining physician was unable to confirm that Monthathip Sai Khao-in Monthathip died as the result of cyanide poisoning.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38, who was initially charged with the lethal poisoning of 14 victims with cyanide, was sentenced to death by the Bangkok Criminal Court on November 25, 2024
for the premediated murder of Thai woman Siriporn Kanwong.
Bangkok Criminal Court found that Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn,
38, was a gambling addict, who funded her gambling addiction
by borrowing money from her victims before poisoning them with cyanide and stealing their jewellery and mobile phones.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, borrowed money from her victims to pay for credit card debt, admitting that ''she killed her victim
when they asked for their money back.''
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 38 had met Siriporn Kanwong in Bangkok on April 25, 2023 at the Mae Klong river in Ratchaburi province for a Buddhist ritual
Siriporn Khanwong had collapsed and died on the riverbank after a meal with Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn,
Former Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn said
investigators found traces of cyanide in the dead woman's body and her phone, saying ''police were then able to trace Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, to previous unsolved cyanide poisonings as far back as 2015.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia deports another 165 Chinese nationals for operating Pig Butchering Scams or Romance Investment Fraud

The Cambodian General Department of Immigration deported 165 Chinese nationals, including nine women, for their involvement in transnational financial fraud including operating Pig Butchering Scams or Romance Investment Fraud on Monday
August 3, 2026

From News Report:
Phnom Penh, August 6: The Cambodian General Department of Immigration (GDI) deported 165 Chinese nationals, including nine women, for their involvement in transnational financial fraud including operating the Pig Butchering Scam or Romance Investment Fraud on Monday, bringing the total of Chinese nations deported from Cambodia for transnational financial fraud to more than 13,000 so far this year, reports the Khmer Times.
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) director general Lt Gen Sok Veasna, said the Department of Immigration was instructed to deport the 165 Chinese nationals on Monday for their involvement in transnational financial fraud by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sar Sokha.
''The 165 Chinese Nationals were deported to strengthen enforcement against foreign nationals involved in illegal activities,'' he said.
The Chinese Nationals were deported for their involvement in transnational financial fraud including operating Pig Butchering Scams or Romance Investment Fraud described as ''highly sophisticated, long-term financial fraud schemes that combine psychological manipulation with fraudulent cryptocurrency or forex investments.''
The Chinese nationals reportedly operate the Pig Butchering Scam or Romance Investment Fraud over weeks or months to build trust or to ''fatten up'' their victims before executing their "slaughter" by draining their life savings.
The deported Chinese nationals operated an industrial scale Pig Butchering Scam or Romance Investment Fraud scheme
that followed strict, psychologically scripts to guide global victims through five specific phases beginning with the ''wrong number'' or the ice breaker tactic.
The Chinese scammers use the ''wrong number'' or ice breaker tactic on social media or dating apps to gather personal information on potential victims to strike up a casual conversation.
The deportation of more that 13,000 Chinese nationals so far this year for their involvement in transnational financial fraud is reportedly an extension of a joint regional initiative between Cambodian authorities and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia to dismantle the transnational financial fraud syndicates.
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) director general Lt Gen Sok Veasna, said the deportation of Chinese nationals for
transnational financial fraud was implemented under Cambodia's "zero-tolerance policy" against transnational crime and its ongoing nationwide campaign against technology-based crimes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Red Cross representative meets Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in Myanmar

Aung San Kyi, 70, former State Counsellor of the elected civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government in Myanmar, and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representative Arnaud de Baecque in Naypyidaw on Monday August 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, Wednesday 5: Former National League for Democracy (NLD) Myanmar State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, 70, who was arrested after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected civilian government in February 2021, met with a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Naypyidaw on Monday, with ICRC representative, Arnaud de Baecque, saying ''the ICRC has released photos of the meeting,'' and Kim Aris, son of imprisoned former Myanmar State Councillor, saying ''the meeting is the first positive development in my mothers case in over five years,'' reports the Irrawaddy.
ICRC representative, Arnaud de Baecque, said the visit with Aung San Suu Kyi, who was sentenced to prison for 33 years for treason and corruption by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, was carried out in accordance with the ICRC’s standards and procedures for visiting people deprived of liberty.
''This included the opportunity to speak with Aung San Suu Kyi in private,''
He said that observations and recommendations related to the visit are shared exclusively and confidentially with the detaining authorities, saying ''as is customary in ICRC's detention work.''
''The ICRC continues to engage with all relevant actors to maintain and expand its access to places of detention in Myanmar,''
Kim Aris, the youngest son of imprisoned former Myanmar State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, said ''the meeting between his mother and a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) brought him hope.''
''The meeting is the first positive development in my mothers case in over five years,'' he said
He said that his mother has been held under completely false charges and is still being denied her basic human right to make contact with her family and legal representatives.
''This is an important first step, but it must not be the last,'' he said.
On May 2, 2026 newly elected President of Myanmar, the former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min, Aung Hlaing, announced that he had commuted the remaining prison sentence of Aung San Kyi, 70, to be served in a designated residence, with her son, Kim Aris, saying ''they're playing their same usual games as far as I'm concerned,''
''They're trying to legitimize themselves in the eyes of the international media and governments around the world,'' he said.
''If she has actually been moved to house arrest, then I hope that she will be allowed communication with me and her lawyers, amongst others,'' he said.
On December 14, 2026 Kim Aris called on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar for proof that his mother is alive and well in a Proof of Life campaign at a protest outside the Burmese embassy in Tokyo, saying ''for all I know, she could be dead already.''
He said the Myanmar military claims that his mother is in good health, saying ''yet they refuse to provide any independent proof, no recent photograph, no medical verification, and no access by family, doctors, or international observers.''
''If she is truly well, they should prove it."
He said he had heard only second hand reports of his mother’s health problems, including heart, bone and gum issues, but had received no direct communication,'' saying ''for all I know, she could be dead already,'' he said
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian ferry engulfed by fire under investigation for false ships manifest

Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) mission coordinator Nanang Sigit, said that rescue operations involved several vessels on Saturday 1 August 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, August 4: The fire aboard the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 off the coast of Sumenep, East Java, Indonesia on Sunday with 271 onboard including 39 crew members, has left 5 passengers dead, 225 rescued and 41 missing, with the Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency (SAR saying the rescue operation involved several vessels and the Ministry of Transport investigation into possible falsification of the ships manifest, reports Antara.
The 160-metre-long ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 was sailing from Surabaya, East Java, to Makassar, South Sulawesi, when the fire broke out on Sunday morning.
"The ship's company received information from the captain that the vessel was on fire near the northern tip of Madura around 6:00am to 7:00am,'' said Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) mission coordinator, Nanang Sigit.
''After that, the captain could no longer be contacted," he said.
Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) mission coordinator Nanang Sigit, said that rescue operations involved several vessels, saying ''the vessel Meratus Pematang Siantar rescued the largest number of survivors.
The vessel Meratus Pematang Siantar rescued 111 passengers, including two deceased victims.
The vessel TB Hasnur 26, rescued 65 passengers and one deceased victim.
The vessel Transco Arafura rescued 17 passengers, the vessel Meratus Project 13 passengers and one deceased victim, and the vessel Prakarsa Mas rescued seven passengers.
The vessel SC Aila XVII rescued seven passengers, the vessel Selaras Mas rescued seven, the vessel British Mentor rescued two passengers and the vessel Alcon Daniel one deceased victim.
The Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) mission coordinator, Nanang Sigit, said the Indonesian National Military Sea Force has deployed a warship to assist in the search for the remaining 41 missing passengers.
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation are investigating the Surabaya port authority that cleared the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 for departures for possible corruption or negligence in overloading the vessel and improper passenger counts.
Under Indonesian Shipping Law No. 17/2008, port officers including the harbourmaster face criminal administrative, and disciplinary penalties for manifest fraud or clearing a vessel with an inaccurate headcount.
Port authorities who knowingly clear a vessel with a falsified manifest or ignore overcrowding can be prosecuted under both the Indonesian Shipping Law and the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP)
The Southeast Asian Times

Jakarta orders dismantling of security fences at shopping malls: Property Managers fear repeat August 2025 riots

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, has ordered the removal of a 2.5. metre high iron fence installed overnight around the Kota Kasablanka Mall in Jakarta on Saturday August 1, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, August 3: The Jakarta Governor has ordered property managers of shopping malls to dismantle and remove newly installed security fences after a 2.5 metre high iron fence was installed overnight on Wednesday around the Kota Kasablanka mall in South Jakarta , saying on Friday ''the massive iron barriers give a false impression that the capital is unsafe'', reports the Jakarta Globe.
Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung, assured businesses that the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police, are fully coordinated to guarantee that the city remains completely safe, stable, and open.
Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) chairman Alphonzus Widjaja said the fencing was primarily intended to maintain security and order and did not indicate an immediate threat.
He said that fences were not unusual at shopping centres, saying ''many malls have had barriers since they were first built.''
''The fences serve as a clear boundary between mall premises and public areas that can sometimes be used for demonstrations,'' he said.
Presidential Special Advisor for Social and Public Communications spokesperson, Chico Hakim, said on Saturday ''Jakarta remains completely safe and stable, warning ''the unnecessary barriers at shopping malls could give the false impression that the capital is facing a security threat.''
''We want residents and businesses to feel safe and comfortable carrying out their activities in Jakarta, he said.
He urged the public not to over react to the installation of security fences at shopping malls, saying ''reports that spread fear should be clarified.''
Jakarta property managers feared repetition of the mass civil unrest that led to widespread vandalism, torching of transit infrastructure, and the temporary shutdown of public transportation services across Jakarta in the August 24, 2025 student riots.
The protests escalated into severe riots outside the parliament building, spreading to nearby commercial and shopping districts, causing severe property damage and clashes with the police.
The installation of 2.5-meter high iron fences around Jakarta's shopping malls and offices are linked to the August 24, 2025 mass civilian and student protests that erupted in Jakarta after the Indonesian House of Representative (DPR) granted parliamentarians a 50 million rupiah monthly housing allowance.
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S. commercial autonomous surface vehicle captures footage of Chinese war ship in West Philippine Sea

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Philippines is tracking and monitoring the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship off Luzon Island within the Exculsive Economic Zone (EEZ on Friday July 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, August 2: The Philippines is monitoring a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship operating off Luzon Island within the Exculsive Economic Zone (EEZ) after a commercial U.S. company captured footage of the Chinese war ship in the West Philippine Sea, with US commercial company, Seasats, saying the footage of a Chinese war ship was the first taken by a commercial U.S. company, reports the Philippine Inquirer
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said on Friday that the Philippines is tracking and monitoring the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship operations in coordination with other maritime agencies.
''The Armed Forces of the Philippines is aware of the presence of a Chinese PLA Navy vessel and the commercial unarmed solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (ASVs) operating within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone,'' said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad.
''We have monitored and are monitoring any presence of foreign ships in our EEZ,'' he said
U.S.-based marine technology company, Seasats, that builds solar-powered autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) encountered a Chinese Type 052D guided-missile destroyer that was operating within the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Commercial U.S. company Seasats, CEO Mike Flanigan, said ''the commercial unarmed solar-powered autonomous surface vehicle (ASVs), Seasats Lightfish, sailed within 250 meters of the Chinese warship.''
He said the Seasats Lightfish can be carried and launched by one or two people and is designed ‹to operate for a  months at a time.
''The Seasats Lightfish, captured the first publicly released footage of a Chinese Naval vessel taken by a commercial U.S. company,'' said Seasats CEO Mike Flanigan.
China's Ministery of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning, said the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship operations off Luzon Island followed international law and practices saying "We wish to remind relevant parties to avoid approaching Chinese naval vessels at close range, as this could lead to accidental incidents at sea or in the  air" at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources including fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China had violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Philippine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali governor denies racial discrimination by Dutch organisers of Bali Silent Disco run event

Bali Governor Wayan Koster, right, dismissed reports that the Bali Silent Disco run event had discriminated against Indonesians at the Bali Regional Leadership Coordination Forum in Denpasar on Tuesday July 28, 2026

From News Reports:
Bali, August 1: The governor of Bali claims that there are no exclusive foreigner-only clubs on the Island of Bali despite the Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correction ban on two Dutch nationals for alleged racial discrimination after Bali residents claimed they were excluded from the Bali Silent Disco run event in Bali on July 22, reports Antara.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster, dismissed reports that the Bali Silent Disco run event that was organized by Dutch nationals, Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, founders of the Entourage Run Club had discriminated against Indonesians.
Bali Governor, Wayan Koster, told reporters after a meeting of Bali's Regional Leadership Coordination Forum on Tuesday that "there were Indonesians at the Bali Silent Disco run event, so reports t otherwise are incorrect," he said.
He said that Bali's Regional Leadership Coordination Forum agreed that Bali remains one of the worlds leading tourist destinations, saying ''the situation in Bali is good, conducive and safe.''
''I urge the public to look at the actual conditions on the island rather than relying on social media to form their opinions,'' he said.
Bali Governor, Wayan Koster, encouraged other running communities in Bali not to be discouraged by the banning of the Dutch nationals from Bali, saying "it is fine as long as the morning run activities do not disturb others."
The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correction director general, Hendarsam Marantoko, barred Dutch nationals, Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, from Bali on July 24, for violating immigration regulations claiming immigration regulations prohibit foreign nationals from working as organizers for the Entourage Run Club.
''The two Dutch nationals had violated immigration regulations by organizing an event in Indonesia without the required permits,'' he said at a press conference in Jakarta.
He claimed that the Dutch nationals who founded the Entourage Run Club that organised the Bali Silent Disco run event had
discriminated against Indonesians.
''We consider the Entourage Run Club to be functioning as a 'state within a state,'' he said
Indonesian woman, Annisa Rahmadani Maclean, claimed the Entourage Run Club was a racist community after her application to join the Bali Silent Disco run was reportedly postponed on July 20.
She said her application was postponed because she applied with her Indonesian name and identification number.
''Yet the Entourage Run Club accepted my husband’s application right away because he has a western name and identification number,'' she said
''Shame on you!'' said Indonesian woman, Annisa Rahmadani Maclean.
The Southeast Asian Times  

Darwin court charges government employee with defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, arrives at the Local Court in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia to face fraud charges on Wednesday July 29, 2026

From News Reports:
Darwin, July 31: The Local Court in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia charged Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39,
who has a dual Australian and Nigerian passport, with defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of millions of dollars while employed by the Northern Territory Government, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
The Australian Federal Police alleged that Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, refferred vulnerable members of the community to an National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), via the business name True Link Community, that she co-owned with her husband, 47-year-old Kingsley Ebelebe.
The Australian Federal Police and the Northern Territory Police Force arrested Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, on Wednesday alleging she used her position at the Department of Children and Families at the Northern Territory Government to refer vulnerable members of the community to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), via the business name True Link Community that she co-owned with her husband.
The Australian Federal Police AFP said that the True Link Community business owned by Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, and Kingsley Ebelebe, 47, had claimed more than $28 million of National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) funding that manages the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
''About $18 million of the claims made by True Link Community were identified as suspicious,'' said the Australian Federal Police.
Kingsley Ebelebe, 47, who was a former National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) employee, was charged with defrauding the National Disability Agency (NDIA) of $5 million in the name of True Link Community on February 18, 2026.
He was charged with five offences including two Federal Government of Australia charges, including one count of corruption, and one count of dishonesty for obtaining National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) information.
He was also charged with one count of dishonesty for obtaining information from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) that manages the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, was charged with defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the name of True Link Community at the Darwin Local Court on July 20, with her lawyer Tom Clelland, telling the court that his client had handed in her Australian and Nigerian passports.
Lawyer Tom Clelland, told the court that prosecutors would allege his client was the lesser participant and that her husband Kingsley Ebelebe, 47, was the primary offender.
Lawyer Tom Clelland, told the court that his client, Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, was the mother of four children aged between four and 12, saying that her eldest child has significant disability,
''Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, is the primary carer for that child,'' he said.
Judge David Woodroffe granted Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, bail despite describing the alleged offending as serious and concerning to the court and the community.
"Despite that, it's better for you to be in the community so you can take care of your children," said Judge David Woodroffe.
The court imposed conditions on Genevine Ifunanya Ebelebe, 39, including that she not leave the country, apply for an overseas passport, contact certain witnesses or use an encrypted device.
The case is due to return to Local Court in Darwin on August 18.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian Immigration and Police officers arrested for illegally approving Temporary Employment Visit Passes

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Abd Halim Aman, announced the arrests of Immigration Department officers and a Royal Malaysia Police officer for illegally approving Temporary Employment Visit Passes on Monday July 27, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, July 30: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested 12 individuals, including six Immigration Department of Malaysia officers and a Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) officer, over alleged involvement in a syndicate that hacked the Malaysian Immigration System (MyIMMs) to illegally approve Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS), reports the Straits Times.
MACC Chief Commissioner, Abd Halim Aman, said the suspects were detained during a joint operation, code named Ops Crack, carried out in collaboration with the Immigration Department of Malaysia on Monday.
The Chief Commissioner Abd Halim Aman said that two company directors, three foreign nationals, four Immigration enforcement officers, two officers from the Immigration Department's Information Technology Division and one police officer were arrested on Monday.
''Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had exploited unused Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) quotas from 2011 to issue work passes without paying the required levy,'' he said.
He said investigators found that 1,306 fraudulent Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) had been issued, resulting in an estimated RM2.4 million in losses to the government.
''Operation code named Ops Crack stems from intelligence sharing between MACC's Intelligence Division and the Immigration Department's Intelligence Division, conducted since May across the Klang Valley and Penang,'' he said.
On June 9, 2026 Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner Abd Halim, launched ''Operation Daya'' to investigate 1,638 companies for alleged fraudulent claims amounting to RM45mil under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme.
The Daya Kerjaya 2.0 program provides government financial incentives to employers to hire vulnerable groups, including disabled people, parolees and senior citizens aged above 60.
"At present, we are focusing on the 143 companies linked to claims amounting to RM9mil,'' said MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim.
The abuse of the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme includes the creation of ghost workers who did not exist, using personal data of disabled individuals without their consent, and firing workers immediately after the 6-month incentive period ended.
He said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption CoMACC) uncovered a syndicate believed to have submitted fraudulent claims involving 143 companies and claims worth about RM9mil under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme.
The Southeast Asian Times

Two Dutch nationals barred from Bali for racial discrimination and violation of immigration regulations

Dutch nationals Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, founders of the Entourage Run Club in Bali are barred from Bali for violation of immigration laws for organising a Bali Silent Disco run event in Canggu tourist area Bali on Wednesday July 22, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, July 29: Two Dutch nationals were barred from Bali for alleged racial discrimination after Bali residents claimed they were excluded from the Bali Silent Disco run event organised by the Entourage Run Club Bali, with Immigration regulations prohibiting the Dutch nationals from working as organizers for the Entourage Run Club, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Correction director general, Hendarsam Marantoko, barred two Dutch nationals, Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, from Bali for violating immigration regulations claiming immigration regulations prohibited foreign nationals from working as organizers for the Entourage Run Club.
He claimed the Dutch nationals had organised a Bali Silent Disco run event in the Canggu tourist area in Bali on July 22, 2026.
"Under prevailing regulations, foreign nationals may only work as crew members or officials at events involving international performers or
artists, " he said.
He said Dutch nationals Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, were holders of limited stay permits.
'' Joost Storms, 35, held an employment (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) official Limited Stay Permit and Hidde van Vliet, 37, held and investor official Limited Stay Permit,'' he said.
Dutch nationals Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, were accused of excluding Balinese from the Bali Silent Disco run event organised by the Entourage Run Club Bali.
Bali residents said they were denied access to the Entourage Run Club that organised the Bali Silent Disco run after identifying themselves as Indonesian citizens.
Applicants who identified themselves as foreign nationals were reportedly accepted by the Entourage Run Club that organised the Bali Silent Disco run.
Indonesian woman, Annisa Rahmadani Maclean, claimed the Entourage Run Club was a racist community after her application to join the Bali Silent Disco run was reportedly postponed.
She said her application was postponed because she applied with her Indonesian name and identification number.
''Yet the Entourage Run Club accepted my husband’s application right away because he has a western name and identification number,'' she said
''Shame on you!'' said Indonesian woman, Annisa Rahmadani Maclean.
Dutch nationals Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, maintained that the Entourage Run Club is an inclusive group and that they never meant to be disrespectful or discriminating to anyone.
“Entourage was created as a community for digital nomads in Bali, to help people who are new to the island connect with others and do fun activities together during their stay, said the Dutch nationals.
''Our community includes members from many countries, including Indonesia,'' they said
''Errors were made in the automated approval process within WhatsApp groups and running events automatically rejected some Indonesians ,'' said the Dutch Nationals.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand PM orders ministers to cut red tape in overhaul of state bureaucracies

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul orders overhaul of the state bureaucracy and reduce institutional duplication in Bangkok on Monday July 27, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 28: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the overhaul of the state bureaucracy and the reduction of institutional duplication to streamline the public sector and improve competition on Monday, demanding that ministers be prepared to work seven days a week saying ''all ministries are required to drastically cut red tape,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
''National problems cannot wait,'' said the Prime Minister.
Deputy Prime Minister, Pakorn Nilprapunt, said ''the dissolution and merger of state agencies is required in order to adapt to energy challenges, rising fiscal pressures and increasingly complex trade and investment patterns.
''State agencies would be assessed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission,'' he said.
''The Ministry of Finance would evaluate state enterprises,'' he said.
''The key criterion would be whether an agency's responsibilities duplicate those of another organisation,'' he said.
He said the Land Bank Administration Institute is the first agency slated for dissolution, saying ''the government plans to merge its functions with the Office of the National Land Policy Board.
''The government will then review other agencies with potentially overlapping responsibilities,'' he said.
He said the Strategic Transformation Office (STO) that was established by former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2018 in order to drive national reform, strategy and reconciliation will all also be reviewed.
Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is a retired Four-Star General in the Royal Thai Army who served as the 29th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2014 to 2023.
"If Thailand continues to maintain the same bureaucratic structure, Thailand will struggle to move forward and keep pace with others," said Deputy Prime Minister, Pakorn Nilprapunt.
The Southeast Asian Times

Human Rights Watch calls for release of Vietnamese authors for alleged anti-state propaganda

Nguyen Thuy Hang, Director of the Writers Association Publishing House, left, questioned by Investigation Security Agency under the Hanoi Department of Public Security in Hanoi Tuesday July 14, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 27: The Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed calls by Human Rights Watch (HRW) to release Vietnamese authors arrested on July 2, 2026 after the introduction of the "Era of National Rise" 2026 - 2045, for allegedly insulting former President Ho Chi Minh and former General Vo Nguyen Giap, in a book published on April 25, 2026, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman saying ''the so-called accusations made by Human Rights Watch are not worth commenting on," reports the Vietnam News.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Pham Thu Hang, was responding to reporters questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday to calls by Human Rights Watch (HRW) to release five Vietnamese authors charged under Article 117 of the Penal Code for "making, storing, distributing, or spreading information, documents, or items aimed at sabotaging the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.''
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Director, Asia Division, Elaine Pearson condemned the arrests of Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, and Tran Viet Anh, 33, and three others who are accused of distorting Vietnam's revolutionary history in the book entitled "Chuyen vio Thanh - loi ke moi ve anh sang" or ''Stories with Thanh - a new account of light.''
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Director, Asia Division, Elaine Pearson said the wave of arrests sends a chilling message to all Vietnamese writers, journalists, and publishers, saying ''the new proclaimed "Era of National Rise" just means more repression.''
The proclaimed "Era of National Rise" 2026 - 2045 was introduced by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) General Secretary, To Lam, and was official ratified as Vietnam's driving ideology at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party in January 2026.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Director, Asia Division, Elaine Pearson called for the release of Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, who is the co-founder and former CEO of Food Processing Technology FPT founded in 1988, leading the FPT Software division in its global expansion into Japan, Europe and the United States.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Director, Asia Division, Elaine Pearson also called for the release of Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, who founded FUNiX, Vietnam's first online university and has servied as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at VinUniversity making software education accessible online.
''The extreme reaction to the book suggests that even prominent establishment figures in business, publishing, and media are not safe from Communist Party hardliners,'' said Human Rights Watch (HRW) Director, Asia Division, Elaine Pearson.
The Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications ordered a nationwide recall and destruction of all printed copies of the book entitled "Chuyen vio Thanh - loi ke moi ve anh sang" or ''Stories with Thanh - a new account of light''
on June 2 after it was published by the Vietnam Writers' Association Publishing House on April 25, 2026.
The Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications fined the Writers' Association Publishing House VND100 million (US$4,000) and suspended operations for two months.
The Southeast Asian Times

Four European countries sign assession to Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro at the signing ceremony for the accession of Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Manila, Philippines Friday July 24, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, July 26: Four European countries signed accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, "Navigating Our Future, Together" hosted by the Philippines in Manila on Monday July 20 to Friday July 24, 2026, with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary saying, ''the accessions showed that the principles enshrined in the TAC extend beyond Southeast Asia,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania formally joined 62 High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) that includes 11 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, said ''the accessions of Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation shows that the principles enshrined in the TAC extend beyond Southeast Asia.''
''Where the TAC was originally conceived in Southeast Asia, its principles have never been confined by geography,'' said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) that was established on February 24, 1976 in Bali, Indonesia at the 1st ASEAN Summit was signed by ASEAN founding members Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) was amended to open accession to non-regional states including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, Japan and India and the United States.
The rules of coexistence for member nations of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) are enshrined in the ASEAN Charter, the United Nations Charter, the treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Bangkok Treaty) and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
''What began as a regional landmark document among five nations has since evolved into something far greater in scope and enduring in character,'' said Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting approved Guidelines on the Modalities for Engagement of ASEAN with High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) that are not formal dialogue partners with ASEAN.
The Southeast Asian Times

United States and Thailand to expand intelligence sharing to dismantle global criminal organisations

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kash Patel, left, and Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, right, at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday July 21, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 25: The United States and Thailand agreed to expand intelligence sharing and joint action to dismantle criminal organisations, with a shift from arresting low-level offenders to leaders of criminal networks, financial channels and infrastructure, after the ''Summit for the Scam Centers'' held in Bangkok from July 20 to 21. reports the Bangkok Post.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agreed to expand their cooperation to combat global scam networks and transnational crime at a meeting at Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The United States and Thailand agreed to expand intelligence sharing and joint action to dismantle scam centres, trafficking rings and transnational crime networks with a focus on leaders of criminal networks, financial channels and infrastructure.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agree that ''sustained international coordination is essential to disrupt criminal organizations.''
''Criminal organisation can rapidly move personnel, money, and operations across borders, said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul agreed to shift focus from arresting low-level offenders to dismantling entire criminal networks.
''Focus will shift to 'leaders of criminal networks, financial channels and infrastructure,'' said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand has made the suppression of transnational crime and technology-related fraud a national priority, saying ''law enforcement and financial agencies were brought together to trace illicit money and to seize assets linked to criminal networks.''
''Thai authorities have frozen or seized assets worth tens of billions of baht connected with scam networks and other criminal networks,'' said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, commended Thailand's efforts against online fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking and international criminal organisations.
''Cooperation between the FBI and the Royal Thai Police has produced effective results, said Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said the FBI worked with the Royal Thai Police against scam operations in Southeast Asia, saying ''operations involved seizure of phones from suspected scam networks in Thailand.''
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S. and Philippines commit to U.S.-led Pax Silica Initiative to secure AI technology global supply chain

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanan Palace during 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting "Navigating Our Future, Together" in Manila Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

From News Reports:
Manila, July 24: The United States and the Philippines reaffirmed commitment to the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and to the U.S.-led Pax Silica Initiative at the five day 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting "Navigating Our Future, Together" in Manila on Monday, with the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas peasant movement accusing the Philippine government of a massive sell out, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. committed to the establishment of a new Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) in the Philippines, one of 13 aligned nations of the U.S.-led Pax Silica.
The new Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) is designed to secure an AI technology global supply chain including AI computing infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and critical mineral processing under the US-led Pax Silica supply chain 13 nation alliance.
The US-led Pax Silica is to integrate the AI technology global supply chain from processing raw materials including nickel and copper to advanced semiconductor packaging and AI data centres.
AI technology supply chains are to be developed in 13 aligned nations of the US-led Pax Silica initiative including Australia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Finland, India, Israel, Qatar, South Korea, United States, aiming to secure global supply chains for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the largest national democratic peasant movement in the Philippines opposes the U.S.-led Pax Silica Initiative that aims to create a secure global supply chain for infrastructure and semiconductors, saying the U.S.-led Pax Silica is a massive sellout.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the U.S.-led Pax Silica is a massive sellout of land, minerals and Philippine sovereignty, saying ''the project will accelerate destructive large-scale mining of critical minerals in Zambales and Palawan province.''
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) claims that the U.S.-led Pax Silica Initiative proposal of 4,000-acre (1,619-hectare) for the new Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in New Clark City in Tarlac and the Port of Subic Bay will trigger massive land conversion, accelerating land grabbing and displacing local farming and coastal communities.
''The Philippine government is opening our mountains and ancestral lands to more destructive mining and industries that serve foreigners rather than the Filipino people,''' said the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) The Southeast Asian Times

United States tells ASEAN ''protecting commercial shipping should not fall solely on the U.S.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, centre, opened the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, "Navigating Our Future, Together" in Manila on Monday July 20 to Friday July 24, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, July 23: Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary,Theresa P. Lazaro, opened the five day 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting "Navigating Our Future, Together" in Manila on Monday with U.S. Secretary of State saying ''protecting commercial shipping should not fall solely on the U.S.,'' reports Reuters.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministerss Meeting that includes Post-Ministerial Conferences and Related Meetings brings together
foreign ministers from 11 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and includes dialogue partners, Australia, Canada, China, European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea United Kingdom, and the United States.
The Foreign Ministers Meeting is to revive the stalled Five-Point Consensus peace initiative in Myanmar, to negotiate the South China Sea Code of Conduct with China, advance long term goals under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and includes the economic fallout from the U.S.-Iran conflict with the outcomes to be presented at the 49th ASEAN Summit from 10-12 November, 2026 in Manila.
ASEAN issued a joint statement urging the United States and Iran to exercise "utmost self-restraint" on Tuesday at the Post-Ministerial Conferences and Related Meetings, warning ''the ongoing exchange of fire between the United States and Iran undermines key mediation efforts and threatens global energy supplies.''
The ASEAN joint statement urged the United States and Iran to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and respect international law.
U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio urged China to intervene to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, calling the closure "economic suicide".
He said that any future agreements with Iran must address regional hostilities, saying ''an end to proxy operations is required.''
'He said that International waterways must remain free of tolls and free of attack, saying ''no country is allowed to charge arbitrary fees in international sea corridors,'' he said.
Protecting commercial shipping should not fall solely on the U.S. and requires collaborative maritime security,'' said U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia accuses the United States of undermining the International Criminal Court ability to operate

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, and United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, affirm the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Washington, D.C., on Thursday February 19, 2026.

From News Reports:
Jakarta, July 22: Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the United States of undermining the International Criminal Court (ICC) ability to operate, despite Indonesia's indecision to ICC accession, after United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced ''a sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty,'' on July 13, reports Antara.
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, said that international legal principles and institutions must be respected by all nations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, said that Indonesia is not subject to ICC's jurisdiction because it is not a state party to the Rome Statute, saying ''but Indonesia respects the right of all parties to pursue legal action through the International Criminal Court (ICC).''
Former Minister of Defence, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who served under former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a four star general in the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), was reportedly considered the primary undecided government body to International Criminal Court (ICC) assession in the Indonesian Parliament in 2013.
Former Deputy Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Denny Indrayana, who reportedly acted as a lead government voice stated he had received a mandate to push for a decision on International Criminal Court (ICC) accession in the Indonesian Parliament in 2013.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, said after United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced ''a sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty,''
that ''Indonesia continues its close observation of developments regarding US actions against the ICC.''
On July 13 United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to U.S. sovereignty will feature a whole-of-government response to systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate, target American servicemen or officials, or otherwise threaten American sovereignty.
''Americans never signed up for this,'' said United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said
''All American presidents since the ICC’s ratification in 2002 have maintained that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Americans,'' he said.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the International Criminal Court seeks to become the unaccountable global arbiter, saying ''the ICC seeks to position itself above and beyond the nation state as a supranational enforcement arm of a globalist bureaucracy empowered to persecute American servicemen and officials at will.''
''No diplomatic option will be off-limits in the campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to Americans,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Taiwan removes Cambodia from visa exemption program for endorsement of One-China policy

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet and China President Xi Jinping at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) on Global AI Governance in Shanghai from Wednesday July 15 to Friday July 17, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, July 21: Cambodia is to be removed from Taiwan’s visa exemption programme on August 1, 2026 for undermining Taiwan sovereignty by the endorsement of the One-China policy, with Taiwan accusing Cambodia of supporting China's use of force in seeking unification with Taiwan, reports Khmer Times.
''Cambodia has failed to reciprocate Taiwan's goodwill and has instead echoed China in statements undermining Taiwan's sovereignty,'' said Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Lin Chia-lung.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Lin Chia-lung, said ''any resumption of visa facilitation would depend on future changes in Cambodia's policy toward Taiwan.''
Cambodian nationals will not be eligible to participate in the Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications, initiative
that allows travel agencies under the Travel Authorization Certificate program to visa-free entry for tour groups of five or more tourists.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Lin Chia-lung, said that Cambodia has participated in the Travel Authorization Certificate program since 2018, saying ''Taiwan will extend visa-free entry for nationals of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines July 31, 2027.''
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, reiterated Cambodia's irreversible support for the "One China Policy," in Beijing on September 15, 2023, after he succeeded his father the former Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 10, 2023.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet announced at the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations in Bejing that "Cambodia adheres to the "One China Policy."
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said then that from the 193 member countries of the United Nations, 181 are in agreement with the "One-China-Policy" that upholds the China claim that Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong are inalienable parts of China, saying "therefore Cambodia's stance is correct."
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said then that "the present foreign policy of Cambodia in not one that shows favouritism towards China or any other country," he said.
''Article 53 of the Cambodian Constitution makes it clear that our foreign policy is one of non-alignment,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australian families dismiss Laos claim of lack of evidence of daughters deaths from alcohol laced with methanol

Mark and Michelle Jones, left, parents of Bianca Jones,19, and Samantha Morton and Shaun Bowles, right, parents of Holly Bowles, 19, In Melbourne, Australia Friday July 17, 2026

From News Reports:
Melbourne, July 20: The families of Australian tourists, Holly Bowles, 19, and Bianca Jones, 19, who died from drinking alcohol laced with methanol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos in November 2024, dismissed the claim that there is a lack of evidence that the Australian tourists had consumed alcohol laced with Methanol, saying they felt their daughters's lives did not matter to the Laos justice system, reports Reuters.
The Laos Ministry of public Security said the charges against the unnamed owner of the Tiger distillery business are not associate with the deaths of the Australian tourists.
The Laos Ministry of public Security claimed there is a lack of evidence that the Australian tourists had consumed alcohol laced with Methanol, saying ''the autopsies were not conducted locally.''
The Laos Ministry of public Security claims the ministry is not pursuing manslaughter or homicide charges against the unnamed owner of the Tiger distillery.
The Laos Ministry of public Security said the unnamed owner of the Tiger distillery business faces charges of operating an illegal business and the production and sale of consumer goods dangerous to health.
The unnamed owner of the Tiger distillery business faces a prison sentence ranging from one to four years and a fine.
Unnamed family members of the Tiger distillery business owner claim that the Tiger distillery business routinely bought liquid alcohol used as an antiseptic and disinfectant on the skin and household surfaces from a pharmacy and diluted it with water and flavourings.
Shaun Bowles, father of tourist Holly Bowles, 19, said ''a lot of people will definitely think twice about going to Laos, as they should.''
''Laos has demonstrated the way that they act and as I say, the value that they put on tourists’ lives over there,'' he said.
''And the way they’ve tried to cover this up,'' he said.
Mark Jones, father of Bianca Jones, 19, said ''to say we’re disappointed would be a gross understatement.''
''It is disgusting that they think our daughters' lives are only worth a year in jail,'' he said.
Australians Holly Bowles, 19, and Bianca Jones, 19, a British woman, an American and two Danes died from suspected methanol poisoning in the tourist town, Vang Vieng in Laos, after joining guests at the Nana Backpacker Hostel for a Tiger Vodka offered by the Nana Backpacker Hostel as a gesture of hospitality on their arrival at the hostel.
Duong Van Huan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel said that he had served the two Australians, Bianca Jones, 19, and Holly Bowles, 19, free Tiger Vodka but denied this was what made them sick.
He said that other guests notified the Nana Backpacker Hostel that the two Australians were unwell.
''They failed to check out of the hostel as planned on Wednesday November 13,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines Investigation into slaying of American biologist as a home invasion and robbery is misleading

American marine biologist, Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, an Adjunct Professor and Associate Researcher at the Silliman University Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines, was killed at his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines, on Sunday July 12, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, July 19: Three suspects have been arrested for the slaying of American marine biologist, Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73 at his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines, on July 12, with the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) saying ''the initial investigation as a home invasion and robbery investigation could have mislead the investigation,''
reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''The investigation is looking at all angles,'' said Negros Island Region (NIR) Col. Allen Rae Co, spokesman for the Philippine National
Police (PNP)
''The investigation is looking at all angles including the possibility that the robbery was intended to conceal the motive for the murder of the American marine biologist,'' he said.
He said the initial investigation of the murder of American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73 as a home invasion and robbery ''could have mislead the investigation, although it is too early to tell.''
He said that Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, and his Filipina partner, 34, were watching television at their home in Barangay Ajong
in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Philippines when three men barged in about 11.00pm on Saturday July 12, 2026
''One of the men shot Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, in the head, killing him,''
he said,
''The suspects sexually assaulted his Filipina partner,'' he said.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) arrested Mark Bucog Oracoy, 26, and Jal Piañar Filipinas, 40, on July 15, with Ciem Mansing Diputado, 21, surrendering on July 16.
American marine biologist, Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, an Adjunct Professor and Associate Researcher at the Silliman University Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) in in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, served as an expert witness for the 2016 Arbitration Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague that ruled in favour of the Philippines over China's claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Dr. Kent Carpenter, 73, provided vital scientific, written, and oral testimony proving the severe environmental damage and reef destruction caused by China's land reclamation and destructive fishing practices.
The Arbitration Court ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of historic rights over the South China Sea with China rejecting the ruling saying "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang saying then that the dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty.
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Antonio Carpio urged the Philippines government to utilize the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to hold China accountable for economic and environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea.
He recommends that the Philippines Government pursue compensation from China for preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, saying ''the July 12, 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that the West Philippine Sea is a traditional Philippines fishing ground.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai government administrators arrested in nationwide recruitment exam fraud for government jobs

Royal Thai Police (RTP) Crime Suppression Division 2 officers escort Sgt Maj Dr Pichit Thangphrom, to Criminal Court in Bangkok on Tuesday July 14, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 18: The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have arrested three suspects in the nationwide recruitment examination fraud for government employment conducted by the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration Department (DLA), reports the Bangkok Post.
The investigation by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Crime Suppression Division 2 found that thousands of recruits paid a total of Baht 4.5 billion (USD $135 million) to pass the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration Department (DLA) recruitment examination.
Sgt Maj Dr Pichit Thangphrom, director of the Strategy and Budget Division of Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun.
Dr Assawin Chotipanang, adviser to the director of the Office of Promotion and Training at Kasetsart University and his sister
Sataporn Thanaphatcharaphokin, were arrested for operating a criminal syndicate that organised local government emplyment
recruitment examination fraud in Thailand.
Sgt Maj Dr Pichit Thangphrom, Assawin Chotipanang, and his sister Sataporn Thanaphatcharaphokin, charged recruits from 350,000 to 800,000 Baht each (USD $10,500 to $24,000) to fraudulently alter answer sheets and electronic examination databases that would guarantee the recruits government employment.
Sgt Maj Dr Pichit Thangphrom used his senior local administrative position to access, extract, and leak original examination files and flash drives containing answers.
Dr Assawin Chotipanang managed the multi-million dollar bribery payments from the recruits and transferred the leaked exam data from Sgt Maj Pichit to a safe house in Bang Yai.
Sataporn Thanaphatcharaphokin worked directly alongside her brother, Dr Assawin Chotipanang, transferring exam data and coordinating with the cyber-tampering operation at the safe house in Bang Yai.
Technicians altered electronic scores to artificially pass thousands of paying candidates at the safe house in Bang Yai.
The Central Committee for Local Government Personnel Examinations is to revoke the appointment 3,621 local government officials after Royal Thai Police (RTP) Crime Suppression Division 2 found evidence linking them to the nationwide civil service recruitment exam fraud.
The 3,621 officials are among 14,988 recruits who were appointed following local government recruitment examinations held in December 7, 2025
A review of the results found 5,814 recruits had irregular scores.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar rejects ASEAN Peace Plan proposed after military seizure of elected civilian government in 2021

Former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, right, and ASEAN Foreign Ministers reach agreement on (ASEAN) Five‑Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan hosted at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, on Saturday April 24, 2021

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, July 17: The Former Ambassador to China and North Korea, Tin Maung Swe, who was appointed Foreign Minister of Myanmar on April 6, 2026, rejected the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Five‑Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok on Sunday, reports the Irrawaddy.
Tin Maung Swe was appointed Foreign Minister after the former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, was elected President on April 3, 2026 in the first general election since the seizure of the civilian elected National League of Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021.
Myanmar Foreign Minister, Tin Maung Swe, rejected the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Five‑Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan that was proposed in Jakarta at the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting (ALM) on April 24, 2021 after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar former Commander-in-chief Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing had seized the civilian elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021.
Myanmar Foreign Minister,Tin Maung Swe, urged ASEAN to restore Myanmar’s full and equal participation in ASEAN's official activities, high-level summits, and major decision-making meetings at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok on Sunday.
He rejected the ASEAN Five‑Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan urging ASEAN to allow Myanamar to follow its own path based on domestic political realities.
He said that Myanmar’s Union Parliament passed a motion on 9 July 2026 calling for a review of the ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) Peace Plan, saying ''it is inconsistent with ASEAN fundamental principles and does not reflect the current political realities in Myanmar.''
''Myanmar's democratic elected government has the responsibility to implement the decision of the Parliament,'' he said.
On April 24 2021 the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state leaders including the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, reached agreement for the immediate cessation of violence in Mynamar, with ASEAN leaders wanting a commitment from commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing to restrain security forces.
The first point of agreement that demanded the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar also called on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint."
The ASEAN leaders also reached consensus for the commencement of dialogue and that a special envoy of the ASEAN Chair with assistance from the Secretary General of ASEAN would facilitate mediation.
Agreement that ASEAN would provide humanitarian assistance and that the special ASEAN envoy and delegation would visit Myanmar to meet with all parties was also reached.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand police arrest suspects in Chinese fraudulent birth registration scheme

Royal Thai Police (RTP) arrest employee at a private hospital in Bangkok for involvement in Chinese fraudulent birth registration scheme under ''Removing the Dragon's Scales'' on Thursday July 9, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 16: The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have arrested district officials and hospital employees for their involvement in a fraudulent birth registration scheme that enabled children of Chinese nationals to obtain Thai citizenship through false paternity registration, reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) announced the results of the operation ''Removing the Dragon's Scales'' at a joint press conference in Bangkok on July 9, with Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma, saying ''42 suspects have been identified, 21 arrest warrants approved and 16 apprehended.''
''The suspects include a private hospital employee, a district office registrar, 18 Thai men allegedly acting as ''fake fathers'', 21 Chinese parents and 1 Laotian mother,'' said Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma.
He said the suspects face charges under the Civil Registration Act and the Computer Crime Act, saying ''the district officials also face malfeasance charges under Section 157 of the Criminal Code.''
Records from the National Identity Crime Enforcement unit at the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA N.I.C.E.) show that 164 birth registrations involving Chinese mothers and Thai fathers were linked to the private hospital employee between 2023 and 2024.
DNA testing has confirmed that 19 children were not biologically related to the Thai males listed as their fathers, prompting authorities to revoke those birth registrations.Investigators said the hospital employee charged 70,000 baht for childbirth packages, with an additional 20,000-baht service fee for arranging documentation.
Thai males allegedly received between 2,000 and 15,000 baht to register marriage papers or acknowledge paternity.
Authorities also revealed that one of the accused Thai ''fake fathers'' is a shareholder in China Railway No.10 Thailand, holding a 10.2 percent stake, and is suspected of acting as a Thai nominee for the company.
China Railway No.10 Thailand was among the contractors implicated in the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok in March 2025, in which 95 people died.
The National Identity Crime Enforcement unit at the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA N.I.C.E.) has reportedly
tightened procedures for registering births involving Thai and foreign parents, with Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma saying ''both parents are to appear before registrars.''
''Parents are required to conduct separate interviews, verifying hospital birth certificates and ordering DNA testing in suspicious cases,'' said Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma.
Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma, said investigations are continuing and private hospitals in Bangkok are under investigation for possible involvement in fraudulent birth registration schemes.
''Anyone found participating in fraudulent birth registration schemes will face legal action,'' said Deputy National Police chief, Samran Nualma.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bangkok restaurant engulfed by fire operated illegally as nightclub and discotheque

Firefighters inspect the Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall on Lat Phrao Road Bangkok after a fire engulfed the beer hall on Sunday July 12, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 15: The fire that engulfed the Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok on Sunday, killing 32 customers and injuring 7,3 was registered to operate as a restaurant and food service business but illegally operated as a nightclubs or discotheque, with the Royal Thai Police saying ''a joint investigation team has been formed to examine the fire, reports the Bangkok Post
Royal Thai Police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch said a joint investigation team including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning are inspecting the building's electrical system, circuit breakers, sprinkler system and structural modifications to determine whether negligence contributed to the deaths.
He said the joint investigation team is examining the registered business partners and shareholders, Suwicha Salaibat and Bang-on Salaibat of Rong Beer Na Ladprao Co., Ltd., that was registered as a restaurant and food service business.
The joint investigation team has found that the Rong Beer Na Ladprao registered restaurant and food service business did not hold an official Entertainment Venue license under the Entertainment Places Act.
The joint investigation team found that the Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok was registered to operate as a restaurant and food service business but operated as a nightclubs or discotheque.
The Rong Beer Na Ladprao was registered to operate as a restaurant and food service business in order to by-pass the stricter structure, zoning and capacity restrictions required of nightclubs or discotheques.
The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning is investigating whether the building that was leased to the Rong Beer Na Ladprao operators was authorised to lease a nightclub or discotheque and whether illegal modifications were made to the building.
The building leased to the business operators of the Rong Beer Na Ladprao that operated as a nightclub or discotheque was reportedly located outside an area zoned for entertainment establishments.
The joint investigative team have found multiple safety violations at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao that was registered to operate as a restaurant and food service business but illegally operated as a nightclubs or discotheque,
''A fire escape route at the rear of the premises was blocked and an emergency exit marked "Do Not Open" caused confusion as customers attempted to flee,'' said joint investigative team officials
The joint investigative team officials found that fire-resistant materials were not used in the building leased to the business operators of the Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok.
The Southeast Asian Times


Fire engulfs Bangkok restaurant killing 27 and injuring 63 of the about 300 customers

Thailand Prime Minister. Anutin Charnvirakul, centre, inspects the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Monday July 13, 2026 after a fire engulfed the restaurant killing 27 and injured 63 of the about 300 customers

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 14: A fire engulfed the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok at midnight on Saturday killing 27 and injured 63 of the about 300 restaurant customers before firefighters brought the blaze under control, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also the Minister of the Interior responsible for civic infrastructure, said ''most fatalities resulted from smoke inhalation,'' reports the Bankok Post.
''Musicians at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub claim that the fire started at a circuit breaker in front of the stage in the restaurant,'' said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
''The fire was followed by a blackout and an explosion,'' said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, also Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) director-general responsible for rescue and relief operations, said ''flames spread rapidly burning decorations hanging from the ceiling of the restaurant.''
''Toxic smoke from the burning decorative materials killed victims,'' said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunthe.
''The restaurant was licenced for music performances,'' he said.
''Officials had inspected the restaurant in April,'' he said.
''Waiters claim there were about 300 customers in the restaurant before the fire started,'' said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunthe.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunthe said fire spread over the ceiling towards the front entrance of the restaurant, saying ''customers rushed to the back of the restaurant to the fire exists.''
''Some customers got lost and ran into the toilets instead,'' said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that customers passed out in the toilets and at fire exists from toxic smoke, saying ''they blocked other customers from escaping the flames.''
He said the restaurant had two emergency exits but that evacuation was hindered, saying ''one exit near the kitchen was blocked by beer crates,
and the other was obstructed by a table.''
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Director, Suriyachai Rawiwan, said there were fire exits at the rear of the restaurant, saying ''victims apparently rushed to toilets at the back of the premises.''
''Rescuers had difficulty reaching them,'' said Director, Suriyachai Rawiwan.
The Southeast Asian Times

China supports Myanmar's removal of UN Representative appointed by
Aung San Suu Kyi government

The Permanent representative of Myanmar at the United Nations,
Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, denounced the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of the civilian government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi at the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Myanmar on Friday 26 February 2021,

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, July 13: The former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who was elected President in the first general election since the seizure of the civilian elected National League of Democracy (NLD) government, has called on the United Nations to remove the current Permanent Representative of Myanmar at the United Nations Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, with China's support, reports the Irrawaddy.
Min Aung Hlaing, who was inaugurated President of Myanmar on April 10, 2026, called on the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres to remove the current Permanent Representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, and approve its chosen envoy as the Permanent Representative of Myanmar.
Myanmar President, Min Aung Hlaing, called for the removal of the Permanent Representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, after a five day visit to Beijing from June 15, 2026.
China's President Xi Jinping pledged support for Myanmar's full equal and constructive participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and United Nations processes.
President Xi Jinping defended Myanmar's participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and United Nations processes saying ''it is Myanmar's legitimate right and in Myanmar's interest.''
The Permanent Representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, was appointed by the civilian
National League of Democracy (NLD) government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi on October 20, 2020.
The Permanent representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, denounced the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of the civilian government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi at the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Myanmar on 26 February 2021, saying "the coup was illegal and unconstitutional."
"The seizure of a legitimate and duly elected government by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is not acceptable in this modern world,"
he said.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar ordered Myanmar embassies abroad including Permanent representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, Ambassador, U Kyaw Moe Tun, in New York not to communicate with the elected National League of Democracy (NLD) members of parliament, who had formed the Committee Representing the Union Parliament (CPRH) immediately after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar cancelled parliamentary sittings on February 1, 2021 and was followed by the formation of the National Unity Government (NUG).
On December 18, 2023 The United Nations 78th Geberal Assembly Credentials Committee chair Jane Mugafalu Kabui Waetara proposed postponing consideration of the credentials for the United Nations permanent representative of Myanmar, Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun,
The United Nations Credentials Committee chair adopted a resolution to delay a decision to vote on the permanent representative of Myanmar at the United Nations, saying the United Nations will continue to recognise Ambassador U Kyaw Moe Tun.
The United Nations Credentials Committee chair, Jane Mugafalu Kabui Waetara said the United Nations Credentials Committee received two submissions for candidates to represent Myanmar at the United Nations 78th General Assembly, saying "one submission was from the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York, U Kyaw Moe Tun and the second submission was from the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Daw Zin Mar Aung."
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines dismiss China's claim that Philippines Batanes Islands are under Taiwanese jurisdiction

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies conference in Manila on Friday 10 July 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, July 12: Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed China's claim of sovereignty over the Batanes Islands in northern Philippines, saying ''we have to be really strong in our pushback to the claim that the Batanes Islands are under the jurisdiction of Taiwan Prefecture,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''China's claim over the Batanes Islands is based in the allegation that the islands are supposedly part of Taiwan,'' said Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies conference in Manila on Friday.
The conference marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitration Court in the Hague ruling in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of historic rights over the South China Sea that includes the West Philippine Sea.
''China's claim of sovereignty over the Batanes Islands in northern Philippines is not only contrary to international law and the Philippine Constitution, but is also contrary to normal human thinking,'' he said.
He described China's claim of sovereignty over the Batanes Islands as ''manufactured ambiguity'' at the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies conference that focuses on international security, domestic governance, and economic development in the Philippines.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. and The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo were among Philippine officials who dismissed the claim make by China's academics that ''the Philippines had no historical or legal basis to govern the Batanes islands since they are supposedly a natural geographical extension of Taiwan.''
Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. said that the commemoration of the 2016 arbitral ruling reminds us of what is at stake when baseless narratives are allowed to harden into claims, saying ''claims are used to justify presence and presence is used to normalize coercion.''
He said that the Philippines government should not allow manufactured history to become manufactured rights or a fabricated dispute, saying ''the Batanes Islands is and will always remain an integral and indivisible part of the Republic of the Philippines.''
''There is no dispute to settle, no claim to negotiate, and no ambiguity to resolve, he said.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo said that China's claim of sovereignty over Batanes Islands in the northern most point of the Philippines ''would never stand under scrutiny in academic discourse outside China.''
''The so called scholars from China's Jinan University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Nanjing University and other research institutions have no rational basis in substantive research and operate from evident bad faith, she said.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, said that the dean of Jinan University's School for International Studies had claimed that the Batanes Islands were under the jurisdiction of Taiwan Prefecture during the Ming and Qing Dynasties that existed from about the 1360s to the 1900s.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnamese arrested for publishing book that insults Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap

Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, arrested by Ministry of Public Security for distorting Vietnam's revolutionary history in a book entitled "Chuyen vio Thanh - loi ke moi ve anh sang" or ''Stories with Thanh - a new account of light'' on Thursday July 2, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 11: Two Vietnamese males were arrested by the Ministry of Public Security for distorting Vietnam's revolutionary history, insulting historical leaders and distributing anti-state materials including a book that allegedly insults the first President of Vietnam former President Ho Chi Minh and former General Vo Nguyen Giap, reports the Vietnam News.
Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, was arrested on July 2 and Tran Viet Anh, 33, on July 7 under Article 117 of the Penal Code for "making, storing, distributing, or spreading information, documents, or items aimed at sabotaging the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.''
Ministry of Public Security accused Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, and Tran Viet Anh, 33, of insulting Vietnam's first President, Ho Chi Minh, and General Vo Nguyen Giap and other Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) leaders in a book entitled "Chuyen vio Thanh - loi ke moi ve anh sang" or ''Stories with Thanh - a new account of light.''
Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, reportedly said that ''many details in the book were inaccurate'' and issued an apology to his readers during questioning by the Ministry of Public Security.
''The motivation behind creating and spreading the content of the book was to drive online engagement, gain viewers, and maximise financial revenue on digital media platforms,'' he said.
Ministry of Public Security said it is expanding the scope of the investigation to determine if any other individuals were involved in producing or distributing the restricted materials.
The Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications ordered a nationwide recall and destruction of all printed copies of the book on June 2 after it was published by the Vietnam Writers' Association Publishing House on April 25.
The Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications fined the Writers' Association Publishing House VND100 million (US$4,000) and suspended operations for two months.
Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, is the co-founder and former CEO of Food Processing Technology FPT founded in 1988, leading the FPT Software division in its global expansion into Japan, Europe and the United States.
Nguyen Thanh Nam, 65, also founded FUNiX, Vietnam's first online university and has servied as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at VinUniversity making software education accessible online.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand grants amnesty to political prisoners but excludes offenders under Lese Majeste law

Six political prisoners were released from Klong Prem Central Prison under the Peaceful Society promotion Bill in Bangkok on Friday July 3, 2026, including a computor hacker imprisoned under the Computor Crime Act 2017 for renaming the Constitutional Court website to ''Kamgaroo Court''

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 10: The amended Peaceful Society Promotion Bill or the Amnesty Bill was passed by the Thailand Senate on Wednesday granting amnesty to political prisoner convicted over the last 20 years but excludes offenders convicted under Thailand's Royal defamation law under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste law of the Criminal Code in the Constitution, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Peaceful Society Promotion Bill or the Amnesty Bill was passed with 306 votes in favour and 141 against, with two abstentions and with the current pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party government maintaining that offenders convicted under Thailand's Royal defamation law under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste law are not eligible for amnesty.
The Bhumjaithai Party supported amnesty for other political offences including for attempting to overthrow the government Section 113 or acts of terrorism Section 135 of the Lese Majeste law of the Criminal Code in the Constitution.
People’s Party Member of Parliament, Sasinan Thamnithinan, said ''the exclusion of amnesty for offenders convicted under the Lese Majeste law for defamation of Royalty is a selective and cruel amnesty.''
''Thousands of activists and ordinary citizens were arrested under Thailand's Royal defamation law under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste Law for political speech and expression,'' she said.
Pheu Thai Party, coalition partner of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party, Member of Parliament, Thongtham, defended the passage of the amended Peaceful Society Promotion Bill or the Amnesty Bill despite the exclusion of amnesty for offenders convicted under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste law for defamation of the monarchy.
He said granting amnesty to political prisoners avoided forming a joint House and Senate committee to resolve disagreements between the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying ''a joint committee could delay the release from prison by at least one year for offenders convicted under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste law.
He said that no 18-year-old was currently imprisoned under Section 112 of the Lese Majeste law, saying that a delay might fail to produce the practical result expected.
People's Party deputy leader, Parit Wacharasindh, urged the House to establish a joint House and Senate committee, saying ''a peaceful society could not be built through a double standard amnesty.''
He said that parliament was prepared to erase offences linked to some forms of political expression, including shutting government premises or surrounding polling stations.
He said the parliament treated sharing a Facebook post by someone under 18 as unforgivable,'' he said.
In June 2024 Thailands pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party member, Karom Polpornklang, claimed that the then ruling Pheu Thai Party proposal to pardon offenders convicted under the lese Majeste law the proposed Amnesty Bill would lead to the demise of the government, with then Bhumjaithai Party member, Karom Polpornklang, saying ''a pardon for Lese-Majeste prisoners would reignite conflict and lead to the downfall of the government.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam National Assembly calls on legislators to renew thinking to implement policy

National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, at the mid-year review conference of National Assembly legislators, Committees and Office, in Hnaoi on Monday July 6, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 9: Vietnam National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, called on legislators to renew their thinking at the mid-year review of National Assembly legislators, saying ''the main challenge is not in policymaking but in the implementation of policy and in the transformation of a digital parliament,'' in Hanoi on Monday, reports the Vietnam News.
National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, said ''the greater use of data and AI streamlined administrative procedures, saying ''shorter processing times would improve efficiency and support legislators,'' said National Assembly chairman, Tran Thanh Man.
''The digital transformation should become a new governance method rather than the application of technology,'' he said.
Chairman, Tran Thanh Man reviewed the performance of National Assembly legislators, commending the National Assembly Ethnic Affairs Council, the National Assembly Standing Committees and National Assembly Office for their achievements over the past six months.
He said that 114 out of the 164 tasks have been completes, 12 are regular tasks and the remaining 38 task will be implemented on schedule, saying ''no tasks were overdue.''
He said the performance of National Assembly legislators should be measured by tangible results, saying ''the main challenge is not in policymaking but in implementation of the policy.''
''Coordination among some agencies remains inconsistent,'' he said.
He said that no draft legislation should be submitted unless it has been carefully prepared and meets quality standards.
He called on agencies including the Economic Committee, Finance and Budget Committee, National Defence and Security Committee, and the Culture and Education Committee to improve the quality of policymaking by shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive approach.
He called for supervision of the National Assembly implementation of resolutions and decisions, saying ''every major decision of the legislature must rest on a sound political basis, solid legal grounds, scientific evidence and high feasibility.''
National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man called for stricter discipline and greater accountability among committee heads, saying ''every task must be assigned with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, deliverables and expected outcomes.''
''Efforts must continue to ensure the full and timely institutionalisation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Political Bureau (Politburo) of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee policies and resolutions to address pressing issues,'' said National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man.
The Southeast Asian Times

China fires nuclear capable missile in the Pacific after Australia and Fiji sign mutual defence treaty

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, left, and Fiji Presiden,t Sitiveni Rabuka, right, sign ''the Ocean of Peace Alliance'' and the ''Vuvale Union'' treaty in Fiji on Monday July 6, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, July 8: China fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific hours after Australia and Fiji signed the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance,'' a mutual defence treaty, in Suva on Monday, with Defence Minister of Australia Richard Marles saying ''Australia was briefed by China on the planned test, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
''Australia is very concerned,'' he said.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and President of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, signed a mutual defence treaty called the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance'' that commits Australia and Fiji to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack.
Australia and Fiji also signed the ''Vuvale Union'' or Family Union treaty that binds the bilateral relationship with economic integration in trade infrastructure and regional labour mobility
The ''Vuvale Union'' or Family Union treaty signed by Australia and Fiji includes a 10 year, $1 billion package covering economic investment, political, climate change and migration.
Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, said he was not expecting severe pushback from China on either the Australian government or the Fiji government after the signing of the mutual defence treaty.
''I believe that China will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji," he said.
Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, said that the signing of the mutual defence treaty, 'the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance,' between Australia and Fifi ''does not threated Fiji's relationship with China, nor Australia's relationship with China.''
"As we have made it very clear in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies," said Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka.
China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng confirmed that a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile armed with a dummy warhead was fired in the Pacific.
Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng reported the firing of a strategic missile in the pacific on Monday, saying ''the missile was launched from a submarine and landed within the target zone in the Pacific.''
''The test launch is a routine arrangement of the annual training of the Chinese PLA Navy," said Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng
Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng said that China had notified relevant countries in advance, saying ''this test launch complies with international law and international practice..'
''The nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile was not directed at any specific country or target,'' said Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng.
The Southeast Asian Times

British woman arrested for fatal stabbing of British cannabis farmer
in Thailand

Pattaya City Police question British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, about fatal stabbing of cannabis farmer at the Pattaya City Police Station on Thursday July 2, 2026

From News Report:
Bangkok, July 7: British woman, Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was arrested for the murder of her British boyfriend, a cannabis farmer in the Thailand province of Chon Buri, after a fatal stabbing at a luxury rental home in Pattaya on Thursday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Pattaya City Police were called to the luxury home in Non Pru, a sub-district of Pattaya in Thailand's Chon Buri Province, on Thursday morning after reports of a violent incident involving the foreign couple were reported to the Pattaya City Police.
The body of Thomas David Powell, 34, was found in the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom in the luxury rental home with multiple stab wounds to his body.
''He was found with two stab wounds to his back, three to his torso and one to his left hand,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said a 50cm knife that had been washed clean was found in the kitchen sink.
British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was found in the bathroom of the luxury rental home sitting near the body of cannabis farmer Thomas David Powell, 34.
The Pattaya City Police said that British woman, Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, claimed the fatal wounds found on Thomas David Powell, 34, were self inflicted.
''Claims made by British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, were inconsistent,' said the Pattaya City Police.
''The victims body appeared to have been moved and arranged in the bathroom,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said the victims body was found in the bathroom with a pillow under his head, saying '' but bloods and signs of a struggle were found throughout the house.''
''British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was found with cuts to her fingertips,'' said Pattaya City Police.
''She claimed that they had been looking at engagement rings before returning home and smoking cannabis together,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said that British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, claimed that the couple had been together for two years and had planned to settle in Thailand.
In 2018 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha amended the 1979 Narcotics Act approving the legal use of Cannabis for medical and research purposes.
In 2022 the Thai Food and Drug Administration removed cannabis from its Category 5 narcotics list in the 1979 Narcotics Act, allowing individuals to grow, possess, and sell cannabis products.
The decriminalization of cannabis triggered the opening of thousands of dispensaries across Thailand.
In 2025 the administration of Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reclassified cannabis as a controlled herb.
Dispensaries were prohibited from selling cannabis without a medical prescription, steering the industry back to health and medical purposes.
In 2026 The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine warned the public that carrying cannabis on a flight to a country where cannabis remains illegal is considered a serious offence.
Offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined four times the value of the goods including duties, or both jailed and fined.
The Southeast Asian Times
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What they're saying open page here


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Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...open here


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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
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Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here
Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here




Indigenous Australians in the northern Queensland town of East Trinity aim for economic independence from eco-cultural tourism, reports Christine Howes in "Australian indigenous eco-cultural tourism venture wins best small project national award " ...open here


Kavi Chongkittavorn talks about the UK application to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in "New dynamics of Aseans external ties," with consensus yet to be reached on admitting a former colonial master of four ASEAN member countries into the Southeast Asian bloc....open


Esther Samboh talks about the choise between thousands dying of Covid-19 or from hunger in densely populated Jakarta in the new normal in "Medics dying, infections soaring - it's still the economy" ...open page here


Australian reporter, Chris Ray, investigates why Australia dropped five spots in the World Press Freedom Index...open


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Read what Son Nguyen has to say about the impact of China's virus on Vietnam's economy in "When the economy gets sick" open here


Has the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra suffered a fatal blow, or will it rise again? asks Australian reporter Chris Ray... Open page here

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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
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"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here


Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here


The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

 

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

 

Indonesia ready for big 'brother' role in ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran .......open page here

 

Benedict Anderson, a man without a country, dies in Indonesia Jeet Heer reports.....open page here


Thousands of Northern Australia's indigenous rock art sites are under threat from buffalo, fire and feral animals. Tim Lee reports ........open page here

 

Copy of letter 29 May 2012 from Vietnam Womens Union to International Olympic Committee...open here


The Southeast Asian Times wishes its readers a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year with a special thankyou to its treasured letter writers



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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times

Penang health department shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100 year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels. The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also closed by the state health department
The Southeast Asian Times

Fuel smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized 64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first month after the establishment of marshal law and the military seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by 25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record a gain, of 6.2 percent
The Southeast Asian Times

US Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by 2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The Southeast Asian Times

Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the establishment of the construction courts was first put to the Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The Southeast Asian Times

Riau forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010 tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun, said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods", he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pilots strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya, Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana, said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the Jakarta Post.
The Southeast Asian Times