Typhoon Yagi death toll surpasses 270 in Southeast Asia

SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - Super Typhoon Yagi's devastating impact on Southeast Asia continues to escalate, with the death toll now surpassing 270. Viet Nam, the hardest-hit country, has confirmed 226 fatalities, 104 missing, and around 800 injured. The storm's aftermath has left millions struggling with flooding, power outages, and widespread infrastructure damage. In Viet Nam alone, over 250,000 hectares of farmland have been affected, and UNICEF estimates that more than

September 13, 2024

Panagsama Beach in Philippines named Southeast Asia's best by Condé Nast Traveler

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The Philippine Department of Tourism has announced that Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Cebu, has been named the "Best Beach in Southeast Asia" by Condé Nast Traveler. The beach is renowned for its spectacular sardine run, a natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from around the world. Condé Nast Traveler cited the beach's unique marine ecosystem and natural environment as key factors in its selection. The publication stated th

September 12, 2024

Pope Francis arrives in Singapore, final leg of Asia-Pacific tour

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Pope Francis landed in Singapore on Thursday, marking the final stop of his four-nation Asia and Oceania tour. It is the first papal visit to the city-state since Pope John Paul II's brief five-hour stopover in 1986. During his three-day stay, the pontiff's agenda includes meeting with Jesuit members, attending an official welcome ceremony at the Parliament House, and conversing with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Won

September 12, 2024

Thai leader in hot water over Korean-inspired heart gesture

SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself at the center of a political storm after making a "finger heart" gesture during an official photo session on Saturday. The new prime minister, wearing her civil service dress uniform, crossed her thumbs and index fingers to form a heart shape - a popular gesture in K-pop culture. The incident has drawn criticism from Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a serial petitioner known f

September 11, 2024

Typhoon Yagi death toll surpasses 150 in Viet Nam, Hanoi partially flooded

SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc across northern Viet Nam, leaving 87 dead and 70 missing. The storm, which made landfall on Sept. 7, has triggered severe flooding and landslides, leading to a surge in fatalities as heavy rains continue to batter the region for the third consecutive day. Hanoi, the capital city, faces significant challenges as the Red River's water level reached a 16-year high of 9.5 meters, with forecasts predicting a further rise to 1

September 11, 2024

Myanmar military airstrikes escalate, causing spike in civilian deaths

SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - Myanmar's military junta has intensified its aerial bombardment campaign, resulting in a sharp rise in civilian casualties. This escalation follows a warning of retaliation by the junta's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, who accused rebel groups of using government buildings and innocent civilians as shields. The military's increased aggression comes in response to significant territorial gains made by ethnic armed organizations in the northeastern Sh

September 11, 2024

Thailand's new cabinet to expedite controversial subsidy

SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Thailand's government has decided to fast-track the distribution of a 10,000 baht (approximately $300) subsidy to eligible citizens, starting later this month. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced the accelerated timeline, citing the need for short-term economic stimulus and support for vulnerable groups. The subsidy, a key election promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, has faced strong opposition from various quarters. Critics, inclu

September 10, 2024

Philippine pastor and Duterte ally arrested on child sex crime charges

SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent pastor and close associate of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, was apprehended by police on Sunday, after a two-week standoff at his 30-hectare religious compound in Davao City. The 74-year-old founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church faces charges in the U.S. for child sex trafficking, money laundering, and bulk cash smuggling. The arrest came after Philippine courts issued warrants in April, prompting a larg

September 10, 2024

Six drug suspects killed in Thai military crackdown

SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - Six suspected drug smugglers were killed in a shootout with Thai military forces in northern Thailand's Chiang Mai province on Friday. The incident occurred near the Myanmar border in the Mae Ai district when a military patrol encountered 7 to 10 men carrying backpacks. The group opened fire when ordered to stop, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During a subsequent search operation, authorities discovered the bodies of six men believed to be drug tra

September 9, 2024