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

Super Typhoon Yagi strikes Viet Nam, killing 14, injuring 200

SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - Super Typhoon Yagi has caused significant damage in Viet Nam over the weekend, resulting in 14 deaths and about 200 injuries. The typhoon made landfall in Quang Ninh province on Saturday, with maximum wind speeds of 166 km/h. Fatalities occurred due to landslides, ships being swept out to sea, and falling trees and roofs. The storm uprooted thousands of trees, knocked down power poles, and damaged numerous homes in Hanoi and other areas. Vietnamese authori

September 9, 2024

Singapore and India elevate ties, boost semiconductor collaboration

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) - Singapore and India have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in the semiconductor industry. The decision was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Singapore, where he met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other top officials. The enhanced partnership, which Singapore currently only shares with Australia, aims to set a "for

September 6, 2024

 Indonesia deports former Philippine mayor, seeks Australian drug lord in exchange

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) - Indonesia has deported Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban City in the Philippines, who was apprehended near Jakarta on Sept. 3. As reported previously, Guo fled her home country amid allegations of being a Chinese spy and involvement in illegal gambling operations and money laundering. In an unexpected turn of events, Indonesia is now seeking the extradition of Australian drug lord Gregor Johan Haas in exchange for Guo's deportation. Agus Widjojo, Indon

September 6, 2024

Thai king approves Prime Minister Shinawatra's new cabinet

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (AJP) - Thailand's new cabinet, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been officially confirmed. The royal gazette published the list of ministers on Wednesday, following King Maha Vajiralongkorn's approval. The 36-member cabinet includes 17 members from Paetongtarn's ruling Pheu Thai Party and 19 from coalition partners. Several key positions remain unchanged, including Pichay Chunhavajira

September 5, 2024

Former Philippine mayor suspected of being Chinese spy arrested in Indonesia

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (AJP) - Alice Guo, the 35-year-old former mayor of Bamban City in Tarlac province, Philippines, has been apprehended in Indonesia after fleeing her home country amid allegations of being a Chinese spy. The Philippine Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced her capture near Jakarta on Wednesday. Guo, who allegedly entered the Philippines as a Chinese national named Guo Huaping before obtaining Filipino citizenship, is accused of invol

September 5, 2024

Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia, begins Asian-Oceanian tour

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (AJP) - Pope Francis landed in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the start of his multi-country pastoral visit to Asia and Oceania. The pontiff arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 11:19 a.m., choosing to travel in a modest hybrid Toyota Innova Zenix instead of a luxury bulletproof sedan offered by the Indonesian government. Upon arrival, the Pope met with refugees, migrants, and patients at the Papal Nunciature, including Rohingya refugees from Mya

September 4, 2024