Thaksin: I’m ready to go to jail if I can come home
TOKYO: Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he is ready to serve his prison term in Thailand provided he is allowed to spend the rest of his life with his family, regardless of the results of the coming election.Continue Reading
Thailand’s wild, wooly and booming weed experiment
In June 2022, the Thai government took the bold step of decriminalizing the production, sale and personal use of cannabis. Huge consequences have followed, and other Asian countries should take notice. An extensive, largely unregulated industry has quickly emerged, surprising many observers. Specialized retail outlets selling cannabis products have proliferated in large cities. Their number […]Continue Reading
Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link: 45% of Singapore side completed, on track for 2026 launch
The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System link is expected to serve about 10,000 passengers per hour each way. Continue Reading
Two hospitals to return Chuvit’s donations
Two public hospitals have announced that they will return donations of 3 million baht each to whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit, who came under fire over the sources of money.Continue Reading
Marina Bay Sands given until April 2024 to start work on S$4.5 billion expansion
SINGAPORE: Integrated resort operator Marina Bay Sands has been given another year – by April 2024 – to start work on its S$4.5 billion expansion plan. In a filing by its parent company to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Las Vegas Sands said Marina Bay Sands andContinue Reading
Australia satellite mesh to track China’s subs and hypersonics
Australia plans to build crucial space capabilities to support its planned nuclear submarines and missile defense, the next big step in the high-tech AUKUS alliance that aims to put China in strategic check. This week, The Guardian reported that the Australian Ministry of Defense (Defense Australia) plans to construct a “satellite mesh” that is capable […]Continue Reading
Singapore parliament takes mid-term break, to reconvene on Apr 10
This will be President Halimah’s last opening address to parliament for the current term of her presidency, as a presidential election is due by September 2023.Continue Reading
Indonesia’s corruption outrage going viral
JAKARTA – Highly regarded by the international financial community, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati may be the most valued member of President Joko Widodo’s Cabinet. But in recent weeks, her ministry has become embroiled in a widening corruption scandal that threatens to put a stain on her hard-won reputation. Beginning with a mid-ranking official […]Continue Reading
China probes two more football officials for corruption
BEIJING: Two top football officials in China are being investigated over “serious violations of the law”, the country’s sports authority said Friday (Mar 24), as a government crackdown spread deeper into the game. Those under investigation are Huang Song, the head of the competition department at the Chinese Football AssociationContinue Reading
Indonesia fuel depot fire death toll rises to 33
JAKARTA: The death toll from a fire at an Indonesian fuel storage depot run by state energy firm Pertamina has risen to 33 with nearly a dozen more in critical condition, health authorities said Friday (Mar 24). Top officials called for an audit of Indonesia’s energy facilities after the MarchContinue Reading