BANGKOK — Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, which won the Feb 8 general election, will form a coalition government that includes the third-placed Pheu Thai Party. Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the two parties see strong alignment in their visions. He…
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s anti-graft chief Azam Baki is facing renewed scrutiny over past shareholdings after allegations that a “corporate mafia” has infiltrated the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The claims have revived concerns about MACC’s independence. On Feb 13, several…
Malaysia’s latest round of judicial appointments has renewed debate over judicial integrity and independence, after 11 new judicial commissioners took their oaths on Feb 6, including senior lawyer Raja Segaran Krishnan, who previously represented Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Straits…
Malaysia has reported 10 new active tuberculosis (TB) clusters in 2026 as at Feb 7, as health authorities step up screening and tracing while travel picks up ahead of Chinese New Year and Ramadan. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told Malaysia’s…
China has launched a nationwide push to encourage consumers to spend more during the upcoming nine-day Spring Festival holiday, rolling out vouchers, subsidies, cash incentives and a new invoice-based lottery as policymakers try to revive weak domestic demand. Local governments…
A change in Chinese cruise itineraries is boosting South Korea’s port calls. On Feb 6, at least 2,500 passengers from the Shanghai-homeported Adora Magic City disembarked at Busan International Cruise Terminal. The ship had initially sold routes including Japanese ports…
Supporters streamed into a playground in Dhanmondi, a central area of Dhaka, before noon for a Bangladesh Nationalist Party rally days before the national election. Vendors sold tea and snacks as volunteers handed out leaflets. Phones rose when Tarique Rahman’s…
A 17-year-old gunman was detained on Feb 11 after opening fire at Patongprathankiriwat School in Hat Yai, southern Thailand. A female teacher was critically injured and a teen girl was shot in the waist. Authorities said the suspect used a…
SINGAPORE — Indonesian officials and diplomatic figures have said Jakarta may withdraw from the US-backed “Board of Peace” if the initiative fails to advance core objectives, including Palestinian independence, after the government faced domestic criticism over joining the new platform.…
ASEAN leaders are sharpening their focus on supply chains. The aim is to make the region more resilient, more connected, and more competitive. Recent leaders’ statements and summit outcomes show a clear shift from broad ambition to practical coordination. This…
