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Arson, blasts and a robbery rock Thailand’s three southern provinces
2 days ago•Source: Khaosod English
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3.37 min•4 days ago
Hong Kong Tiananmen Vigil Leaders Guilty in National Security Trial
A Hong Kong court convicted veteran pro-democracy activists Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung of incitement to subversion for organising the Tiananmen vigil, a verdict tied to a broader crackdown on dissent under the national security framework; they could face up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing to come.
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Thai teen shooter’s father issues apology as school rampage leaves eight dead
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Truck crash during Thai monks’ pilgrimage leaves eight dead, a child in custody
An 11-year-old boy driving a pickup plowed into a line of monks on a 260-km pilgrimage in northeastern Mukdahan province, Thailand, killing eight monks and injuring 14 others; the driver is in custody as police and state child-protection officers investigate, with witnesses saying the vehicle swerved before the impact.
Thai monk procession tragedy: nine dead after 11-year-old driver crashes pickup
Nine Buddhist monks were killed and several others injured in Mukdahan province, Thailand, after an 11-year-old boy drove his parents’ pickup into a procession; the vehicle has been seized for forensic examination, the child is in guardianship and being cared for, preliminary information says he has special needs, and authorities urge road-safety awareness as hospitals treat the wounded.
Yawata mayor makes history by taking maternity leave
Shoko Kawata, 35-year-old mayor of Yawata city in Kyoto Prefecture, plans to take 16 weeks of maternity leave around the birth of her child—eight weeks before and eight weeks after—believed to be the first time an incumbent Japanese mayor steps away for childcare. Her decision highlights Japan’s work‑life balance challenges and the lack of legal protections for elected officials on maternity leave, as she appoints a deputy to run the nearly 70,000‑strong city and stays connected by email amid a broader national debate on gender equality and declining birth rates.
Laos cave survivors crawl to safety after 11-day ordeal
Five men trapped for 11 days in a flooded cave in central Laos crawled about 850 feet through waterlogged passageways to the cave mouth after the floodwaters receded, an unaided escape that shocked rescuers. Their escape was aided by a multinational team that pumped water, cleared routes, and used diving gear for safe passages; the survivors slept huddled together, clung to hope of reuniting with loved ones, and credited fear as the source of their courage. Two other men remain missing as rescuers reassess conditions and plan deeper searches.
Sri Lanka’s senior Buddhist monk arrested in alleged minor abuse case
Police in Sri Lanka arrested Pallegama Hemarathana, one of the country’s most senior Buddhist monks and chief custodian of a Bodhi-tree shrine, on suspicion of abusing a minor in 2022; the survivor’s mother was also arrested for alleged abetting. Hemarathana was taken from hospital and will appear in Colombo court as authorities imposed a travel ban while investigating an alleged abduction and prolonged sexual abuse of the girl. The case marks the highest‑ranking monk to face such allegations in Sri Lanka, arising after a March complaint and ongoing child-protection inquiries.
China tightens export leash on Japan as Sanae takes helm
China imposes new limits on rare-earth exports to Japanese firms, escalating pressure on Japan’s new prime minister Takaichi Sanae and signaling a renewed Sino-Japanese clash in Asia.
Conservative surge reshapes Thai politics with outright win
Thailand’s conservatives, led by Anutin Charnvirakul’s Thai Pride Party (BJT), won an outright general election—the first such victory this century—potentially bringing political stability while delaying monarchy and military reforms and leaving key economic policy questions unresolved.
South Korean President Yoon Survives Impeachment Amid Controversy
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has survived an impeachment vote, maintaining his position despite being one of the country's most unpopular figures. The failed motion on December 7th suggests that further attempts to remove him from office may follow.
"Exit Polls Predict Landslide Victory for Modi's BJP-Led Alliance"
Exit polls indicate a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India's general election, with official results expected on June 4th. Modi expressed confidence in the electorate's support, citing his government's impact on the poor and marginalized, while criticizing the opposition.
Taiwanese Lawmakers Pass Controversial Reforms Amid Protests and Fears of China Influence
Thousands of Taiwanese protested against their parliament on May 28th, fearing that recent legislative amendments granting greater powers to the legislature, now controlled by China-friendly parties, could undermine Taiwan's democracy and sovereignty.