Premier Srettha Thavisin presented the idea to counterparts from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam. It is a move aimed at expanding the flow of visitors to the various countries and to feed the industry's revenues. However, for some experts it would be less streamlined because it requires more coordination in approvals.
Today's news: Bangkok court convicts Chinese businessman and three accomplices for running a surrogate mother circuit; Agreement between IMF and Islamabad to allocate a first tranche of .1 billion; Aramco will increase gas production by 60%; Two Vietnamese pro-minority activists sentenced to prison for 'abuse of democratic freedoms'.
For days, rumours pointed to a possible resignation, which is now confirmed. Vietnam’s Communist Party welcomed the "resignation" of the 53-year-old leader due to "shortcomings that negatively impacted” public opinion. The country’s National Assembly is set to meet tomorrow in an extraordinary session. Thưởng’s successor could be picked quickly.
Today's news: At least 15 Palestinians killed in Israeli raid on Nuseirat refugee camP; In India, water reservoirs are at their lowest levels in five years; Pyongyang launches "super-large" rockets capable of hitting Seoul; Villagers in Laos accuse Chinese company of polluting the Mekong.
Today's news: only 51.7% of South Koreans want to get married, 28.3% intend to have children 'with certainty'; Hanoi reports annual crop losses of three billion dollars, Mekong Delta in crisis; Elections in India scheduled between 19 April and early June; The Israeli government instituted the annual national day of remembrance of the 'catastrophe' on 7 October; Russian President Putin re-elected with 87.17% of the vote.
There has been no definite news about their fate since 4 March. The arrest took place without a warrant or explanation of the reasons. They are relatives of Pastor Y Khen Bdap, who was also sentenced in 2004 to four years for 'disturbing public order' for religious activities. The community had already been subjected to sectarian violence and persecution in the past.
