Thai Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin, who cancelled a visit to the border town, announced the creation of an ad hoc committee to manage the situation. Over the weekend, more Myanmar refugees continue to pour in their thousands across the border as fighting raged in the area. To avoid another humiliating defeat, Myanmar’s military intensified aerial bombing.

Two unidentified men stormed the church at 6 am and fired at least five shots, local sources report. Fr Paul Khwi Shane Aung, 40, was admitted to hospital in Moe Nyin, Kachin State, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Fighting is still ongoing after the military junta bombed the city, in Karen State. Thai authorities said yesterday that they expect 100,000 displaced people. Struggling in the country’s border regions, the generals are betting everything on conscription, forcing civilians to enlist.

A call for peace from St Peter's Square, and reminder of teh ongoing Asian conflict, along with Palestine, Israel and the 'tormented Ukraine'. During his catechesis on the virtue of fortitude, Francis said that it leads one to say no to the 'wickedness' of the world, such as wars and violence. "A Christian without courage is a useless Christian," he added. 

Today's news: Record gold seizure at Hong Kong customs worth more than million; For the Thai premier, it is time for talks with the coup junta in Myanmar, which is starting to 'lose strength'; Beijing blocked a popular Tibetan-language blog; Meeting between the foreign ministries of Russia and China, Putin's visit to Xi Jinping on the agenda. 

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.