Stefano Vecchia

The idea first emerged in December, but several civil society groups oppose it. A special committee is called to report on the economic benefits and social repercussions of casinos. Domestic and international developments, such as Macau’s crisis, could help the initiative.

By 2031, 28 per cent of Thailand’s population will be 60 years old and over. Economic difficulties discourage young people from having children. The government is offering free infertility treatment, but no one believes it will really curb the country’s demographic decline.

Mudzrimar, the number two of the Philippines-based Islamist group, is seeking refuge in Sabah and could reactivate local allied groups. Malaysia is also deploying special teams on horseback along the border with southern Thailand, where local Muslim secessionist groups operate.

This is the third defeat for the Palang Pracharath Party, which replaced the military junta that seized power in 2014. Only time will tell if it marks the end of its hold on the country. The opposition slams the government’s lack of democracy and its handling of the pandemic.

Many Singaporeans have been calling for a generational change in the country’s leadership, from the third (G3) to the fourth (G4) generation since independence. The pandemic has shown that the ruling party needs to attract young people, who are currently drawn to the opposition. But the small city-state rests on a delicate balance, which raises concerns.

Thailand fears that worker recruitment will be difficult in the post-pandemic economic recovery. By 2040 the ratio of the population of working age to seniors is expected to drop by half. In 2021 only 400,000 children were born. Foreign workers are also absent, held up by the health crisis.

After leading the country from 2001 to 2006, the telecommunications tycoon went into a golden exile in 2008 to avoid 12 years in prison. In an online event, he described his eventual return as “a gift for the Thais”. Many obstacles stand in the way of true national reconciliation, whilst street protests today are led by students and pro-democracy groups.

Luang Ta Bun Chen, a Vietnam War veteran, stops his retreat and studies for an annual pilgrimage during he shares his experiences with others. This year he went from Phuket to Nakhom Phanom. Meanwhile, the practice of “Dhammayatra” risks becoming a tourist attraction.

Two arrests last November highlighted how the al-Qaeda-linked group has consolidated its political wing. Its recruitment and proselytising activities have been reduced, but the group has an estimated six to seven thousand members.

About 6,000 people have already crossed the border into Thailand due to increased fighting in Myanmar. The Thai Human Rights Commission asks the government to assist refugees and Thai citizens in the Mae Hong Son and Tak areas.

Singer Toon Bodyslam’s plan to run 109 kilometres to raise funds for 109 students faces criticism. Detractors urge him to ask the government to provide free education. In the first half of the 2021, the number of poor students rose by 30 per cent.

Local elections today in the northern Borneo state, which has been part of the Malaysian federation since 1962 and where only 25% of the population is Muslim. The economy weighs heavily with the local GDP lagging and poverty climbing among the most disadvantaged sectors of the population.