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.
The Tha Rae area is home to the largest baptised community and Christmas celebrations attract visitors from all over the region. This year there will also be a sacred play accompanied by boats on the lake. A statue of St Michael, modelled on the one in Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, has just arrived from Italy for the cathedral.
Backed by Prayut Chan-ocha, the mega-project includes a smart city with port facilities in a southern region that is home to 30,000 people, mostly farmers and fishermen. The protest in the Muslim-majority southern provinces is fuelled by what critics call Bangkok’s colonial policies towards the area.
A celebration of historic roots and stimulus for mission. Since the opening mass on December 13, a full calendar of events, attended despite the pandemic. Future objectives include renewed dynamism in the Catholic community and promotion of the values of faith.
An online petition has collected so far over 20,000 signatures. Critics slam extra-busy exam schedule as well as back-to-back papers in different subjects. The Education Ministry’s timetable might be driven by the government’s wish to capitalise on recent political success.
It was founded in 1861 by the Discalced Carmelites of Lisieux. Before dying, St. Therese of the Child Jesus said, "I will go there one day. Sister Benedicta: "For us, this is a promise that becomes concrete every day, when her example of holiness inspires many young Vietnamese to give their lives in the service of God and humanity."
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
