Min Aung Hlaing’s government says ASEAN special envoy is no longer needed. Thailand, which recently welcomed the general, is pushing for a calibrated re-engagement, a diplomatic approach that risks legitimising the regime without achieving any progress on the peace front.
Negotiations are being carried out by Iran, with a different channel than the truce with prisoner exchange brokered between Israel and Hamas. Among those kidnapped is a 35-year-old woman. The Thai Foreign Ministry 'welcomes' reports of a release, but there is still no official confirmation.
The pontiff met separately early this morning with relatives of 12 hostages held by Hamas and families from Gaza. “This is not war, this is terrorism,” Francis said. Do not “go on with the passions that in the end kill everyone.” The pause should lead to the release of the first 10 Israelis and 30 Palestinians starting tomorrow at 10 am. The fate of Asian hostages remains uncertain, including that of a Thai woman who has likely given birth to a baby in Hamas captivity.
Today's news: at least 10 killed in shelling against Indonesian hospital in Gaza, truce negotiated in exchange for release of Hamas hostages; After Apec China resumes military activities along the Taiwan Strait, alert in Taipei; Demonstrations in Pakistan against the deportation of Afghans; Record property purchases in Spain among Russian citizens; Erdogan against Armenia who 'for years' tried to steal 'other people's land'.
In Thailand, 150 delegates attended the meeting promoted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue together with some important Buddhist organisations. The colloquium focused on the ways of compassion (Karuṇā) and charity (Agape) to bring hope in today's context. The next event is set for 2025 in Cambodia.
Srettha Thavisin’s government today announced talks with China over the matter. However, fears of a possible loss of sovereignty were immediately expressed, citing the examples of Chinese police stations in more than 50 countries around the world. Only 2.8 million Chinese tourists arrived this year, far down from 11 million in 2019.
The Southeast Asian country is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention. In 2019 it established a National Selection Mechanism empowering police to screen applicants, most of whom come from neighbouring Myanmar, where a civil war is raging. Many others are stateless.
According to a survey two years ago, at least 75 per cent of women have experienced some form of assault, but more than 87 per cent of cases go unreported. The government has proposed a number of new initiatives, mainly concerning training and care for the victims, who are often minors.
As in the days of Isis, the conflict threatens to inflame the squares of Muslim-majority nations. With the exception of Thailand, the countries in the region close to the Palestinians and Gaza; thousands of people in the streets shouting 'Allah Akhbar'. The war in the Strip fought on Tik Tok with fake news and fake profiles.
Today's news: Ongoing ground battle in Gaza. Bangkok cancels visas for tourists from India and Taiwan; South Korean discount store recalls 53 thousand plastic slippers for toxic chemical substances; Two-year jail terms for four former student leaders at Hong Kong University; Nepal's mountains have lost a third of their glaciers in 30 years; On the Turkish side of Mount Ararat traces of seawater over 5,000 years old, possible evidence of the biblical universal flood; Naval'nyj and political prisoners on hunger strike yesterday on Prisoners of Conscience Day.
More than half of the 220 hostages held in Gaza are foreign nationals from 25 different nations. At least a quarter are workers: 54 Thais, five Nepalis, two Filipinos, one Chinese, and one Sri Lankan. Thailand sends a team of negotiators to secure the hostages’ release. Fearing the war, many migrants are leaving Israel.
The 24-hour standard for particulates has been lowered to 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3). Efforts are underway to curb seasonal agricultural residue burning, which also occurs in neighbouring Myanmar. According to some estimates, poor air quality causes 32,000 premature deaths per year in Thailand.
A recent shooting incident and reports of Chinese criminal gangs operating in Thailand have had a negative impact on Chinese visitors to the Southeast Asian country. Still Thai tourism depends heavily on Chinese travellers. Meanwhile, the Russians, who now can enjoy a visa-free period of 90 days, are coming in droves, both young draft dodgers as well as seasoned businessmen who want to protect their wealth.
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