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.
The government has approved a plan to cap rail fares at 20 baht (US$ 0.60) in the capital's metropolitan area. The aim is to encourage motorists to use public transport. The price applies only to Thai citizens, not foreigners. This represents savings of just under US$ 310 million.
A bill has been tabled in parliament and will be debated on 11 July. Its approval is a foregone conclusion in a context where all dissent has been silenced. Prime Minister Hun Manet cites “134 countries around the world that have similar laws”. Concern for people detained for crimes of opinion and opposition party leaders living in exile.
The Pheu Thai leader stepped aside after she was suspended by the Constitutional Court to consider if her phone call with former Cambodian PM Hun Sen was an ethical violation. In the meantime, a court case involving her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, got underway. The People's Party led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is calling for parliament to be dissolved to give voters the power to choose; meanwhile, a cabinet reshuffle was approved this morning. The post of defence minister is vacant.
The Thai prime minister finds herself in an increasingly unstable situation after she loses a coalition partner and pro-monarchy nationalists hold rallies following border tensions with Cambodia. A possible military coup hangs over the country, but the opposition urges the armed forces to avoid intervening.
The second-largest party in the ruling coalition is ready to quit the Pheu Thai-led government. The crisis was triggered by an audio between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and a former Cambodian prime minister, in which they discussed the recent border clash. Various scenarios are now possible in the country, from new alliances to military intervention.
The body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai farm worker who died soon after he was captured, was recovered over the weekend. In Thailand, the authorities expressed their sadness over the death. The sister of another hostage, Bipin Joshi, from Nepal, issued an appeal for his release, but his fate remains uncertain. In Israel, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) is set to vote on Wednesday on a motion to dissolve it over the issue of military service for Haredi Jews.
Data from a new national survey shows the growth in methamphetamine use. This phenomenon no longer affects only the northern areas traditionally close to production sites in Myanmar. As many as 300,000 people have needed medical treatment for drug addiction-related problems.
Political tensions between the two countries have not eased after a border skirmish on 25 May, while Thailand rejects external “interference” in the border issue. This crisis is intertwined with a court ruling expected on 13 June regarding former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was linked in the past by friendship and business to Cambodia’s ruling Hun clan. Meanwhile, Thailand remains caught in never-ending tensions between civilian and military leaders.
Pastoral workers who carry out their ministry in prisons met recently in Bangkok for their national meeting. Prisoners are among the most marginalized groups in society. For Bishop Wuthilert Haelom of Chiang Rai, the “prison ministry is not just a social service – it is a living expression of God’s mercy.”
Thailand has downplayed the incident, while Cambodia has not yet issued a statement. No one was killed or wounded during the 10-minute exchange. Quick action by the military of the two countries avoided escalation. The incident stems from unresolved border disputes, which also concern Laos.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok has led the Thai Catholic Church with a focus on mission and inter-religious dialogue. He had promoted the foundation of the Thai Missionary Society - supported by PIME missionary Fr. Adriano Pelosin - closeness to the poor and openness to the Buddhist majority. He will be among the cardinal electors at the next Conclave.
The ESCAP summit on sustainable development is currently underway in Bangkok, focusing on those urban peripheries so dear to Pope Francis. The complaint: the Asia-Pacific region has the largest housing deficit in the world, and the development and enrichment of urban centres is not solving the problem. Meanwhile, climate change risks worsening the situation.
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