Thailand

Paul Chambers, who teaches at Naresuan University, is accused of violating Article 112 of the Penal Code for publishing a controversial blurb. Anyone who defames the Thai monarchy risks three to 15 years. Until now few foreigners have been charged, but since 2020, the law has been used against 279 people, largely against participants in student-led protests.

The government is pushing for a quick approval of the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, which will go before parliament this Wednesday for first reading, taking precedence over the recent earthquake and Trump's tariffs. The Bishops' Conference warns that the bill has many potential negative consequences. Even many doctors and academics opposed it.

A special scanner has detected 70 signs under the rubble. The investigations are pointing to the Chinese developer (a topic already censored on Chinese social media). Unsafe work is a scourge for Myanmar migrants in Thailand, a situation long highlighted by human rights groups.

A humanitarian worker talked to AsiaNews about the devastation caused by the earthquake. People are sleeping outdoors terrified by hundreds of aftershocks. A Salesian clergyman in Anisakan talks about the situation, while the military junta continues to attack rebel areas. Mud and polluted water risk causing more damage.

With the publication in the Royal Gazette, Thailand becomes the 68th country in the world to ban physical and psychological violence for disciplinary purposes. This comes after years of international and domestic pressure, but cultural resistance among many Thais remains. UNICEF calls on the government to accompany the change with adequate educational measures.

The Central Committee of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences met in Bangkok to prepare the event scheduled next November in Malaysia. The symbolic image is the result of a competition in which 54 artists from all over Asia took part.

The Thai capital’s new archbishop makes his official entry at the Cathedral of the Assumption. He thanked Cardinals Michael Michai Kitbunchu and Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij who were present at the ceremony, and urged the faithful to “walk together” and bring “the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to all.”

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) approves a new bylaw that should enter into force within a year. The goal is to limit the number of pets per household according to size and type of the house and address the issue of aggressive animal behaviour.

Despite the risk of persecution, Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs held for over a decade. Activists and NGOs say the group risks persecution in China. The Thai government confirmed the news after the fact, while for Beijing it is a case of “illegal migration”.

Despite reports of more people being freed, thousands remain at risk in compounds in Myanmar or even on the Thai border if their governments do not act. Analysts note that some Chinese citizens voluntarily work in online scams. Myanmar’s military and allied militias are out of sync with China because shutting down the centres would mean giving up an important source of income.

Southeast Asia expert Bridget Welsh analyses Kuala Lumpur's first steps at the helm of the bloc: the leadership will be successful if it puts ‘the interests of those who live in the region above those of its leaders’. ‘Calling for “inclusive elections” in Myanmar contradicts the real situation on the ground’.

In addition to China and Thailand's efforts against illegal activities proliferating in Myanmar, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army has now called on Chinese nationals involved in criminal activities to leave its territory by the end of the month. Thousands of foreigners from Africa and South Asia have been trafficked into Southeast Asia to work in conditions of modern slavery.