The aim is to correct misrepresentations or distortions regarding sexuality or HIV status. The story of a meeting promoted by doctors and professionals in the field that was mistaken for a “gay party,” with the police making twenty arrests. Pro-rights groups warn that this risks fueling stigma, discouraging treatment, and endangering vulnerable communities.

The announcement was made in Malaysia, where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar read a statement in the presence of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. A new cross-border committee meeting is set for 4 August to consolidate the agreement. Archbishop Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok warns against exploiting “historical complexities” to “incite nationalist sentiment and divert public attention from domestic issues”.

The Malaysian prime minister talks about a ceasefire, but the two sides continue to accuse each other as the death toll and the number of displaced mount. The border drawn by the French in 1907 and the subsequent fate of the temples of Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom provide an easy pretext for nationalism, which serves to cover up other tensions on both sides. But the disputed area has also been a crossroads of criminal activity for 50 years.

The Malaysian prime minister has launched a 15 billion ringgit package of measures to support low-income families in response to growing discontent over the high cost of living. A reduction in fuel prices is also planned. But for the opposition and part of civil society, these are ‘populist gestures’ just days before a mass protest is due to take place in Kuala Lumpur.

Four million people from Myanmar are in the neighbouring country, half without proper documentation. Human Rights Watch reports that since the 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into civil war, Thailand’s treats Myanmar nationals differently from Cambodians and Laotians. “Thai authorities should take steps in line with international standards,” HRW says.

The G25 and legal expert Jerald Joseph call for reforms to protect the judiciary from political influence. The positions of the next president of the Court of Appeal and the president of the Supreme Court are hanging in the balance. Urgent reform of the 2009 Judicial Appointments Commission Act is also called for.