Thailand’s Election Commission has turned to the Constitutional Court to disband the party that won the most votes in the last election, claiming that it violated Section 112 (lèse-majesté) of the country’s Criminal Code. A similar ban occurred to another party in 2020.
Cambodian police detained hundreds of local and foreign nationals over the weekend. Despite a crackdown more than a year ago, online scams continue to flourish in Southeast Asia. Observers note that the recent repatriation of Chinese nationals from northern Myanmar has forced operators to move.
Fr. Hironimus Pakaenoni appointed a few days ago to lead the archdiocese of East Nusa Tenggara Province. He succeeds Bishop Turang who is leaving due to age limit. Among his objectives is the 'development' of the community in a context of 'pluralistic societies' that must 'walk together'.
Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the disappearance of the human rights activist, an ethnic Malay Muslim, who fought for his coethnics living in southern Thailand. His wife Angkhana was able to take his case to court, a first. Despite suspicions against law enforcement, no one has yet been convicted.
The latest data on international arms transfers over the past five years come from Sweden-based SIPRI. India is the world's top importer, while the United States, for the first time in 25 years, is Asia’s largest supplier. Driving rearmament, experts explain, is the perception of a Chinese threat (which continues to boost its war production).
There has been no definite news about their fate since 4 March. The arrest took place without a warrant or explanation of the reasons. They are relatives of Pastor Y Khen Bdap, who was also sentenced in 2004 to four years for 'disturbing public order' for religious activities. The community had already been subjected to sectarian violence and persecution in the past.