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.
