In its latest report, the Mekong River Commission points to progress in water quality thanks to joint efforts by Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to stop the construction of more Chinese-built dams. Nevertheless, the intergovernmental agency warns that threats to the river basin’s ecosystems remain high. And certainties must be provided to the riverine communities.
The 43rd summit of South East Asian countries closes today in Jakarta. The decision a response to the Burmese military coup and violence since February 2021. The US Vice-President and the Chinese Premier also attended, as well as state and government leaders. By 2045, the region will contribute 5.4% to global GDP. Jokowi: trust and cooperation.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bangkok releases its first comprehensive report on people forced to work for online scams. Highly qualified workers are among the victims are trafficked from places as far as Kenya, Brazil, and Turkey. War-torn regions and special economic zones are ideal places for these activities.
The real estate tycoon, candidate of Pheu Thai, gains the confidence of the military in Parliament by sending the opposition Move Forward, the anti-establishment party winner of the elections. The former leader of the red shirts taken to the medical wing of the prison to serve his 8-year sentence for corruption (but he will immediately ask for a pardon). He promised a "more democratic" constitution but without touching the crime of lese-majeste. Pita Limjaroenrat: "They have united to stop the change, but this government will not be able to give anything to the Thais".
Today's headlines: Chinese central bank cuts prime rate by 10 basis points; Japanese government still considering date for release of treated water from Fukushima atomic power plant into the sea; HRW accuses Saudi border guards of mass killings; At least 11 workers killed in Pakistan bomb blast; Tehran cuts off flow of Little Zab River in Iraq fueling water crisis in neighboring country; With EU embargo, Brazil becomes second largest buyer of Russian oil.
Today's headlines: Moscow's Sakharov Centre also closed. Thaksin Shinawatra will return to Thailand on 22 August, Pheu Thai premier's confidence day. Star of David on one cheek during the arrest of a Palestinian detainee. Baseball bats made of recycled aluminium from Japan's ultra-fast Shinkansen train.
