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.
The tools used by human traffickers are evolving from tourism to social media. The nun works through training courses, also in schools, involving teachers and headmasters and says new approaches are needed to meet the challenge. Yesterday the Pope's message on the day of prayer promoted by the Church.
Yesterday the former Thai prime minister made his first official outing as coordinator of a group of informal advisers to the head of the Malaysian government who is this year’s ASEAN rotating chairman. The former foreign minister of Singapore was also present. The Thai billionaire's knowledge of Myanmar’s situation and his business acumen underlie his role, but there is no shortage of critical voices.
As part of the truce, five Thais and three Israelis were released today, including Agam Berger. The Netanyahu government complains over the process. After 40 years in prison, the "dean of Palestinian prisoners” was freed over the weekend. His first words were for his grandchildren, not to take the path of armed struggle.
Low temperatures and fog have caused a pollution emergency in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. The situation is bad in 64 out of the country’s 76 provinces. In 2024, one million people sought medical attention due to air pollution, at a cost of US$ 90 million. People are urged not to burn replica money as a lucky charm for Lunar New Year.
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples got married today on the first day of a new marriage law. In a pastoral letter, Thai bishops outline the “three principles" of the Church on the matter. The prelates call for a response to the "challenges" posed by gender theory, which they see as a source of "confusion and conflict”.
