The re-election of the incumbent prime minister marks an unprecedented development in Thai politics ruled over the past two decades by fragile governments and military intervention. Bhumjaithai won a majority and formed a broad coalition, at the expense of progressive movements and the demands of the younger generations. Tensions with Cambodia and the risk of economic stagnation remain in the background.
Under the spotlight today because one Iranian missile hit Tel Aviv, cluster bombs continue to be used in contemporary conflicts by many countries that are not signatories to the Convention banning them. In 2024, at least 314 civilians were killed or wounded, nearly half of them children. The greatest danger remains unexploded submunitions, which cause victims for decades. In September of this year, Laos, still the most heavily bombed country in the world, will host the third Review Conference.
The decade-long restoration of Notre Dame has been completed. The installation coincides with the feast of St. Joseph. For Bishop Zalewski, they are “a sign of faith placed in the heart of the city.” Last year, over 200 churches, ecclesiastical buildings, and other structures related to pastoral work were constructed nationwide.
A statement from all the bishops of the state where the Archdiocese of Mumbai is located, which has become the thirteenth to adopt the regulations sought by Hindu nationalists against “forced conversions.” The complaint: “Direct and unjustified interference in the legitimate religious practices of the Catholic Church, particularly in its program for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.”
President Tokayev secured the endorsement he sought with the usual “Soviet-style” vote margins. He now faces the challenge of truly making Astana a model for the region, with a political system capable of balancing the strength of the state with popular consent. The first test will be the parliamentary elections scheduled for this summer.
Today’s headlines: mutual attacks between Iran and Israel continue in the region during the Persian New Year and the end of Ramadan; shock in Japan over the comparison to Pearl Harbor. In North Korea, dictator Kim Jong Un unveiled a new tank, while tomorrow in Seoul, BTS will perform again after a four-year hiatus. In Macau, national security cases will be heard behind closed doors.
