The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Darwin Ha Noi Cairns Singapore Derby Bangkok Port Hedland Kuala Lumpur Kununurra Manila Townsville Denpasar HCM City Surabaya Penang Dili Port Moresby Phuket Phnom Penh Jakarta
established 2000
Thursday 9 July 2026
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.  

Thai senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law
From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022 to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives, saying "the referendum should be arranged on the same day as the next general election that has tentatively been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying "It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed with organising the referendum on the same day as the general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

China calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected 73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member states.
The meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended to share information and to improve coordination between China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and Asean countries have been in close communication since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting, said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam opens consulate in Macau
From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at the launching ceremony that the office aims to better ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to recieve support from local organisations including the Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers, in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
 The Southeast Asian Times

US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to the White House
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation of the United States State Department in a "landmark" visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a senior state department official saying that the meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the President of the United States "would skirt protocol" because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official saying that "there was a broad agreement that it made sense to treat General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the state department official as saying.
The Southeast Asian Times

France agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia during the first official visit by a French head of state to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister said that a joint expert committee is to be established to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement that the identification process would respect the sensitivities and values of the two countries and consider the requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan river.
The Southeast Asian Times

"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian national identity card
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the country’s founding philosophy of Pancasila
“If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed of including our religion on our national identity card," he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The Souheast Asian Times

The Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge" performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013, reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script, a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August, have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court to enter pleas on December 29.
The Southeast Asian Times

World including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents and State representatives including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the inauguaration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member nations have also been invited to attend the swearing in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
“All chairpersons of political parties have also be invited,” said the speaker.
The Southeast Asian Times

Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The Southeast Asian Times

Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act
From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources in accordance with their policies they also have a responsibility to ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government a mandate to establish a task force including police to monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times
Read the letters to The Southeast Asian Times...open here

Vietnam National Assembly calls on legislators to renew thinking to implement policy

National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, at the mid-year review conference of National Assembly legislators, Committees and Office, in Hnaoi on Monday July 6, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 9: Vietnam National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, called on legislators to renew their thinking at the mid-year review of National Assembly legislators, saying ''the main challenge is not in policymaking but in the implementation of policy and in the transformation of a digital parliament,'' in Hanoi on Monday, reports the Vietnam News.
National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, said ''the greater use of data and AI streamlined administrative procedures, saying ''shorter processing times would improve efficiency and support legislators,'' said National Assembly chairman, Tran Thanh Man.
''The digital transformation should become a new governance method rather than the application of technology,'' he said.
Chairman, Tran Thanh Man reviewed the performance of National Assembly legislators, commending the National Assembly Ethnic Affairs Council, the National Assembly Standing Committees and National Assembly Office for their achievements over the past six months.
He said that 114 out of the 164 tasks have been completes, 12 are regular tasks and the remaining 38 task will be implemented on schedule, saying ''no tasks were overdue.''
He said the performance of National Assembly legislators should be measured by tangible results, saying ''the main challenge is not in policymaking but in implementation of the policy.''
''Coordination among some agencies remains inconsistent,'' he said.
He said that no draft legislation should be submitted unless it has been carefully prepared and meets quality standards.
He called on agencies including the Economic Committee, Finance and Budget Committee, National Defence and Security Committee, and the Culture and Education Committee to improve the quality of policymaking by shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive approach.
He called for supervision of the National Assembly implementation of resolutions and decisions, saying ''every major decision of the legislature must rest on a sound political basis, solid legal grounds, scientific evidence and high feasibility.''
National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man called for stricter discipline and greater accountability among committee heads, saying ''every task must be assigned with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, deliverables and expected outcomes.''
''Efforts must continue to ensure the full and timely institutionalisation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Political Bureau (Politburo) of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee policies and resolutions to address pressing issues,'' said National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man.
The Southeast Asian Times

China fires nuclear capable missile in the Pacific after Australia and Fiji sign mutual defence treaty

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, left, and Fiji Presiden,t Sitiveni Rabuka, right, sign ''the Ocean of Peace Alliance'' and the ''Vuvale Union'' treaty in Fiji on Monday July 6, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, July 8: China fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific hours after Australia and Fiji signed the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance,'' a mutual defence treaty, in Suva on Monday, with Defence Minister of Australia Richard Marles saying ''Australia was briefed by China on the planned test, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
''Australia is very concerned,'' he said.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and President of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, signed a mutual defence treaty called the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance'' that commits Australia and Fiji to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack.
Australia and Fiji also signed the ''Vuvale Union'' or Family Union treaty that binds the bilateral relationship with economic integration in trade infrastructure and regional labour mobility
The ''Vuvale Union'' or Family Union treaty signed by Australia and Fiji includes a 10 year, $1 billion package covering economic investment, political, climate change and migration.
Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, said he was not expecting severe pushback from China on either the Australian government or the Fiji government after the signing of the mutual defence treaty.
''I believe that China will welcome the understanding that it is between Australia and Fiji," he said.
Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, said that the signing of the mutual defence treaty, 'the ''Ocean of Peace Alliance,' between Australia and Fifi ''does not threated Fiji's relationship with China, nor Australia's relationship with China.''
"As we have made it very clear in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies," said Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka.
China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng confirmed that a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile armed with a dummy warhead was fired in the Pacific.
Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng reported the firing of a strategic missile in the pacific on Monday, saying ''the missile was launched from a submarine and landed within the target zone in the Pacific.''
''The test launch is a routine arrangement of the annual training of the Chinese PLA Navy," said Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng
Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng said that China had notified relevant countries in advance, saying ''this test launch complies with international law and international practice..'
''The nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile was not directed at any specific country or target,'' said Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng.
The Southeast Asian Times

British woman arrested for fatal stabbing of British cannabis farmer
in Thailand

Pattaya City Police question British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, about fatal stabbing of cannabis farmer at the Pattaya City Police Station on Thursday July 2, 2026

From News Report:
Bangkok, July 7: British woman, Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was arrested for the murder of her British boyfriend, a cannabis farmer in the Thailand province of Chon Buri, after a fatal stabbing at a luxury rental home in Pattaya on Thursday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Pattaya City Police were called to the luxury home in Non Pru, a sub-district of Pattaya in Thailand's Chon Buri Province, on Thursday morning after reports of a violent incident involving the foreign couple were reported to the Pattaya City Police.
The body of Thomas David Powell, 34, was found in the bathroom adjacent to the bedroom in the luxury rental home with multiple stab wounds to his body.
''He was found with two stab wounds to his back, three to his torso and one to his left hand,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said a 50cm knife that had been washed clean was found in the kitchen sink.
British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was found in the bathroom of the luxury rental home sitting near the body of cannabis farmer Thomas David Powell, 34.
The Pattaya City Police said that British woman, Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, claimed the fatal wounds found on Thomas David Powell, 34, were self inflicted.
''Claims made by British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, were inconsistent,' said the Pattaya City Police.
''The victims body appeared to have been moved and arranged in the bathroom,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said the victims body was found in the bathroom with a pillow under his head, saying '' but bloods and signs of a struggle were found throughout the house.''
''British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, was found with cuts to her fingertips,'' said Pattaya City Police.
''She claimed that they had been looking at engagement rings before returning home and smoking cannabis together,'' said the Pattaya City Police.
The Pattaya City Police said that British woman Isabel Violet Carreras, 21, claimed that the couple had been together for two years and had planned to settle in Thailand.
In 2018 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha amended the 1979 Narcotics Act approving the legal use of Cannabis for medical and research purposes.
In 2022 the Thai Food and Drug Administration removed cannabis from its Category 5 narcotics list in the 1979 Narcotics Act, allowing individuals to grow, possess, and sell cannabis products.
The decriminalization of cannabis triggered the opening of thousands of dispensaries across Thailand.
In 2025 the administration of Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, reclassified cannabis as a controlled herb.
Dispensaries were prohibited from selling cannabis without a medical prescription, steering the industry back to health and medical purposes.
In 2026 The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine warned the public that carrying cannabis on a flight to a country where cannabis remains illegal is considered a serious offence.
Offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined four times the value of the goods including duties, or both jailed and fined.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam's Communist Party congratulates U.S. President Trump on 250th anniversary of Independence

United States President Donald Trump said "Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty" at the United States 250th anniversary of Independence in Washington Friday July 4, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 6: The Communist Party of Vietnam general Secretary and State President, To Lam, Vietnam Prime sent a congratulatory message to United States President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day on July 4, 2026, saying that United States achievement have made the United States a leading world power, reports the Vietnam News.
''The Vietnamese Party and State leaders congratulate the United States on its tremendous achievements that have made it a leading world power over the past quarter millennium,'' said the congratulatory message.
Vietnam National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man, sent congratulatory messages to United States President of the United States Senate, James David Vance and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, saying that Vietnam considers the United States one of its strategically important partners, ''Vietnam expressed the hope for Vietnam and the United States to further intensify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,'' said National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man.
National Assembly Chairman, Tran Thanh Man called for opening up new breakthrough cooperation opportunities in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, saying ''particularly in the fields of the economy, politics, science, and technology.
On September 9, 2023 Former United States President, Joseph R. Biden and former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the headquarters of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi during United States President Joseph R. Biden's official two-day visit to Vietnam.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership included Vietnam's commitment to the "four no's" that are included in the Vietnam National Defence White Paper 2019 that stipulates that Vietnam will not use force or threaten to use force in international relations.
The National Defence White Paper 2019 reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to the "three no's" defence policy that were included in the three previous National Defence White Papers in 1998, 2004, and 2009.
The National Defence White Paper 2019 includes a fourth commitment to the reaffirmation of Vietnam's non-participation in military alliances.
The new National Defence White Paper 2019 reaffirms that Vietnam will not join military alliances with another country, will not align with one country against another and will not allow foreign military bases on Vietnamese soil and also the fourth commitment that Vietnam will not use force or threaten to use force in international relations.
ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore, coordinator Vietnam Studies Programme and senior fellow, Le Hong Hiep, said ahead of the US President, Joseph R. Biden, official visit to Vietnam on September 9, 2023that "the most senior level in Vietnam's diplomatic hierarchy was the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, saying that United States elevation to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership represents a remarkarble breakthrough in bilateral ties."
Vietnam only forms such partnerships with those that it views as of great importance for its security, prosperity, and international standing, he said.
He said that Vietnam will be inviting Washington into a club of just four other Comprehensive Strategic Partners, China, India, Russia and South Korea.
United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, said ahead of the US President Joseph R. Biden official visit to Vietnam on September 9, 2023 that "the visit is a remarkable step in the strengthening of our diplomatic ties."
"It reflects the leading role that Vietnam will play in our growing network of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam police arrest ringleader of transnational diamond smuggling ring

Vietnam National Police arrest 22 suspects including ringleader, Indian national Abhishek Deepak Patel, 32, centre, involved in transnational diamond-smuggling from India, Hongkong and Vietnam on Thursday July 2, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 5: Thanh Hoa Provincial Police and Ho Chi Minh City Police raided 20 jewellery shops and residences seizing 1,100 diamonds with the Vietnam National Police saying ''transaction records and electronic data identified Indian national Abhishek Deepak Patel, 32, as the ringleader of the transnational diamond smuggling ring,'' reports the Vietnam News.
Indian national Abhishek Deepak Patel, 32, who was one of 22 suspects arrested for involvment in the transnational diamond-smuggling ring managed from Hong Kong.
He sourced the diamonds from India before consolidating the diamonds in Hong Kong for transport to Vietnam's distribution agents.
The investigation into the transaction records and electronic data revealed that the transnational diamond smuggling ring had been active since 2024.
The investigation also revealed that the transnational diamond-smuggling ring had successfully executed 141 illegal transactions of diamonds from Hong Kong to Vietnam.
The transaction records and electronic data revealed that the ringleader of the transnational diamond smuggling ring. Indian national, Abhishek Deepak Patel, 32, had trafficked more than 28,000 diamonds from Hong Kong to Vietnam.
The trafficked diamonds reportedly generated an estimated market revenue of USD$10.6 million.
PNJ Appraisal Company Limited (PNJ-Lab) director, Dang Ngoc Thao, 52, was arrested for using her position and professional equipment to remove original Gemological Institute of America (GIA) laser inscriptions, re-engrave diamonds under the PNJ-Lab system and issue fraudulent certificates to clean and inflate the market value of the smuggled gems.
Dong Nai city resident Tranh Quang Chung, 42, was arrested on Thursday for smuggling the diamonds into Vietnam from Hong Kong.
HCM City resident Tran Thi Hang, 41, was arrested for serving as a contact receiving diamonds from Tranh Quang Chung, 42, for onward distribution to agents and retail outlets.
HCM City, resident Aang Ngac Son, 21, was arrested for organising the distribution of the diamonds to buyers in HCMCity, Am Giang and Hanoi.
Panic reportedly hit the domestic diamong market promoting waves of consumers to try reselling their diamond jewellery out of authenticity fears.
The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police and Ho Chi Minh City Police advised the public to purchase diamonds only from reputable cleary identified, licensed businesses with a recognised market presence and with full invoices, receipts and quality certificates issued by reputable appraisal organisations.
The Thanh Hoa Provincial Police and Ho Chi Minh City Police warned against trusting unusually cheap diamond offers, high-yield investment schemes involving buying, consigning or investing in diamonds on social media or on online trading platforms of unknown origin.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bangkok Court sends obstetricians, gynaecologists and brokers to prison for illegal commercial surrogacy

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 4: Dr Chanin Asawataret, one of four obstetricians and gynaecologists involved in an international commercial surrogacy network that is banned under the Protection of Children Born as a Result of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill that took effect on July 30, 2015, was sentenced to prison for 15 years by the Bangkok Criminal Court on Thursday, reports the Bangkok Post.
The banned international commercial surrogacy network was association with a larger transnational commercial surrogacy network that was set up by imprisoned Chinese national, Ran Zhao, who with three associates was sentenced to prison for a maximum term of 50 years in a trial held in Bangkok on March 19, 2024.

Dr Chanin Asawataret one of four obstetricians and gynaecologists sentenced to prison under the Protection of Children Born as a Result of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill on Thursday July 2 2026
Chinese national Ran Zhao, was one of nine arrested in a dawn raid on a Bangkok House in a series of raids conducted throughout Thailand by more than 200 police and officials on February 13, 2020 on warrants issued by a Thai court.
Dr Chanin Asawataret, who was identified as the lead obstetrician and gynaecologist involved in medical procedures for the illegal commercial surrogacy network was one of four obstetricians and gynaecologists sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 years 6 months to 15 years by the Bangkok Criminal Court on Thursday.
The Bangkok Criminal Court also sentenced four brokers to prison terms of 13 years and six months, ten years and six months, seven years and six months and four years and six months for their involvement in the international criminal commercial surrogacy network
The Bangkok Criminal Court found four obstetricians and gynaecologists including Dr Chanin Asawataret and four brokers guilty of participating in a transnational criminal organisation, arranging commercial surrogacy and illegally importing or exporting embryos, sperm and human eggs.
The Bangkok Criminal Court acquitted two of ten charged with involvement in the illegal international commercial surrogacy network in Thailand on Thursday.
The Protection of Children Born as a Result of Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill was passed by the National Legislative Assembly in Bangkok on February 19, 2015. after two Australian couples were stopped from leaving Thailand at the Bangkok Airport in August 2014 with babies born to surrogate mothers without a court order from the Thai Family Juvenile Court.
A raid on in-vitro-embryo clinic believed to have provided obstetrician and gynaecologist services to Thai surrogate mother, Pattaramon Chanbua, 21, and Australians, David and Wendy Farnell proved that the clinic was in violation of the licence issued by the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
The Southeast Asian Times
 

Former Indonesian Education Minister denies corruption verdict in procurement of Google Chromebooks

Nadiem Makarim, 41, former Education Minister and co-founder of the technical company, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, to appeal corruption verdict by Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday June 30, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, July 3: The Anti-Corruption Court found, Nadiem Makarim, 41, former Education Minister and co-founder of the technical company, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, guilty of corruption for abuse of authority causing financial loss to the state in the procurement of Google Chromebooks on Tuesday, with accusations that Google had invested in the technical company, reports Reuters.
Former Indonesian Education Minister and co-founder of the technical company, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, Nadiem, Makarim, 41, protested his innocence, saying the corruption case against him is politically motivated,''
''The Anti-Corruption Court found me not guilty of self-enrichment,'' he said.
Nadiem, Makarim, 41, is accused of procuring Google Chromebooks in favour of Windows laptops during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020 and 2022 for use in Indonesian schools.
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) prosecutors argued that Nadiem Makarim, 41, adapted specifications to procure Google Chromebooks at a cost of over US$100 million to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, during his tenure as Education Minister.
''Google invested in the technical company PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk,'' argued the Attorney General's Office (AGO) prosecutors.
The Anti-Corruption Court sentenced former Education Minister, Nadiem, Makarim, 41, to ten years in prison, ordering the return of US$45 million to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and to pay US$56,000 in fines.
Nadiem, Makarim, 41, merged PT GoTo Gojek with its rival Tokopedia Tbk, during President Joko Widodo administration, ''becoming a ubiquitous part of daily life in Indonesia and other southeast Asian nations.''
PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, became a single mobile application that offered an all-in-one centralized platform of diverse, unrelated services, including ride share, food delivery, digital payments and logistic services.
Former Education Minister, Nadiem Makarim, 41, oversaw a US$600 million program to acquire laptops for use in schools during his tenure as Education Minister from October 23, 2019 to October 20, 2024.
Officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology compared Google Chromebooks to Windows laptops, finding that Windows laptops out-performed Google Chromebooks, saying ''the finding was based on Google Chromebooks reliance on internet access.''
''Internet access was unavailable across much of the Indonesian archipelago,'' said the officials.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology procured millions of Google Chromebooks based on the decision that Google Chromebooks was cheaper than the Windows laptops, with the decision becoming the centre of a public corruption investigation overseen by prosecutors at the Attorney General's Office (AGO)
The verdict handed down by a five-judge panel led by Presiding Judge, Purwanto S. Abdullah, at the Anti-Corruption Court
found former Education Minister, Nadiem Makarim, 41, guilty of the Criminal Act of Corruption for Abuse of Authority causing State Financial Losses.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai Airways International flight attendant arrested in Australia for importing heroin

Thai Airways International flight attendant arrested for attempting to smuggle illicit substances into Australia at Melbourne airport after arriving from Bangkok on Thursday June 25, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, July 2: Thai Airways International said it is fully cooperating with authorities after a flight attendant was charged with importing more than a kilogram of heroin concealed inside her luggage into Australia on
Thursday June 25, with the Australian Border Force (ABF) saying ''officers identified anomalies during an X-ray examination of 12 tote bags belonging to a cabin crew member,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
Australian Border Force (ABF) Commander Clint Sims said ''criminal syndicates continued to target trusted insiders, including airline crew, to attempt to smuggle illicit substances into Australia.
Anyone attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia, regardless of rank or position, will be targeted and face the full force of the law,''  Commander Clint Sims said.
The unnamed 26-year-old flight attendant onboard Thai Airways International flight TG465 from Bangkok to Melbourne, was stopped on arrival in Australia by the Australian Border Force (ABF) on Thursday June 25.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected irregularities while
X-raying 12 tote bags belonging to the flight attendant.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) discovered a white powder hidden within the lining of the 12 tote bags that returned a positive result for heroin.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Commander, Simone Butcher, said the drugs found in the 12 tote bags have an estimated street value of A$500,000 or about Baht11.5 million.
He said the Australian Federal Police (AFP) would continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who exploited their position of trust to facilitate criminal activity.
''The AFP remains unwavering in its efforts to target individuals who use their employment or community standing to support drug trafficking,'' said Acting Commander, Simone Butcher.
The unnamed 26-year-old Thai national flight attendant onboard flight TG465 from Bangkok to Melbourne faces one count of importing and one count of possession of a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug.
East charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.
The unnamed flight attendant was remanded in custody on Friday June 26, 2025 and is due to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday September 14, 2026.
Thai Airways International said in a statement it had strict rules governing the conduct of all employees and "stands ready to ​fully cooperate ​with the relevant ⁠authorities throughout the process".
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia and Vanuatu sign ''Nakamal Agreement'' that prevents foreign military bases in Vanuatu

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, right signed the ''Nakamal Agreement'' in Canberra on Monday June 29, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, July 1: Australia and Vanuatu signed the ''Nakamal Agreement'' that prevents Vanuatu's territory from use by a foreign military base or infrastructure, with Vanuatu agreeing to consult Australia with any proposed third-party engagement in its critical infrastructure, with China warning Australia to stop using bilateral agreements to play geopolitical games, reports Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat, signed the strategic Nakamal Agreement that marks a critical shift in Pacific geopolitics in Canberra on Monday, with China saying ''we hope that the 'Nakamal Agreement'' does not target any third party or be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalry,''
''We hope that cooperation between relevant countries and pacific island countries will contribute to the development and stability of the island region, not target any third party or be used as a tool for geopolitical rivalry,” said China Ministry of Foreign Affair ,spokesman, Guo Jiakun.
The ''Nakamal Agreement'' signed by Australia and Vanuatu on Monday was delayed for 10 months after Vanuatu backed out of the scheduled signing ceremony on September 9, 2025 over concerns that Australia would give Canberra veto power, undermine Vanuatu's national sovereignty and block vital infrastructure loans from China.
Under the newly signed ''Nakamal Agreement'' on Monday Australia will not have veto power over Vanuatu's decision on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure loans from China.
Vanuatu agreed to consult Australia on any third-party investment in critical infrastructure in the 'Nakamal Agreement.''
The ''Nakamal Agreement'' agreement signed by Australia and Vanuatu bans the establishment of foreign military bases or infrastructure on Vanuatu with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying ''the agreement would protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty.''
''The ''Nakamal Agreement'' provides certainty for Australia that there will be no foreign military base, said Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat said that the ''Nakamal Agreement'' reaffirmed a shared commitment ''to continuing and strengthening the comprehensive partnership between Australia and Vanuatu, founded on mutual respect, trust and our common vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.''
''As a country, we have in fact passed an act in parliament not to allow any militarisation to actually be used for our critical infrastructure,'' Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat.
The Southeast Asian Times


Myanmar's award winning author sentenced to prison by military court for incitement and sedition

U Tin Nyunt, 71, who won the 2017 National Literary Award for his book ''A School Teacher's Diary'' was sentenced to three years in prison by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military court at the Insein Prison in Yangon, Mynamar for incitement and sedition on Thursday June 18, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, June 30: Former schoolteacher and National Literary Award-winning author, U Tin Nyunt, 71, his son, publisher, Ko Nay Tun, and an unidentified female who operated an online bookshop, were sentenced to three years in prison by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military court at the Insein Prison in Yangon for incitement and sedition on Thursday, reports the Irrawady.
Former schoolteacher and National Literary Award-winning author U Tin Nyunt, 71, his son, publisher, Ko Nay Tun, and an unidentified female were charged under sections 50 and 52 of the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law and Section 505(A) of the Penal Code that criminalises statements intended to incite disobedience against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
U Tin Nyunt, 71, and his son, publisher, Ko Nay Tun, and an unidentified female online bookseller were convicted for incitement and sedition for publishing books that satirized the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
The were convicted under sections 50 and 52 of the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law and Section 505(A) of the Myanmar Penal Code that was revised after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in February 2021.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Major General Min Thu, who was appointed Deputy Home Affairs Minister on January 23, 2026, by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC), said on Thursday ''a committee has been formed to penalise individuals posting political attacks, fake news, misinformation, and inappropriate content on social media.''
''The committee is empowered to prosecute offenders under Sections 50 and 52 of the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law, as well as Section 505(A) of the Penal Code,'' he said.
Former schoolteacher and National Literary Award-winning author U Tin Nyunt, 71, his son publisher, Ko Nay Tun, and an unidentified female who operated an online book shop without an e-commerce license were arrested at their home in Thanlyin Township, Yangon on April 23, 2026
Former schoolteacher and National Literary Award-winning author U Tin Nyunt, 71, and his son publisher, Ko Nay Tun
were charged under Sections 50 and 52 of the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law that criminalizes statements intended to incite military disobedience and Section 505(A) of the Penal Code for publishing three books between 2020 and 2025 that satirized the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
The book titles ''I Lied to Generals,'' ''Dog Keeper Nga Tar,'' and ''U Than Swe’s Astrological Rituals,'' that were deemed harmful to state authority by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar were published by Mawkha Publishing House owned and operated by Ko Nay Tun.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has prosecuted 21,369 online users with almost 20,000 facing severe charges under Sections 50 and 52 of the 2014 Counter-Terrorism Law and Section 505(A) of the Penal Code between 2024 and mid 2026.
The Southeast Asian Times  

Thailand arrests Australian at Bangkok airport after finding suitcase containing body of 17 year old female in Pattaya

CCTV footage shows Thailand national, Thanchanok, 17, and Australian national Peter Carman, 42, walking towards an elevator to take them to the 15th floor of a condominium on Jomtien Second Road in tambon Nong Prue of Bang Lamung district in Pattaya at 3.am on Thursday June 25, 2026.

From News Reports:
Bangkok, Monday 29: A 42‑year‑old Australian male, was arrested at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday night charged with killing a 17- year old female after her body was found in a suitcase dumped at a railway track in Pattaya, reports the Bangkok Post.
Australian male, Simon Peter Carman, 42, was arrested at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, 125 km from Pattaya, five minutes before his scheduled flight to Australia was due to depart.
Pattaya City police station Pol Col Chief, Anek Srathongyu, said the victim identified as Thanchanok, a native of Kalasin province was reported as missing on Friday June 26, 2026.
The 17-year-old victim was reported missing after she was last seen on CCTV footage walking hand-in-hand with Australian Peter Carman, 42, at a condominium in Pattaya at 3.am on Thursday June 25, 2026.
CCTV footage showed Thailand national, Thanchanok, 17, and Australian national Peter Carman, 42, walking towards an elevator to take them to the 15th floor of a condominium on Jomtien Second Road in tambon Nong Prue of Bang Lamung district in Pattaya.
Friends of Thailand national, Thanchanok, 17, said they last communicated with the victim at 3.44am on Thursday June 25, 2026, saying ''after that all contact ceased.''
CCTV footage did not show Thailand national, Thanchanok, 17, leave the Pattaya condominium.
Friends filed a missing person report with Pattaya City Police station on the morning of Friday June 26, 2026.
CCTV footage showed Australian Peter Carman, 42, leave the Pattaya condominium alone at 9.30pm on Thursday June 25, 2026, dragging a large black suitcase.
Australian Peter Carman, 42, strapped the suitcase onto the back of a motorcycle before riding towards a grassy area near the railway tracks,
disappearing from CCTV view for about nine minutes before returning to the condominium without the suitcase.
The Pattaya City police found the suitcase at midnight on Saturday June 27, 2026 , discovering the body of Thailand national, Thanchanok, 17, inside.
The Pattaya City police alerted the Thailand Immigration authorities nationwide to prevent Australian Peter Carman, 42, from leaving Thailand after the Pattaya City police found that he had left the condominium in Pattaya.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand Anti-Corruption Commission investigates recruitment exam fraud for vacancies in the civil service

Patthanapong Chanpenpoon, assistant secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, third left, said that about 860,000 application sheets for civil service vacancies are kept under seal by the commission on Friday June 25, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, June 28: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in cooperation with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) are investigating recruitment exam fraud for vacancies at the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration Department (DLA) with thousands of recruits paying Baht 4.5 billion (US$135 million) to pass the local government recruitment examination, reports the Bangkok Post.
On December 7, 2025 more than 100,000 recruits applied for 6,600 civil service vacancies in 87 job categories at the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration Department (DLA) nationwide paying from 350,000 baht to 800,000 baht to officials to alter the applications in order to secure employment in the civil service.
Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) was contracted by the Department of Local Administration (DLA) to manage the December 7, 2025 local government recruitment examination, with the Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) Educational and Psychological Test Bureau given responsibility for testing thousands of requits for the local government employee recruitment examination.
The Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) Educational and Psychological Test Bureau was responsible for writing and compiling the examination questions, printing and transporting the examination materials, and provide and manage the examination venues across Thailand.
The Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) was also responsible for grading the tests, processing the scores and archiving the paper answer sheets, with all original answer sheets stored at a factory in Samut Prakan, with
two separate sets of locks.
The Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) held one set of keys and the Department of Local Administration (DLA) held the other, with neither party allowed access to the store room that was provided with CCTV cameras for 24-hour surveillance.
On Monday June 22, 2026 the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) raided the offices of Sammueang Jarernrungrueangkit Co Ltd, located in the Bang Yai district, finding 10 state officials using computer programs to alter exam answer sheets for local government recruitment examinations.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) seized 18 computer sets, candidate lists, and about 3,000 answer sheets, with 2,000 answer sheets fraudulently modified to pass paying candidates.
Candidates allegedly paid bribes ranging from 350,000 to 800,000 baht depending on the position.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Assistant Secretary General, Pattanapong Chanpetchpool, said that all exam papers that were seized at the offices of Sammueang Jarernrungrueangkit Co Ltd, ''are now being kept at the NACC office pending examinaton.''
The Southeast Asian Time
 

Cambodian reporters lose appeal against 14 year prison sentence for treason and have citizenship revoked

Cambodian reporters Pheap Pheara, left, and Phorn Sopheap, right, were sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Siem Reap Provincial Court for alleged treasonable offences on Wednesday December 17, 2025

From News Report:
Phnom Penh, June 27: Two Cambodian reporters lost their appeal against a 14 year prison sentence for treason at the Cambodian Supreme Court on Thursday and have had their citizenship revoked for colluding with foreign nations to undermine national defence, with the Chief justice of the Supreme Court, Taing Sunlay, saying ''the court had decided to uphold the ruling of the appeal court on February 19, 2026,'' reports the Bangkok Post,
The Cambodian Supreme Court maintained the conviction of reporters, Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, by the Siem Reap Provincial Court made in a one day trial on December 17, 2025 with a 14 year prison sentence.
Reporters, Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, were convicted for treason under Article 445 of the Criminal Code for ''supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence" and Article 479 of the Criminal Code for ''Intentional or Unintentional Revealing the Secrecy of National Defence.''
Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, former reporters for the local media outlet TSP 68 TV and Battambang Post TV, were arrested on July 31, 2025 after returning from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in Oddar Meanchey province.
Both reporters were arrested on suspicion of gathering information and taking photographs in an restricted military zone with the Siem Reap Provincial Court claiming their actions undermined national defence under Article 445 and Article 479 of the Criminal Code.
Photographs taken by the reporters at the Ta Krabei Temple in Oddar Meanchey province showing land mines were republished by Thailand media outlets with Thailand accusing Cambodia of placing land mines on the Cambodia-Thailand border to wound patrolling Thailand soldiers.
Cambodia denied using land mines in the Cambodia-Thailand conflict saying Cambodia adhered to the international agreement that banned the use of land mines, saying the land mines were left over from decades of conflict that ended in 1990's.
On July 14, 2025 Cambodia's National Assembly unanimously adopted an amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of Cambodia that allows the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to revoke Khmer citizenship for Cambodians who collude with foreign nations to undermined national defence under Article 445 and Article 479 of the Criminal Code.
National Assembly First Vice-President Cheam Yeap, said then that amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution that allows the revocation of citizenship does not include the monarchy, saying ''the amendement plays a key role in defending Cambodia from external interference.''
''The amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of Cambodia refer to acts of treason and collusion with foreigners that threaten national security and interests,'' he said.
''Any Cambodian who commits treason by conspiring with foreigners to undermine the Khmer nation is no longer a Khmer citizen,'' .said National Assembly First Vice-President Cheam Yeap.
The Southeast Asian Times

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar finds competing and conflicting narratives on the crisis in Myanmar

United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, at the United Nations General Assembly informal briefing in New York City on Friday June 19, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, June 26: United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, said at the United Nations General Assembly informal briefing in New York City on Friday ''It remains the case that there are competing and conflicting narratives on virtually every aspect of the crisis in Myanmar,'' reports the Irrawaddy.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) condemned the election of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services General, Min Aung Hlaing, as President of Myanmar at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva in March, 2026, saying the Myanmar election was a ''sham.''
United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, repeatedly and explicitly designated the election as a "sham" and a "theatrical performance" designed to dupe the international community.
The United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, said ''the narrative from the authorities in Nay Pyi Taw after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar administered election contrasts starkly with the accounts of communities.''
''Communities claim indiscriminate aerial bombing and a denial of essential services,'' said the Special Envoy on Myanmar.
Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar operations and aerial attacks continued throughout the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar administered elections.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that were held in three phases on December 28, 2025, January 11, 2026, and January 25, 2026, are the first elections held in Myanmar since November 8, 2020 under the legitimately elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seized the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2020 after the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) won the general elections on November 8, 2020.
United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop said that children were among the victims of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar aerial attacks, saying ''villagers are facing pressure from armed actors, including forced labour and recruitment, extortion at checkpoints and restrictions on movement and on the delivery of essential humanitarian support.''
ASEAN chair for 2026 Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. Lazaro, said at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat on January 26-29 in Cebu City, Philippines that ''the 11-member regional bloc has not endorsed the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar three phase election between December 28, and January 26.''
''As of now, ASEAN does not recognize the recently held elections,” she said.
She said that some ASEAN member nations viewed the election as potentially positive, saying ''this did not amount to a formal endorsement of the elections.''
''ASEAN continues to withhold recognition of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in 2021,'' she said.
''We do not recognize the military administration,'' said Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. L
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S. charges three Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. executives with US$20 million embezzlement

Mohd Hafiz Lockman, left, arrested on Monday 20 April 2026 at San Francisco International Airport, Mohd Yuzaimi Yusof, centre, and Khanh Thuong Nguyen, right, surrendered to authorities on Wednesday April 22, 2026 and Thursday April 23, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, June 25: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) charged three former senior executives of Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft on May 20, saying the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to file charges against the Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc itself, ,'' reports Reuters.
.'''The company self- reported the criminal conduct,'' said the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Mohd Hafiz Lockman was arrested on 20 April 2026 at San Francisco International Airport, Khanh Thuong Nguyen and Mohd Yuzaimi Yusof surrendered to authorities on April 22 and 23, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director, James C. Barnacle, Jr. saying "these three individuals ​are alleged to have conducted a deliberate and calculated US$20 million embezzlement scheme, falsifying corporate ⁠records for their own financial benefit,"
The three former senior executives of Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. are accused of using false statements and forged records to embezzle US$20 million from the company and deceive counterparties, suppliers, auditors and supervisors in the United ​States between July 2020 and February 2026.
Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. chairman Amar Huzaimi Md Deris said the three senior executives were dismissed after an internal investigation into suspected misconduct conducted, saying ''the findings were shared with the relevant authorities.''
''The Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. would continue to fully cooperate with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),'' he said.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said it declined to file charges against the Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc itself, saying the company self- reported the criminal conduct.
On March 10, 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a new Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Disclosure Policy (CEP) that included making a "Voluntary Self-Disclosure," providing "Full Cooperation," and implementing "Timely and Appropriate" remediation efforts.
Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. executive Mohd Hafiz Lockman, Mohd Yuzaimi Yusof, and Khanh Thuong Nguyen are accused of diverting millions of dollars from Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. into bank accounts they controlled.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director, James C. Barnacle, Jr. said that ''on one occasion Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. was asked to approve a sale of eight terabytes of capacity to a U.S. multinational for $54 ​million, when in fact only six terabytes were purchased.''
''The executives sold the excess capacity to other companies, diverting funds from the illicit sales through a sham entity,'' said the
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director, James C. Barnacle, Jr.
He said that the Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. executives are accused of inflating the cost of cable purchases, redirecting nearly $2.9 million in payments to a ⁠bank ​account they controlled, saying ''the three executives claimed reimbursements for fabricated work ​expenses.''
The Telekom Malaysia (USA) Inc. executives Mohd Hafiz Lockman, Mohd Yuzaimi Yusof, and Khanh Thuong Nguyen impersonated employees and interns to capture their salaries, and on one occasion used an ​AI-assisted imposter to deceive human resources workers.
The Southeast Asian Times

Two Vietnamese women charged with smuggling chicken feet from countries with active avian influenza outbreaks

Nguyen Thi To Loan, 47, director of ABF Food Import-Export JSC confesses to smuggling chicken feet charges to the People's Public Security of Vietnam in Hanoi on Friday June 19, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 24: The People's Public Security of Vietnam charged two Vietnamese women with smuggling chicken feet after an investigation found that their company imported hundreds of containers of frozen chicken feet from countries with active avian influenza outbreaks or those not listed as eligible to export poultry to Vietnam, with both women confessing to the charges, reports the Vietnam News.
ABF Food Import-Export JSC in Ninh Binh Province, director Nguyen Thi To Loan, 47, and An Binh director, Trang Tuyet Ngoc, 45, imported the frozen chicken feet from countries with active avian influenza outbreaks, selling the chicken feet across Vietnam rather than re-exporting the produce as required by law.
The People’s Public Security of Vietnam investigation found that ABF Food Import-Export JSC imported 339 containers of frozen chicken feet between 2023 and 2026,
''ABF Food Import-Export JSC declared the import of frozen chicken feet with General Department of Vietnam Customs as goods imported solelyfor processing and re-export,'' said the People's Public Security of Vietnam
The People's Public Security of Vietnam said that poultry products originating in countries with avian influenza outbreaks or those not listed as eligible to export poultry to Vietnam, can only enter Vietnam for processing and re-export and cannot be sold domestically.
ABF Food Import-Export JSC in Ninh Binh Province, director Nguyen Thi To Loan, 47 directed An Binh director, Trang Tuyet Ngoc, 45, to distribute the chicken feet on the domestic market.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam investigators said that more then 10,000 metric tonnes of Chicken feet were sold to food-service businesses in Hanoi, Cao Bang, Ninh Banh, Quang Ninh and other provinces.
The total value of the imported chicken feet was estimated at more than VNĐ347 billion (US$13 million) with nil import duty paid.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam raid at the An Viet 2 freezer facility in Hanoi's Quang Minh Industrial Zone found more than 1,000 metric tonnes of chicken feet including 260 metric tonnes that had expred and showed signs of mold and foul odour ready for distribution.
A second raid at the THL Warehousing Import Export Joint Stock Company (JSC) cold-storage warehouse in the northern province of Lang Son on Vietnam China border found 1,030-plus metric tonnes of chicken feet.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam have charged Nguyen Thi To Loan, 47, and Trang Tuyet Ngoc, 45,with smuggling under Article 188 of the 2015 Penal Code.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the roles of other individuals and organisations potentially involved in the smuggling network.
The Souhtheast Asian Times

Royal Thai Police Captain fires on Thailand Surat Thani Province Bhumjaithai Party office

CCTV footage shows Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, fleeing the Surat Thani Province Bhumjaithai Party office after shooting at the sign and building on Saturday June 20, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, June 23: Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, who fired multiple gunshots at the Surat Thani Province Bhumjaithai Party office on Saturday morning, was arrested on Saturday afternoon, reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, a legal affairs officer at the Provincial Police Region 8 training centre in Surat Thani Province, was arrested at the Central Suratthani shopping complex in the Muang district in Surat Thani Province on Saturday afternoon.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37 opened fire on the Surat Thani Province Bhumjaithai Party office after he had asked for the Surat Thani Member of Parliament Pichai Chomphuphon and was told the Member of Parliament was not at the office.
CCTV footage shows Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, outside the Bhumjaithai Party office at 8.20am shooting at the office sign and building before fleeing.
Surat Thani Provincial Police Commander Maj-General said that thirteen spent 9mm cartridge shells were found at the Bhumjaithai Party office, saying ''no-one was injured.''
He said that Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, was carrying two weapons when he was arrested at the Central department store at 1.10pm on Saturday afternoon.
''The suspect was taken to the Surat Thani Provincial Police Investigation Division for questioning,'' he said.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37 said that his elder brother had been threatened by the Surat Thani Member of Parliament, Pichai Chomphuphon, at the Bhumjaithai Party office.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, admitted that he took revenge and opened fire on the Bhumjaithai Party sign on the office building before fleeing to Central Suratthani shopping complex.
The Surat Thani Member of Parliament, Pichai Chomphuphon, claimed that he did not know Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, personally and denied the claim that he had threatened his sibling.
He said he works to help constituents as a representative and normally arrives at the Bhumjaithai Party office between 8.30am and 9.00am, saying ''Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, came earlier that day.''
"I definitely have never threatened anyone,'' he said.
Surat Thani Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Natchanon Kerdkor said the elder brother of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, denied he was threatened by the Member of Parliament, Pichai Chomphuphon.
''My younger brother might have suppered a misunderstanding,'' said the elder brother of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37,
Surat Thani Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Natchanon Kerdk said that the mother and elder sister of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, confirmed that he suffered from stress and had a problem controlling his temper.
''He was undergoing treatment at Chaiya Hospital,'' said mother and elder sister of Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Captain Ekachai Supitak, 37, faces criminal prosecution and disciplinary investigation. His firearm licence was revoked.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia initiates UNCLOS at UN after Thailand terminates 2001 MoU on Gulf of Thailand claim

Cambodia's Representative of the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations, Ambassador, Keo Chhea, at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) New York from 15 to 18 June, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, June 22: Cambodia has initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) headquarters in New York on Wednesday after Thailand unilaterally terminated the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44) on May 5, 2026, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia's Representative of the Permanent Mission of Cambodia to the United Nations, Ambassador, Keo Chhea, informed the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Cambodia has initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) after Thailand terminated the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44).
The 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44) between Cambodia and Thailand provided a bilateral mechanism to resolve overlapping maritime territorial claims and to jointly manage underwater energy resources in a 26,000-square-kilometre Overlapping Claims Area in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador, Keo Chhea, said ''Thailand has repeatedly rejected Cambodia's calls for bilateral negotiations under the framework of the existing 2001 memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44).''
''Thailand has unilaterally terminated the 2001 MoU 44 and used military force in violation of Cambodia's sovereignty,'' he said.
''Cambodia has chosen compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to protect and uphold its sovereignty and maritime rights,'' he said.
In December 2024, Thailand's Sondhi Limthongkul, who co-lead the 2005 - 2006 and 2008-2009 mass protests in Bangkok against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, claimed that the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44) signed during former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra administration, did not receive approval from the Thailand parliament.
''King Rama IX had declared Thailand's marine territory based on international law in 1973'' he said.
He said the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 44) created an overlapping claims area covering about 26,000 square kilometres in the Gulf of Thailand that benefits Cambodia.
Sondhi Limthongkul, called on the then Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in December 2024 to submit the Thailand-Cambodia 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU44), that includes Cambodia's territorial claim to half of Koh Kut Island off Thailand's Trat Province in the Gulf of Thailand, for Thailand constitution review.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia calls on Thailand to appoint chair for Joint Boundary Commission

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, left, and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, right, at the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia from 17 - 19 June, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, June 21: Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet called on Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) chair for Thailand, at the two day ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia beginning on Wednesday, calling on Thailand to resume joint survey and demarcation work on the disputed Cambodia Thailand border, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
''The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is tasked with technical surveys and border demarcation operations and Thailand's appointment of a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) chair would resume joint survey and demarcation work on the disputed Cambodia Thailand border,'' said Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said that Cambodia and Thailand should continue towards the reconciliation of the border dispute under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
''Cambodia continues to favour bilateral negotiations through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to settle the land border dispute,'' he said.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet urged Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to appoint a Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) chair to accelerate the reconciliation of the border dispute.
Thailand Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said he exchanged views with Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet on the mechanisms available to address the Thailand Cambodia border conflict at the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan, Russia.
''Thailand remained committed to international and bilateral frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and the General Border Committee (GBC),'' said Thailand Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
The General Border Committee (GBC) was included in the Thailand and Cambodia border agreements in the 2000
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on border survey and demarcation. It was designed to bypasses standard political bureaucracy and directly connect the military commanders of Thailand and Cambodia.
The General Border Committee (GBC) mandates that regional commanders from Thailand and Cambodia meet to halt localized skirmishes before they transform into large-scale warfare, managing practical border conflicts including landmine clearance, humanitarian coordination, and preventing arbitrary troop movements at the frontier line.
On June 14, 2025 Thailand Ambassador to Cambodia, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, rejected Cambodia's proposal for the Thailand Cambodia border dispute to be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague at the 6th Cambodia - Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC.)
Thailand Thailand Ambassador to Cambodia, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, and co-chair of the 6th Cambodia - Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) and Cambodia Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs and co-chair of the
6th Cambodia - Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) signed the formal agreed minutes to move forward with the joint implementaton of the Cambodia - Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC)
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia investigates companies for fraud for hiring ghost citizens under government financial incentive

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner, Abd Halim, launches ''Operation Daya'' to investigate abuse of the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme on Tuesday June 9, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, June 20: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating 1,638 companies for alleged fraudulent claims amounting to RM45mil under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, a government initiative that provides financial incentives to employers to hire the disabled, parolees and senior citizens, reports the Star.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner Abd Halim, said that the MACC launched ''Operation Daya'' on June 9 to investigate abuse of the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme.
The abuse of the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme includes the creation of ghost workers who did not exist, using personal data of disabled individuals without their consent, and firing workers immediately after the 6-month incentive period ended.
The Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme provides a hiring incentive of RM1,500 per month for up to six months for each worker hired by private sector employers and government-linked companies.
The Daya Kerjaya 2.0 program provides government financial incentives to employers to hire vulnerable groups, including disabled people, parolees and senior citizens aged above 60.
"At present, we are focusing on the 143 companies linked to claims amounting to RM9mil,'' said MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim.
He said that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) uncovered a syndicate believed to have submitted fraudulent claims involving 143 companies and claims worth about RM9mil under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme.
He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened 63 investigations and arrested 97 individuals suspected of involvement in the fraudulent Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme claims, saying ''77 individuals have been remanded to assist in investigations.''
'The MACC has recorded statements from 577 witnesses, seized movable assets worth RM74,198 and frozen 36 company accounts involving a total of RM463,076.92,'' he said.
The irregularities were found by Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) under the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources that provides social security safety net to Malaysian workforces, domestic workers, self-employed individuals, and foreign workers. The Anti-Fraud division of the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) data tools to track suspicious claiming patterns before the case was is handed to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam arrests Malaysians for using telecommunication fraud to intimidate victims in Malaysia

Vietnam's Criminal Police Division, the Drug Crime Investigation Division, the Immigration Management Division, the Economic Security Division, and the Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention Division. arrested Malaysian nationals for drug use and telecommunication fraud in HCMCity on Wednesday June 3, 2026

From News Reports:
HCMCity, June 19: HCMCity Police raided hotel rooms in Thu Duc and Hiep Binh wards in HCMCity in southern Vietnam arresting 26 Malaysian nationals for drug use and online telecommunication fraud to intimidate victims in Malaysia, reports the Vietnam News.
The HCMCity Police seized narcotics, drug use items and equipment used in online telecommunication fraud to intimidate victims including digital backdrop images of the Kangar District Police Headquarters in Malaysia and fraudulent drafted scripts used to target victims in Malaysia.
The HCMCity Police acted on information received from the public on the activities of Malaysian nationals who had rented long-term rooms at Hotel Nguyen 1 at 68 on Road 18 in Hiep Binh Ward and Hotel Nguyen 2 at 51B Road 18 in Hiep Binh Ward.
HCMCity Hiep Binh Police Station Commander, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Mai Chuc instructed the Criminal Police Department to begin surveillance of the Malaysian Nations after a tip-off from the public.
The Criminal Police Department determined that the Malaysian nationals regularly used narcotics in their rooms at the hotels in Hiep Binh Ward.
On June 3, the Thu Duc Ward Police working with the Criminal Police Department, Task Force No 8 of the HCMCity Police conducted a surprise raid on the Hotel Nguyen 1, finding five Malaysian nationals on the premises.
Police recovered plastic bags containing white crystals suspected to be narcotics in the shared living area and seized items used for drug consumption including glass pipes, blowtorch lighters, ceramic dishes and precision scales.
Rapid drug testing showed four of the five individuals tested positive for narcotics.
HCMCity Police found documents, items and equipment consistent with a online telecommunications fraud operation including digital backdrops including the Kangar District Police Headquarters in Malaysia.
A number of drafted fraudulent scripts used to targeting victims contained content relating to the Kangar District Police Headquarters in Malaysia.
Areas at the hotel were equipped with a sophisticated system of electronic devices connected to the internet.
The perpetrators created digital backdrop images of official agencies including the Kangar District Police Headquarters in Malaysia to carry out their fraudulent activities.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia's new Law on Combating Technology-Enabled Scams deports 2,278 in ten days

Cambodia Nation Police raid Chinese-owned-villas in Banteay Timuoy village in Tuol Pongror commune, in Banteay Meanchey Province in north-western Cambodia, on Wednesday March 11, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh June 16: Cambodia' new Law on Combating Technology-Enabled Scams, that took effect on April 7 by Acting Head of State and former Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, has effected the deportation of 2,278 foreign nationals from 28 countries from June 1 to June 10 bringing the total of foreign nationals deported for scam operations from Cambodia so far in 2026 to at least 40,000, reports the Khmer Times.
The General Department of Immigration (GDI), spokesman Lieutenant General Sok Someakhea, said the deportees committed a range of immigration and criminal offences including illegal border crossings, using forged documents, residing in Cambodia without valid passports, extortion, using fraudulent visas, online fraud, and illegal employment.
The group of 2,278 foreign nations deported in June included 227 women.
The deportees are from Nigeria, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ghana, Myanmar, South Korea, Russia, China, Vietnam, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Togo, Japan, Brazil, Rwanda, Namibia, Burundi, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Malawi.
Deportees in June included 635 Chinese nationals involved in online scam operations who were deported via special flights from Techo International Airport in Kandal Province Cambodia
A further 10 Vietnamese nationals involved in cybercrime were deported through the Prek Chak International Border Checkpoint in Kampot province, Cambodia.
''The deportations reflects the enforcement of the law and its commitment to combating cybercrime and transnational criminal networks,'' said the General Department of Immigration (GDI) spokesman, Lieutenant General Sok Someakhea.
He said the deportation operations are part of broader efforts by the government under Prime Minister Hun Manet to eliminate online scam activities, protect public safety, and strengthen law enforcement cooperation regionally and internationally.
''The General Department of Immigration (GDI) will continue to pursue the criminal masterminds behind scam networks while identifying and assisting victims trafficked into participating in online fraud operations,'' he said.
The new Law on Combating Technology-Enabled Scams establishes five criminal offences including technology-based fraud, operating an online scam centre, recruiting or training fraudsters; maliciously collecting personal data, and money laundering.
Convictions under the new law carry penalties of up to life imprisonment, asset seizure and fines of up to 1 billion Riel ($250,000).
On March 11, 2026 Lieutenant Colonel Keo Sampong, a Deputy Chief of the Provincial Internal Security Police Department in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey Province, said scam suspects were apprehended after law enforcement raided Chinese-owned-villas in Banteay Timuoy village in Tuol Pongror commune in Banteay Meanchey Province in north-western Cambodia, saying ''security police had watched the compound for a week before surrounding the property.''
''Investigations showed most of the suspects were involved in online scams, illegal entry and unauthorised employment,'' he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Keo Sampong, said Cambodian National Police confiscated hundreds of computers, mobile phones and related equipment during the raid.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's Civil Society Coalition against deployment of 500 military reservists at student protests in Jakarta

The Komcad, the Reserve Component, of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) block Indonesian students protesting under the banner 'Towards Bankrupt Indonesia'' in Jakarta on Friday June 12, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, June 17: The Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform claim that the deployment of the Komcad, the Reserve Component, of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to block students protesting under the banner of ''Towards Bankrupt Indonesia'' in the streets of Jakarta on June 12 is a flawed policy, reports Tempo.
Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform including members of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board claim that the deployment of 500 Komcad, Reserve Component, a voluntary part-time civilian reserve force of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), to block protesters in Jakarta on June 12 is a flawed policy.
Student protesters from the University of Indonesia under the banner ''Towards Bankrupt Indonesia'' demand that President Prabowo Subianto stop wasting the state budget, lower the price of basic necessities including fuel, stop the Free Nutritious Meals program and the development of Red and White Village Cooperatives and stop militarism in the civil sphere, in protests in the streets of Jakarta on June 12.
''President Prabowo stop dodging and admit to government mistakes,'' demanded the students.
Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza, said that the mobilisation of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) including the deployment of the Komcad, Reserve Component in a democratic country should be a last resort, saying ''the military should only be deployed when the National Police is unable to control the situation.''
'' Komcad, Reserve Component was established as a resource to face threats to national defence,'' said spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza.
''Indonesia is not at war with another country or facing a situation that clearly meets the threat parameters on the Management of National Resources for National Defence law,'' said spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza.
''The 2019 law on the Management of National Resources for National Defense expressly states that President Prabowo Subianto may declare mobilisation only if all or part of the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is in a state of military emergency or war."
Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza, warned that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is the primary component of national defence, saying the National Police is the institution responsible for maintianing public order and security
''What threat is the country facing that necessitates the deployment of the Reserve Component?'' asks spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza.
Are the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as the primary component of national defence and the National Police as the apparatus for maintaining public order and security deemed incapable of carrying out their functions and authorities so that it necessitates the deployment of the Komkad?" asks spokesperson, Bhatara Ibnu Reza.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar accuses Timor-Lest President of undermining ASEAN principle of non-interference

Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta delivers a Special Address at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Defence and Security Forum in Singapore on Saturday May 30, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, June 16: Myanmar's former Ambassador to China, U Tin Maung Swe, who was appointed Mynamar's Minister of Foreign affairs after the inauguration of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's former Commander-in-chief Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing as President of Mynamar on April 1, accused Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos‑Horta, of undermining ASEAN’s principle of non‑interference, reports the Irrawaddy.
Newly appointed Mynamar's Minister of Foreign affairs, U Tin Maung Swe, accused Timore-Lest President Jose Ramos Horta of spreading ''false narratives that distort Myanmar's image and undermine ASEAN's principle of non-interference.''
Mynamar's Minister of Foreign affairs, U Tin Maung Swe, claims that remarks made by Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos Horta in a Special Address at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Singapore on May 30 interfered in Myanmar's domestic affairs.
''The Myanmar civil war is a stain on ASEAN's otherwise impressive catalogue of successes,'' said Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos Horta in a Special Address at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Singapore.
'The war is going on.'' he said
''It is a war of exhaustion, of ruining the whole country, the economy and the people, the simple people, the farmers, the students, the youth are the ones suffering,'' he said.
''Could they come together, all of them, the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar and all the leaders of the ethnic armies and the democratic opposition, under a tent, no pre-conditions, no agenda, just meet as human beings ?'' asked Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos Horta at the Special Address at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Singapore.
Mynamar's Minister of Foreign affairs, U Tin Maung Swe, dismissed Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos Horta remarks as interference in Myanmar's domestic affairs, saying ''most of Mynamr is peaceful and stable.''
Mynamar's Minister of Foreign affairs, U Tin Maung Swe, warned that Timor-Lest President Jose Ramos‑Horta's remarks at his Special Address 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Singapore damage bilateral ties and undermine the spirit of the ASEAN family.
On February 13, 2026 the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), then Minister of Foreign Affairs, U Than Swe, ordered the expulsion of the Timor-Leste Charge d'Affaires from Myanmar after Timor-Leste began war crimes and crimes against humanity proceedings against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar ordered Timor-Leste Charge d'Affaires Elisio do Rosario de Sousa to depart Myanmar within a week accuing after accusing Timor-Leste of violating the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar accused Timor-Leste of "blatant violation" of the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, specifically regarding sovereignty and non-interference,'' after Timor-Leste began an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar against the Chin ethnic minority in Myanmar's Chin State.
War crimes and crimes against humanity proceedings against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar by Timor-Leste under the principle of universal jurisdiction is the first time a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pursued legal action against another member state.
Timor-Leste was formally admitted as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on October 26, 2025 with Myanmar objecting, saying ''Timor-Leste does not adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs as enshrined in the ASEAN Charter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian Male Nurses Association opposes proposal to recruit nurses from Indonesia

Malaysia's Minister of Health, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said ''Malaysia is facing a shortage of up to 15,000 nurses'' on Friday June 12, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, June 15: The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) opposed Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamad Hasan's, proposal on Friday to recruit nurses from Indonesia in order to address Malaysia's healthcare shortage, with the Malaysian Health Ministry saying ''Malaysia is facing a shortage of up to 15,000 nurses. reports the Star.
Malaysia's Minister of Health, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the vacancy rate of health care workers of about 18 percent is driven by migration of nurses to Singapore, workload pressures and an ageing population.
Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) Chairman, Muhammad Julihan Kamari, said on Friday ''we believe there needs to be a detailed and thorough study if the recruitment of nurses from Indonesia is implemented.''
He called on the Malaysian Health Ministry, Immigration Department, Public Service Commission and other relevant agencies ''to carefully examine the legal, professional, socioeconomic and patient safety implications before any decision is made.''
"We urge the authorities to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment, carry out transparent competency comparisons and implement strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms prior to any recruitment.'' he said.
''The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) stand is not rooted in prejudice against the professionalism of Indonesian healthcare workers,'' he said.
"Our key concerns are the differences in nursing training standards, academic qualifications, clinical procedures and protocols, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in Bahasa Melayu and local dialects," it said.
"There are many locally trained nursing graduates who have yet to secure permanent placements in government and private hospitals,'' he said.
''The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) Chairman, Muhammad Julihan Kamari said "a large-scale intake of foreign nurses without careful planning could affect employment opportunities for Malaysians, saying ''the recruitment of 15,000 nurses could place additional strain on local adaptation and training systems."
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Iman Hascarya Kusumo said Indonesia is prepared to supply up to 15,000 nurses to Malaysia to address a critical shortage of healthcare workers.
''Indonesia produces about 65,000 nurses annually, providing sufficient manpower to meet Malaysia's needs,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

China bans Philippine Secretary of National Defence from entering China, Hong Kong or Macau

Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro delivers a speech as the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 31, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, June 14: China has banned the Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, his spouse and child from entering China's mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, saying on Thursday ''the Philippines Secretary of National Defence has repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China'', with the Philippines saying ''the ban further complicates the bilateral relations'', reports Reuters.
Philippines Secretary of National Defence Teodoro Jr, has undermined China's legitimate interests and bilateral ties,'' said China Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokeswoman Mao Ning.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokeswoman Mao Ning, said the ban on Philippine Secretary of National Defence Teodoro Jr was imposed to safeguard China's national  sovereignty, security, and development interests.
''China is barred from executing transactions, joint ventures, business partnerships, or any other cooperatives with Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, and his family,'' said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Mao Ning.
''Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, remarks undermine China's legitimate interests and sabotages China-Philippines relations,'' said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Mao Ning.
China accused the Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, of ''having no gratitude for China's supply of commodities to the Philippines'' after remarks made by the Philippines Secretary of National Defence ''about China being a threat to the Philippines'' at the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Asia Security Summit held in Singapore from 29 to 31 May 2026.
"For countries like the Philippines, which is under severe ​threat by China, we have no choice but to stand up against Chinese aggression," said Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Philippines Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro Jr, said in response to the ban issued by the by China Ministry of Foreign Affairs that ''the Philippines views the ban as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations.
''This is what China does to those who speak the truth against their deception,'' he said.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources including fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military orders around the clock production of money at kyat printing factory in Mandalay

The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) released the 20,000 kyat banknote, the highest denomination bill in Myanmar, under the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on Monday July 31, 2023 to celebrate the completion of the Maravijaya Buddha marble statue in Nay Pyi Taw and the first birthday of a rare royal white elephant named Rattha Nandaka

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, June 13: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's former Commander-in-chief Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing who was inaugurated the 11th President of Mynamar on April 10, is has ordered the printing of money to finance the increasing budget deficit, with workers at the Wazi Printing Factory in Mandalay, complaining of exhaustion as production runs around the clock, reports the Irrawaddy.
''The two departments printing currency are being forced to work nonstop,'' said an unidentified worker.
''Workers are exhausted,'' said the worker.
The Wazi Printing Factory in Mandalay, Kyaukse Township, is operated by the Mynamar Ministry of Defence, General Tun Aung, who was appointed by the newly inaugurated President Min Aung Hlaing on
April 10.
The unidentified worker at the Wazi Printing Factory said that ''production lines run around the clock on the orders of Mynamar Ministry of Defence, General Tun Aung.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar fiscal policy statement for 2024-2025, that was published by the Ministry of Planning and Finance, projected a deficit of 7.879 trillion kyats, equal to 5.07 percent of GDP.
The Minister of Planning and Finance, U Win Shein, also the Deputy Prime Minister, said in 2025 that ''financing would rely heavily on domestic borrowing and Central Bank of Myanamar credit.''
The Myanmar Ministry of Defence budget expanded after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, with military spending at 7 trillion kyats (USD$3.33 billion) from 2021 to 2022.
Military spending rose to 5.6 trillion kyats (USD$2.67 billion) from 2014 to 2025.
Australian economist, Professor, Sean Turnell, who served as adviser to former Myanmar State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was sentenced to three years in prison on September 29, 2022 for violation of the Burma Official Secrets Act 1923 at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court, claims that over 70 percent of the deficit is now financed by printing money.
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is actively using the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) as a printing press to fund its expanding budget deficits,'' he said.
He said the expanding budget deficits are required to fund the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's widespread civil conflict and mass conscription drives against its own population.
He said in 2016 to 2017, under the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government, the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) had successfully stopped the practice of printing money to cover budget deficits.
''The injecting of newly printed notes into the economy without any increase in production has crashed the value of the Myanmar kyat and triggered runaway hyperinflation,'' he said.
He said the Myanmar economy has only avoided total collapse because widespread bartering and severe economic inequality are mechanically keeping hyperinflation at bay for now.
''Vital financial policy institutions under the military have essentially locked themselves away and converted into non-transparent hermit caves,'' he said,
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines claims China conducts unauthorised marine scientific research in West Philippine Sea

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) present updates and display images of the Chinese floating platform structure detected at Scarborough Shoal, named Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc by the Philippines and Huangyan Island by China on Wednesday June 10, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, June 12: The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) claimed on Wednesday that China's ''Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve'' on Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is conducting unauthorised marine scientific research, with the Department of Foreign Affairs saying ''floating platform structures were installed by China without Philippine authorization,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) officials presented observations from a commercial satellite imagery on the Scarborough Shoal that show that the first appearance of a floating platform structure was in late May, saying ''the appearance of the floating platform was shown with two Chinese research vessels operating on the Scarborough Shoal.
''The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) are validating the floating platform's exact purpose,'' said Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela.
He said that commercial satellite imagery taken on May 20 showed a floating platform structure at the entrance of the Scarborough Shoal, saying ''a day later the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) observed two Chinese research vessels in the area.''
''We can say that the Chinese are conducting illegal scientific research on the Scarborough Shoal,'' he said.
He said on May 25 satellite imagery showed the floating platform structure at the south eastern entrance of the Scarborough Shoal, saying ''this satellite imagery marked the first indication of the platform's presence.
''Six Chinese nationals were observed on the platform on May 30,'' he said.
He said that satellite imagery showed that the floating platform structure was moved from the Scarborough Shoal's entrance into the lagoon by Chinese research vessels carrying 12 to 15 personnel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said the floating platform structure was installed without Philippine authorization, saying ''is inconsistent with international law.''
''The installation of the floating platform structure is not only a violation of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines, but is inconsistent with international law,'' he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva Jr. urged China to remove the floating platform structures and refrain from similar activities in and around the shoal.
On September 10, 2025 the State Council of the People's Republic of China announced plans for a nature reserve to maintain diversity, stability and sustainability of the natural ecosystem at Huangyan Island, the China name for Scarborough Shoal or the Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian, said "the establishment of a national-level nature reserve on Huangyan Island falls within China's sovereignty.''
"China does not accept the Philippines unreasonable accusations and protests, and urges the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations,'' he said.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Secretary-General calls for action at ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Vietnam

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary-General, Kao Kim Hourn, calls for action at ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, VietnamTuesday Jun 9, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 11: The Secretary-General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, said at the opening session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026: ''Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People Centered'' in Hanoi on Tuesday .''to consider a simple question throughout these discussions,'' reports the Vietnam News.
''How can the insights generated here contribute meaningfully to implement the four Strategic Plans under ASEAN 2045? he asked.
He said that the true value of the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 lies not only in the exchange of perspectives, but also in its ability to translate them into practical action.
He said at the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: 'Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic, and People Centred ASEAN,'' session on Monday included in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026: ''Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People Centered'' that he was confident that the participants ''will find common ground in advancing innovative and actionable proposals that help ensure ASEAN remains resilient, dynamic, relevant, and future-ready.''
The four Strategic Plans under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 framework are operational through four strategic plans including the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan, ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan and the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan focuses on maintaining peace, security, and stability across the region while reinforcing ASEAN centrality in the broader Indo-Pacific architecture.
It contains 9 strategic goals.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan is designed to drive deep economic integration, boost supply chain resilience, and facilitate foreign investment to help ASEAN become the world's fourth-largest economy. It contains 6 strategic goals.
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan targets human security, youth and women empowerment, digital healthcare, and sustainable community growth to foster an equitable, shared prosperity. It contains 12 strategic goals.
ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan addresses sustainable infrastructure, smart city development, digital innovation, seamless logistics, regulatory excellence, and people-to-people connections. It contains 6 strategic goals.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 that serves as the operational roadmap to transition the ASEAN region into a single market economy and integrated production base will implement the economic aspects of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic, and People Centred ASEAN.
The AEC Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 outlines six Strategic Goals, 44 Objectives and 192 Strategic Measures in the first five-year cycle.
''I am confident that the diverse participants gathered here today will find common ground in advancing innovative and actionable proposals that help ensure ASEAN remains resilient, dynamic, relevant, and future-ready, said ASEAN Secretary-Kao Kim Hourn.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN to report on role of political parties in ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Delegates from the Association of South East Asian Nations including Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu, fifth from left, at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, ''Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered'' in Hanoi on Monday June 8, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, June 10: The ASEAN Future Forum 2026, ''Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People - Centered'' began in Hanoi on Monday, to promote the role of political parties in advancing ASEAN cooperation and in realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 "Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic and People-Centred" held in Hanoi from 8 to 10 June 2026, reports the Vietnam News.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, is to report on the progress of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN Community Vision 2045: ''Our Shared Future'' that was adopted at the 27th ASEAN Summit on May 25, 2025.
Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN Community Vision 2045: ''Our Shared Future'' succeeds the ASEAN Community Vision 2025: ''Forging Ahead Together'' that was adopted in Malaysia at the 27th ASEAN Summit on November 22, 2015.
The ASEAN Community Vision 2025: ''Forging Ahead Together'' adopted in Malaysia at the 27th ASEAN Summit on November 22, 2015 introduced the blueprint for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to achieve and integrated the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) that includes a single market and integrated production base.
ASEAN Chair 2025 Malaysia Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said at the Declaration of ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future'' at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, 2025, ''Today, we renew that solemn promise not as a tribute to the past, but as a living covenant with the future.''
The Declaration on ASEAN Community Vision 2045: ''Our Shared Future,'' that was signed by the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), includes a task that assigns responsibility for funding the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future, to various entities within ASEAN.
The task directs ASEAN Ministers and respective ASEAN Organisations and Bodies, supported by the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat, Kao Kim Hourn, ''to mobilise resources from ASEAN Member States and external sources to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future'' declaration.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, is to report on the progress of the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Community Vision 2045: ''Our Shared Future'' in 2025 at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, ''Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, People-Centered'' in Hanoi from 8-10 June 2026
The Southeast Asian Times
~

Cambodia condemns Thailand's military for setting fire to staircase leading to Khnar Temple

Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, condemns the Royal Thai Armed Forces for setting fire to the wooden staircase leading to the Khnar Temple on Friday June 5, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, June 9: Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts condemned the Royal Thai Armed Forces for setting fire to the wooden staircase leading to the Khnar Temple near the Ta Krabey Temple on the disputed Cambodia-Thailand border, with the Minister saying ''the intended destruction of the staircase is a grave violation of national sovereignty,'' and condemned Thailand's tourism activities at Ta Krabey Temple, reports the Khmer Times.
''The intended destruction of the staircase leading to the Khnar Temple is a serious violation of cultural heritage,'' said the Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona in a statement.
''The Royal Thai Armed Forces were observed pouring petrol on the wooden walkway before setting it on fire on June 5,'' said the statement.
The 325-metre long wooden staircase leading to the Khnar Temple was built by Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in 2017 for visitors, researchers, and local communities to access the heritage site from the Cambodian side of the Cambodia -Thailand border.
''The deliberate destruction of this structure constitutes a serious act of damage to cultural heritage and to the conservation efforts undertaken by Cambodia over many years,'' said the statement.
“Such actions are contrary to the fundamental principles governing the protection of cultural heritage and are incompatible with the obligations of States to safeguard cultural property for present and future generations.'' said the statement.
Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona rejected Thailand's plan to stage public events, religious ceremonies, tourism activities and the sale of tickets at the Ta Krabei Temple to the public on the weekend of June 6 and 7, 2026.
The Ta Krabei Temple is located about 30 kilometres from the Khmer temple along the contested Thailand Cambodia border in the Dangrek Mountains with both temples sitting on the ridge line that separates Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey Province from Thailand's Surin Province.
''The ministry firmly rejects any attempt to legitimise or normalise the unlawful occupation of Cambodian territory through tourism, cultural, religious or administrative activities,'' said the statement.
''Thailand's plan to stage public events, religious ceremonies, tourism activities and the sale of tickets at the Ta Krabei Temple
are null and void and cannot affect Cambodia’s lawful sovereignty over Ta Krabei Temple,'' said the statement.
Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona called on Thailand to cease tourism operations, ticketing practices and any other action that damage, alter or interfere with cultural heritiage sites located within Cambodian territory.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam rejects United States finding that Vietnam fails to prohibit goods produced by forced labour

United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer found in an investigation of 60 economies that ''Vietnam does not appear to have a measure that forbids the importation of goods produced with forced labor''

From News Reports:
Hanoi, Monday 8: Vietnam rejected the United States Trade Representative (USTR) finding that Vietnam has not implemented measures to prevent, detect, and eliminate forced labour for goods placed on its market, with Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, saying ''the findings do not accurately reflect Vietnam's effort to prevent and mitigate forced labour,'' reports the Vietnam News.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said that the failure of trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor ''creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field.''
''We will no longer tolerate this disparity,'' he said.
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Pham Thu Hang said that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) do not accurately reflect Vietnam's efforts to prevent and mitigate forced labour, saying ''Vietnam prohibits all forms of forced labour.
''Vietnam strictly complies with the regulation of international Labour Organisation and Free Trade Agreements,'' said the spokewoman.
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Pham Thu Hang said that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTA's) that span over 60 countries are stipulated in legal documents and Vietnam's action plans and programmes, saying '' the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Free Trade Agreements (FTA's) are consistently upheld in practice.''
Vietnam is one of 60 United States partner economies that were investigated by the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
related to the failure to impose or enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour, with the
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) finding that ''Vietnam does not appear to have a measure that forbids the importation of goods produced with forced labor.''
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) found that Vietnam has not implemented measures to prevent, detect, and eliminate forced labour for goods placed on its market.
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) found that the results of the investigation indicate that the acts, policies and
practices of Vietnam related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, proposed additional tariffs on all products of the 60 investigated economies except for economies that impose a forced labour import prohibition.
''The USTR proposes an additional 10 percent tariffs for economies that have imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labour goods,'' he said.
''The USTR proposes a 12.5 percent additional tariff for all other economies,'' he said.
He said the United States Trade Representative (USTR) also proposes a textile mechanism that would allow for a certain voume of Apparel and textile imports from certain economies to enter the United States at a reduced tariff rate.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australian fugitives sentenced by South Papua court for entering Indonesia without passport or visa

Australian pilot Jay Victor David, 32, left, Duong Tan Le, 35, centre and Zulfukar Aljubouri, 34, right, at the District Court in Merauke, in South Papua province, Indonesia Monday June 1, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, June 7: District Court in Merauke, in South Papua province, Indonesia, sentenced three Australian males to prison and a fine for entering Indonesia without a passport or visa in an unauthorised ''black flight'' or flying with deactivated transponders from the state of Queensland in Australia to South Papua province Indonesia on November 17, 2025, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
The three males including pilot Jay Victor David, 32, and two undeclared passengers, Zulfukar Aljubouri, 34, and Duong Tan Le, 35, were each sentenced to seven months in prison and each fined 100 million Rupiah (AUD$7,800)
Zulfukar Aljubouri (34) and Duong Tan Le (35), who jointly operated a tobacco business in the Australian state of New South Wales, are wanted fugitives in Australia.
Zulfukar Aljubouri (34) is on bail in New South Wales for kidnapping charges and Duong Tan Le (35) has multiple outstanding warrants, including for large-scale drug supply.
Zulfukar Aljubouri, 34, and Duong Tan Le (35) testified at the Merauke District Court that they had paid AUD$100,000 to Stirling Helicopters in Rockhamption to charter a Piper PA-23-250 Aztec aircraft to flee Australia.
The Australian fugitives told the court that they had intended to use Indonesia as a transit point to reach their respective countries of birth, Iran and Vietnam.
The Australian fugitives were transported via a coordinated network of charter flights organised by the owner of Stirling Helicopters, Grant Schultz, 43, to fly from the Australian state of New South Wales to a remote airstrip in Cape York in the Australian state of Queensland.
The fugitives boarded the chartered Piper PA-23-250 Aztec aircraft at Cape York in northern Queensland to cross international borders to Merauke, in South Papua province, Indonesia without passports or visas.
The fugitives flew in a chartered Piper PA-23-250 Aztec aircraft that was an unauthorised ''black flight'' or flying with deactivated transponders.
Zulfukar Aljubouri (34) and Duong Tan Le (35) testified at the trial at the District Court in Merauke that they fled Australia because their lives were threatened by a rival tobacco competitor, claiming that their homes had been shot at.
Queensland based pilot Jay Victor Davis, 32, was found guilty of aiding and abetting the two undeclared passengers, maintaining in court that he did not know his passengers lacked a passport and visa.
The three Australian males are to be released from detention in Merauke, in South Papua province and deported back to Australia after time served since their arrest on November17, 2025 is deducted from the sentence.
The PA-23-250 Aztec aircraft charted to the undeclared passengers, Zulfukar Aljubouri, 34, and Duong Tan Le, 35, by Stirling Helicopters in Rockhampton Queensland, owned by Grant Schultz,43, was confiscated by Indonesian authorities.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested Grant Schultz, 43, owner of Stirling Helicopters for people smuggling and for allegedly masterminding the multi-leg transport network to help the fugitives escape.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar's military elected civilian president appoints a military wife as presidential spokesperson

Khaing Khaing Soe in her new role as spokes person for Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar elected president at Naypyitaw Airport in Myanmar on Wednesday June 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, June 6: Former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who was inaugurated the civilian president of Myanmar on April 10 after claiming victory in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's sponsored Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) general elections, has appoints the wife of military colonel as his new spokesperson, with Independent Myanmar Election Analyst, saying ''in essence nothing will change,'' reports the Irrawaddy.
New civilian President of Myanmar, Aung Hlaing, announced the appointment of Khaing Khaing Soe, who is the current Deputy Minister of Immigration and is married to Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Colonel Aung Ko Myint, as the new civilian Presidential spokeswoman after a four day official visit to India that ended on Wednesday.
New Presidential spokeswoman, Khaing Khaing Soe, addressed the media for the first time in her new role as Presidential spokesperson at the Naypyitaw Airport on arrival from India on Wednesday.
''President Min Aung Hlaing's India visit was a success with notable achievements in diplomatic and economic areas,'' said the new civilian Presidential spokeswoman.
The new civilian Presidential spokeswoman urged ''the public to obey the President's policies and directives'' with Independent Myanmar Election Analyst Ko Htin Kyaw Aye, saying ''the new Presidential spokeswoman echoed the rhetoric of her predecessor, Major General Zaw Min Tun.''
''Former spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun spent the last five years shielding the former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing with relentless propaganda,'' said Independent Myanmar Election Analyst Ko Htin Kyaw Aye.
''The former spokeman Major General Zaw Min Tun shielded the former Commander-in-chief as his takeover of the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in February 2021 plunged Myanmar into a bloody civil war,'' said Independent Myanmar Election Analyst Ko Htin Kyaw Aye.
''The appointment of Khaing Khaing Soe as the new civilian Presidential spokeswoman reflects continuity rather than change,'' said Independent Myanmar Election Analyst Ko Htin Kyaw Aye.
He said that the new civilian President Min Aung Hlaing has selected a female spokesperson to project a fake image of female empowerment by the new civilian government, saying ''the new civilian government has also installed a female vice-president.''
He said the appointment of Khaing Khaing is a PR stunt, saying ''ultimately she will only say what the dictator wants.''
''In essence, nothing will change,'' said Independent Myanmar Election Analyst Ko Htin Kyaw Aye.
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) spokesman Charles Santiago called on the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including the Philippines ASEAN Chair for 2026, the United Nations and the international community, to take urgent and decisive action and condemn the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's consolidation of power.
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's installation of Min Aung Hlaing as president is a well-orchestrated manoeuvres,'' he said.
He said that any recognition of the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing's presidency ''would legitimize atrocities and impunity that undermine the rights of peoples across Myanmar.''
''It is critical to avoid a return to business as usual,''
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has repeatedly used superficial civilian transitions to project an image of reform,'' said APHR spokesman Charles Santiago.
The Southeast Asian Times

King of Malaysia censors politicians saying ''watch your words don't misuse freedom of speech''

His Majesty King of Malayisa, Sultan Ibrahim, left, and Her Majesty Queen of Malaysia, Raja Zarith Sofiah, right, at the National Palace investiture ceremony for Federal Awards held in conjunction with the King's official birthday on Monday June 1, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, June 5: The King of Malaysia warned politicians to watch their words not to misuse freedom of speech over sensitive issues, in an address at the National Palace investiture ceremony for Federal Awards in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, saying ''sensitive issues are often deliberately weaponised ahead of election periods,'' reports The Star.
The King of Malayisa, Sultan Ibrahim, said politicians should refrain from provoking sensitive issues, especially ahead of election periods, saying ''elections often become a platform for individuals to seek prominence and win public support.''
The King of Malayisa ordered political leaders to avoid provocation and disputes over sensitive issues relating to the "3Rs" Race, Religion, and Royalty, saying ''the 3Rs can arouse public anger.''
''Political leaders must uphold proper conduct, exercise decorum, and be extremely cautious when making public statements,'' he said.
He said that freedom of speech on social media should not be used as a platform to spread slander and hatred, saying ''the situation has become more complicated with the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.''
''My image has been used in fake videos and content to mislead the public,'' he said.
The King ordered authorities to take appropriate action to stop provoking sensitive issues related to the 3Rs" Race, Religion, and Royalty.
On January 19, 2026 the Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail pledged his full commitment to the royal decree on national security at the fifth session of the 15th Parliament, saying ''the ministry would intensify efforts to take firm measures to ensure that national security, public order and racial harmony remain safeguarded.''
"This would be pursued through several key focus areas, beginning with combating violent crime and issues related to the "3Rs" Race, Religion, and Royalty,'' he said.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said ''the ministry would not tolerate any acts that touch on
"3Rs" Race, Religion, and Royalty that could threaten social stability.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Solomon Is and Australia agree to expand 2017 Australia-Solomon Islands bilateral Security Treaty

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, left, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House Canberra Australia Wednesday June 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, June 4: The newly elected Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, who is a strong critic of China’s expanding influence and security arrangements in the Pacific, said ''Australia remains the Solomon Islands security partner of choice,'' with Australia and Solomon Island agreeing to negotiations to expand the 2017 Australia -Solomon Islands bilateral Security Treaty, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, announced negotiations towards expanding the 2017 Australia -Solomon Islands bilateral Security Treaty during Prime Minister, Matthew Wale first official visit to Australia since his election on May 14.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, agreed that transformational change in the relationship between Australia and the Solomon Islands would be ''cemented in the expanded treaty''.
The treaty aims to cement Australia's role as the Solomon Islands security partner of choice by expanding the Australia-Solomon Islands Bilateral Security Treaty 2017.
On June 29, 2023 then Solomon Island's Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare called on Australian deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles to review the Australia-Solomon Bilateral Security Treaty 2017 agreement in an official meeting in Honiara.
Australia's deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles, said then that the call by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to review the Australia-Solomon Bilateral Security Treaty that was signed in 2017 is an opportunity to update the Solomon Islands Assistance Force agreement signed in 2021.
Minister of Defence Richard Marles said then that the Australia-Solomon Bilateral Security Treaty needs to be renewed to take into account the contemporary security environment and contemporary assistance provided by Australia.
"When the Australia-Solomon Bilateral Security Treaty was first signed on 16 October 2017, the Solomon Islands Assistance Force agreement signed on 24 November 2021 didn't exist." he said.
Minister of Defence Richard Marles said then that if it was Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare wish for the Solomon Islands Assistance Force agreement to continue "then Australia stood ready for that to occur."
"Australia would be happy to supply a continuation of Solomon Islands Assistance Force presence supporting the Solomon Islands police force," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

New Solomon Is PM, a critic of China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific, to meet Australian PM

Solomon Island Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, and wife, Veronica Ruala Wale, arrive in Canberra aboard a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft on Monday June 1, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, June 3: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, a critic of China's Common Development Vission for the Pacific, who was elected after his predecessor, Jeremiah Manele, was removed in a no-confidence vote last month, is in Australia with a delegation of cabinet ministers for a Leaders' Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reinforce regional stability, security collaboration, and economic development on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Matthew Wale, is a critic of China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific in the Framework Agreement on bilateral security cooperation signed in April 2022 by former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare,with then opposition Democratic Party leader, Matthew Wale accusing Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of behaving like a puppet for Beijing.
Solomon Island's former Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, who was elected on May 2, 2024, pledged to continue his predessessor, former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's pro-China policies, with China's embassy in Honiara saying ''the China embassy looks forward to working with Jeremiah Manele to develop China-Solomon Islands relations and deliver more benefits to our peoples.''
In May 2022 after the signing of Framework Agreement on bilateral security cooperation, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, said that China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific includes training Pacific police officers, expanding law enforcement cooperation and traditional and non-traditional security.
China also wants to jointly develop a marine plan for fisheries that would include the Pacific's tuna catch, to increase cooperation on running the regions internet networks and establish cultural Confucius Institutes and classrooms.
He said in his letter to the Pacific nations that China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific is an intent to shift those of us with diplomatic relations with China very close to Beijing's orbit, intrinsically tying the whole of our economies and societies to them," saying "aggreement to the plan would needlessly heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability."
"The Common Development Vision is the single most game-changing proposed agreement in the Pacific in any of our lifetimes," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times
Clarification of Ownership: southeastasiantimes.com is an independent news publication registered and operated exclusively in Australia. We have no affiliation, shared ownership, licensing agreements, or corporate relationship with "Southeast Times Media & Internet" or any local newspaper based in Oklahoma, United States.




What they're saying open page here


MEDIA CHECK
Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...open here


CLASSIFIED Advertisements click here


Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here
Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here




Indigenous Australians in the northern Queensland town of East Trinity aim for economic independence from eco-cultural tourism, reports Christine Howes in "Australian indigenous eco-cultural tourism venture wins best small project national award " ...open here


Kavi Chongkittavorn talks about the UK application to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in "New dynamics of Aseans external ties," with consensus yet to be reached on admitting a former colonial master of four ASEAN member countries into the Southeast Asian bloc....open


Esther Samboh talks about the choise between thousands dying of Covid-19 or from hunger in densely populated Jakarta in the new normal in "Medics dying, infections soaring - it's still the economy" ...open page here


Australian reporter, Chris Ray, investigates why Australia dropped five spots in the World Press Freedom Index...open


CLASSIFIED Advertisements click here

 

Read what Son Nguyen has to say about the impact of China's virus on Vietnam's economy in "When the economy gets sick" open here


Has the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra suffered a fatal blow, or will it rise again? asks Australian reporter Chris Ray... Open page here

CLASSIFIED Advertisements click here

Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here


Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here


The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

 

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

 

Indonesia ready for big 'brother' role in ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran .......open page here

 

Benedict Anderson, a man without a country, dies in Indonesia Jeet Heer reports.....open page here


Thousands of Northern Australia's indigenous rock art sites are under threat from buffalo, fire and feral animals. Tim Lee reports ........open page here

 

Copy of letter 29 May 2012 from Vietnam Womens Union to International Olympic Committee...open here


The Southeast Asian Times wishes its readers a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year with a special thankyou to its treasured letter writers



CLASSIFIED Advertisements click here

Published by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com

The Southeast Asian Times cannot be bought



















































Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only

US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
Euro..0.6794
HongsKong...5.8808
Indonesia Rupiah.9,997.47
Japan..78.8528
Laos..6,140.58
Malaysia Ringgit.....3.0900
Myanmar..923.19
Viet Nam Dong..16,849.44

Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times

Penang health department shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100 year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels. The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also closed by the state health department
The Southeast Asian Times

Fuel smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized 64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first month after the establishment of marshal law and the military seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by 25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record a gain, of 6.2 percent
The Southeast Asian Times

US Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by 2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The Southeast Asian Times

Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the establishment of the construction courts was first put to the Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The Southeast Asian Times

Riau forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010 tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun, said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods", he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pilots strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya, Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana, said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the Jakarta Post.
The Southeast Asian Times