Thailand

| ASIA TODAY

Today's headlines: Senior doctors in South Korea join trainee doctors’ protest. India's foreign exchange reserves reach their highest level in two years. Iran is beset by a severe nursing shortage with more than 3,000 emigrating abroad a year. Thailand is considering legalising casinos. The Chinese are quietly occupying Siberia, raising concerns among local Russians.

by Steve Suwannarat

The Thai government wants to avoid a diplomatic row with Myanmar’s military regime. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced that illegal migrants will be dealt with in accordance with the law, a possible sign of coming expulsions and pushback if migratory flows pick up.

| 21/02/2024
| THAILAND – MYANMAR

Today's news: In Russia more than 400 protesters arrested for taking to the streets in the wake of Naval'nyj's death; A survey reveals that nearly 70 per cent of Japan's 108 tsunami-prone coastal municipalities would be unprepared for the disaster; The police forcibly keep protesting farmers out of New Delhi; Thaksin Shinawatra returned to freedom; After Cop28 the United Arab Emirates set a record for non-oil exports.

| 19/02/2024
| ASIA TODAY

Today's headlines: Thousands of young men try to leave Myanmar after conscription is introduced. A few weeks before India’s elections, the opposition Congress party has its bank accounts frozen. Satellite photos show Egypt is building a wall next to the Rafah crossing. Japan successfully launched the new H3 space rocket. US and China agree to hold follow-up talks on North Korea and the Middle East.

| 17/02/2024
| ASIA TODAY

Today's news: Egypt on the Gaza border sets up camps for Palestinian refugees; South Korean trainee doctors resign from their hospital posts; Ukrainian drones hit one of Russia's largest and most modern landing ships; Thailand boosts tourism from abroad with anti-accident insurance policies.

| 16/02/2024
| ASIA TODAY
by Steve Suwannarat

His release is ostensibly for health reasons. The 74-year-old former PM is one of 930 inmates who benefitted from an amnesty for those in poor health or over 70 years old. The rumour mill recently began suggesting that he might be accused of lèse majesté, a charge he immediately rejected.

| 13/02/2024
| THAILAND
by Steve Suwannarat

Smog, particulate matter reach record levels in the Thai capital and even the north. Artificial rain, halting vehicular circulation in urban centres, and cleaning of roads in areas with the greatest dust accumulation have been of little avail. More decisive measures are needed, such as renewing the car fleet and getting businesses to reduce energy use.

| 08/02/2024
| THAILAND
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”