Wong’s comments came after a week of high-level diplomacy that placed Singapore in the middle of competing strategic relationships. He attended the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, where he delivered a keynote speech describing China as an important factor in building a more resilient global order. 

The China visit followed his first official trip to Japan as prime minister earlier in March, during which the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, with cooperation planned in areas such as artificial intelligence and the green transition.

He said the back-to-back visits were not designed as a coordinated signal. The Japan trip had originally been planned for 2025 but was postponed, while the Boao invitation arrived separately. The timing ultimately worked out, he said, and allowed him to engage both partners in quick succession.

Ties between China and Japan have been deteriorating, including sharp rhetoric over Taiwan and signs Tokyo may be preparing to downgrade relations with Beijing. Wong said Singapore recognises the relationship is in a “difficult phase”, but insisted it does not see diplomacy as a zero-sum game.

Singapore’s approach, he said, is to maintain “many friends” and avoid taking sides in major-power rivalries.

One major pillar targets musculoskeletal health and mobility, a growing concern in ageing societies. The programme is supporting work on rapid screening tools for fractures and falls, as well as advanced research using bone organoids and lab-grown tissue models, to help predict how patients respond to drugs, allowing doctors to personalise fracture prevention for those most at risk.

Launching the programme on March 28, NRF chief executive John Lim said musculoskeletal problems are often underestimated despite being a major driver of disability worldwide. The goal, he said, is to translate promising research into real-world healthcare and move care earlier, from treatment to prevention and recovery support in the community.

Beyond physical health, FHT2 also includes a mental wellbeing track that will develop a platform combining large language models, behavioural science and real-world data to power apps that deliver tailored interventions for issues such as anxiety, depression and stress, particularly among young people .

A third track focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, including technology-assisted therapy for patients rebuilding upper-limb movement after stroke, part of a broader push to improve quality of life as people live longer.

FHT2 follows the first Future Health Technologies programme, which ran from 2020 to March this year and produced tools such as a cognitive screening test for early dementia signals and a chatbot-based health coaching app. The second phase is intended to speed up adoption in clinics and hospitals, with programme leaders saying they want patients to benefit directly from these technologies by 2030.

The executive order frames the US-Israel-Iran conflict as an external shock that could quickly spill into inflation in an economy that imports most of its fuel. To blunt that impact, the government said it will roll out targeted fuel support for key sectors, tighten enforcement against hoarding and profiteering, and accelerate approvals for projects meant to stabilise supply and electricity generation, The Straits Times reports.

Meanwhile, Jeepney drivers have staged transport strikes over rising diesel costs, arguing that higher fuel prices are cutting into already slim earnings. In the aviation sector, budget carrier Cebu Pacific has suspended several international routes until October, citing operational adjustments due to the rise in fuel costs and regional uncertainty.

Marcos also warned that tougher measures could follow if conditions deteriorate further, including possible restrictions on flights.

The emergency steps can remain in force for up to one year unless lifted earlier.

That timing matters: because the event falls within the FIFA international calendar, clubs would be required to release players for national team duty.

That could reshape the competitive balance in Southeast Asian football.

Unlike the region’s existing championship , which has often been played outside the formal FIFA window and has therefore struggled to secure the release of overseas-based players, the new tournament is being positioned as a competition where teams can call up top talent from abroad. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the aim was to give football in Southeast Asia “a real boost” and help the region “shine on the global stage.”

The launch follows a memorandum of understanding on regional football development signed by FIFA and ASEAN during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim present as chair of the bloc. 

The agreement also covers broader priorities such as integrity in the game, match safety and education through football.

FIFA has yet to reveal the tournament format, but the early outline already points to a demanding calendar. The FIFA ASEAN Cup is set to arrive only weeks after the traditional ASEAN Championship, which is scheduled from July 24 to August 26, 2026. 

That means Southeast Asian national teams could find themselves contesting two major regional tournaments in quick succession.

That tournament’s current grouping is already set: defending champions Vietnam are in Group A with Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia and the winners of a playoff between Timor-Leste and Brunei, while Thailand are in Group B with Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.

The crowded schedule could test squads and coaching staffs, but it also signals FIFA’s growing interest in a football market of roughly 700 million people. 

STB said the Muscat flight is strictly for non-resident travel lers currently in Singapore whose travel plans between February 28 and March 8 were cancelled by an airline due to Middle East airspace closures.

In response to queries, STB said passengers must cover all costs. “Travellers are responsible for all costs, including any onward travel to other destinations, accommodation, meals and ground transportation,” STB said.

The board added that the flight is intended to help affected visitors return to their home destinations in the Middle East or connect to onward travel.

“Singapore is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East,” STB said. “We understand the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by flight disruptions during this challenging period and remain committed to ensuring that Singapore continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors.”

Under the changes, adults who involve young people or vulnerable persons in smuggling or supplying Kpods face up to 20 years in jail and up to 15 strokes of the cane. Adults who possess a Kpod and fail to try to prevent a young person from using it can be jailed for up to 10 years.

The law also places new duties on entertainment venues such as bars and clubs to stop patrons from vaping and require them to discard their devices. Venues will be allowed to eject patrons who refuse.

At border checkpoints, drivers found with vapes in their vehicles will also face tighter rules, with the burden shifting to them to prove they did not know the devices were there.

Penalties have been raised sharply across offences. Vape users can now be fined up to $10,000, while sellers face fines of up to $200,000 and up to six years’ jail. Smugglers can be fined up to $300,000 and jailed for up to nine years.

The new laws follows concern about drug-laced vapes. In July 2025, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said authorities were working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act after one in three seized vapes was found to be a Kpod. The Health Sciences Authority later extended hotline hours and added an online reporting form for vaping offences.

The imbalance is especially stark in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets .

Worse off in Southeast Asia

Although the subregion accounts for roughly half of global energy consumption growth, it attracted just 2% of global clean energy investment in 2023, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Over the past decade, Southeast Asia’s overall energy demand has increased by more than 35%, while electricity demand has risen by over 60%. Electricity access rates improved by 12%, reflecting rapid urbanisation, industrial expansion and rising incomes.

Investment trends, however, show continued reliance on fossil fuels. They accounted for 60% of total energy investment in the past decade. Coal alone attracted $110 billion since 2015, expanding its share of the regional energy mix from 20% to 30%.

The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates Southeast Asia needs average annual investment of $210 billion to meet its net-zero targets. Achieving the 1.5°C climate goal would require an additional $2 trillion in annual public and private investment by 2030 across emerging and developing economies.

Not a lost cause

Still, there are remaining bright spots for Southeast Asia’s prospects of clean energy. 

Clean energy investment in Southeast Asia rose to $47 billion in 2025 from $30 billion in 2015. Yet financing constraints remain. More than 75% of clean energy projects rely on commercial finance, rising above 85% in clean power, fuels and battery storage.

By contrast, grid infrastructure, storage and transmission depend heavily on public funding, which accounts for around 40% of capital.

“Despite wide disparities in economic development, resource endowments and market maturity, energy security is a common priority for the region,” the Paris-based International Energy Agency said in a report. 

At the conference, Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group chief executive of Petronas, called for “region-specific strategies” and stronger cross-border cooperation to build resilient energy systems.

Southeast Asia is also strengthening its position in clean energy supply chains. In 2023, Viet Nam, Thailand and Malaysia ranked among the world’s largest solar photovoltaic manufacturers after China, reinforcing the region’s growing role in global panel production.

With its scale and growth trajectory, Asia “stands at the forefront of a transformative shift in energy landscapes,” the Global Energy Alliance said. Whether that momentum translates into concrete commitments at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference in November remains uncertain.

The TFR measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. At 0.87, the figure is far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.

Gan warned that persistently low birth rates would make it increasingly difficult to reverse the decline, as fewer women would be of childbearing age in the future. He said the government’s top priority remains supporting Singaporeans in marriage and parenthood.

At the same time, he stressed the need for a “carefully managed immigration flow” to supplement the low birth rate. The government expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years. About 25,000 people became citizens in 2025, up from an annual average of 21,300 between 2020 and 2024.

The number of new permanent residents is also projected to rise to around 40,000 a year. Authorities said immigration will be paced to ensure public infrastructure, including housing and transport, keeps up with population changes.

Singapore’s total population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, a figure previously used as a planning parameter. Officials said it would take considerable time to reach that level under current trends.

Gan said low birth rates and an ageing population would have far-reaching effects on economic growth, national security and social cohesion.

“Low birth rates and an ageing population will profoundly reshape our nation, our society and our economy in the years ahead,” he said.

One in five citizens was aged 65 or older in 2025, compared with one in eight a decade ago. Resident births fell to about 27,500 in 2025, an 11 per cent drop from the previous year and the lowest number on record.

His comments came after the US Supreme Court on February 20 rejected President Donald Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers law, prompting the White House to pivot to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The White House initially announced a 10% global tariff under Section 122 for 150 days, effective 12.01 am on February 24, but Trump later said in a February 21 social media post that the rate would be raised to 15%.

“In all likelihood, this new 15 per cent across-the-board tariff will be applicable to Singapore. We need to be prepared for the impact,” DPM Gan said, adding that if a minimum tariff is applied broadly, it would be difficult for Singapore to negotiate exemptions.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said Singapore is also seeking details on tariff refund processes and on which items will be exempt. MTI noted that certain categories, including energy products, pharmaceuticals and ingredients, certain electronics and aerospace products, and some metals used in currency and bullion, are not covered by the Section 122 tariffs .

For now, Singapore is keeping its 2026 growth forecast at 2% to 4%, while monitoring what happens after the 150-day limit for Section 122 measures expires.

“Crowded, enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission, especially if an individual with untreated active TB is present,” the ministry said.

It stressed that Ramadan itself is not a cause of TB transmission, but warned that increased social interaction during the month could raise exposure risks.

“Ramadan itself is not a cause of TB transmission. However, higher social interaction during the month may increase exposure risks,” the statement added.

The ministry said community awareness and early action remain crucial to controlling the disease. “With collective action, we can ensure a safe and healthy Ramadan for all,” it said, noting that TB spreads differently from respiratory viruses.

“Unlike influenza or Covid-19, TB spreads more slowly and usually requires prolonged and repeated exposure,” the ministry said.

As part of its advisory, the public was urged to practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, ensure indoor areas are well ventilated, wear masks if symptomatic or when in crowded places, and seek medical attention for a cough lasting more than two weeks or other TB-related symptoms.

By state, Sabah recorded the highest number of cases (755), followed by Selangor (596) and Sarawak (332). Johor recorded 280 cases, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya logged 244. At the other end of the scale, Labuan reported the lowest number (18), with Perlis (21) and Melaka (48) also among the lowest.

Nearly 200 of them were from Southeast Asia, according to data secured by Hatzlacha, an Israeli volunteer emergency medical service NGO. The list includes 111 Filipinos, 71 Thais, four Vietnamese, two Singaporeans and one Indonesian recorded as serving in the Israeli military.

Across Asia more broadly, the numbers are also notable: 201 Indian passport holders, 76 Japanese, nine each from Hong Kong and South Korea, seven from China, three from Taiwan , and two each from Nepal and Sri Lanka.

There have been no reported convictions of dual nationals over Gaza-related crimes so far, though complaints have been filed in several countries.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it was aware of reports that two Singaporeans fought with the IDF but had no substantiated information confirming this. Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults.

Indonesia ’s foreign ministry said it could not immediately confirm the reported case of an Indonesian national but would coordinate with relevant agencies. 

Thailand , which permits dual nationality, does not criminalise foreign military service in general circumstances.

Does your country have a national fighting for Israel?

Thus, the researchers underscored that the problem is not whether people in ASEAN are using AI, but whether institutions are equipped to manage it responsibly.

“Across ASEAN, we are seeing AI use grow faster than our systems’ ability to guide it,” said Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation. “These studies move the conversation beyond whether AI is being used to whether our institutions, educators and communities are truly prepared.”

Thailand leads in AI usage

The report points to a widening readiness gap, particularly in education, with surveys conducted across all 10 ASEAN member states showing strong enthusiasm for generative AI tools, especially among younger users.

Of ASEAN’s member countries, Thailand led in AI usage, with adoption concentrated across the digital economy and among the youth. Over 90% of Thai students reportedly use AI tools, particularly for tasks such as writing, summarising and digital design. 

In the Philippines , which is hosting the high-stakes ASEAN Summit this year, more than 80% of students surveyed said they use generative AI in their studies, compared with just over 70% of educators. Many students reported relying on AI for writing and paraphrasing tasks.

Yet fewer than half of Filipino educators expressed confidence in their institutions’ AI policies, suggesting that usage is outpacing formal guidance and training.

Overall unpreparedness

The broader regional study highlights uneven digital preparedness across Southeast Asia, including shortfalls in digital skills, cybersecurity capacity and ethical standards for emerging technologies.

Researchers flagged concerns ranging from online fraud and deepfakes to data breaches and misinformation, warning that unchecked misuse could undermine public trust in digital services.

The urgency for improved digital systems comes as ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to expand sharply by the end of the decade, potentially reaching $1 trillion by 2030, fuelled by a young and increasingly connected population of more than 660 million people.

Access to AI tools alone will not be enough, the report argued.  

Without clearer policies, stronger governance and sustained investment in literacy and safeguards, Southeast Asia’s fast-moving embrace of AI could prove as fragile as it is rapid.

These were presented in Manila during the third regional policy convening of the AI Ready ASEAN programme, an initiative launched in 2024 with a $5 million grant from Google.org to improve AI literacy across the bloc.

However, projections into the country’s economic performance in 2026 are being haunted by uncertainty over US trade policy, which is emerging as a key risk.

Malaysia currently faces a 19 per cent tariff on goods exported to the United States . While recent US semiconductor tariffs were narrower than initially feared, affecting less than 10 per cent of related exports.

Bank Negara Malaysia has projected economic growth of between 4 and 4.5 per cent in 2026, slightly slower than in 2025. The central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.75 per cent, citing stable inflation and steady economic momentum.

Household spending remains strong, supported by wage growth and a healthy labour market. Investment is also holding up, backed by ongoing infrastructure projects and private sector expansion.

Benjaporn Maigate, a street food vendor in Chiang Rai, said money offered during campaigns does little to solve daily struggles.

“There’s a lot of money being thrown around to buy votes, but what people really need are policies that reduce the cost of living, especially electricity and fuel,” she said . She added that her family refuses to accept money in exchange for votes. “If someone tries to buy our vote, we shut the door on them,” she said.

Similar views were shared in Thailand’s north-east, known as Isan, where agriculture remains central to the economy. Farmer Rungnapa Kongsui from Ubon Ratchathani said cash handouts bring only short-lived relief.

“The happiness from money lasts only for a short time,” she said. “But if you support jobs, careers and markets, people will remember that forever.”

The shift in attitudes matters because nearly 25 million voters live in the North and North-east, which together account for 170 of Thailand’s 500 parliamentary seats. While these regions have traditionally backed the Pheu Thai party, recent elections have shown more mixed results.

Voters say empty promises and short-term giveaways are no longer enough. Farmer Saksayam Lakkan, who returned home after working abroad, said real change depends on education and technology. “If the government actually promoted technology and educated the new generation of farmers, we could develop and have a better life,” he said.

The election also includes a referendum on whether to amend Thailand’s 2017 military-era constitution, a process many voters view with scepticism after repeated failed attempts. Political analyst Purawich Watanasukh from Thammasat University said years of stalled reforms have left voters fatigued and wary of grand promises.

His comments came after US President Donald Trump renewed calls in January for US control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore, as a small state, places particular importance on international law because it offers protection against a global order based on raw power.

“We will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect small states and contribute to global peace and stability,” he said.

The foreign minister stressed that Singapore values its longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States, which he described as a key contributor to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, he noted that Singapore also enjoys close and friendly relations with European countries, including Denmark. Singapore’s approach, he said, is to remain principled and consistent, regardless of which country is involved.

“This is because a world order based on ‘might is right’ is more unstable and dangerous, especially for small states,” Dr Balakrishnan said.

Venezuela and military intervention

Dr Balakrishnan also addressed questions about US actions in Venezuela, including a January incident involving the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

He said Singapore had expressed “grave concern” over US military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as contrary to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Singapore has consistently opposed foreign military intervention by any country, he added, citing its past opposition to Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983.

A consistent foreign policy

Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore’s foreign policy is guided by long-term national interests and a consistent respect for international norms, rather than by the actions or influence of any single power.

While he noted that the US has recently withdrawn from dozens of international organisations, he said the immediate impact on Singapore is limited.

As a result , thousands of cannabis shops have closed. Health Ministry data shows that of 8,636 shop licences that expired in 2025, only 15.5% were renewed. More than 7,000 businesses chose to shut down.

Under the new rules, cannabis flower is now classified as a “controlled herb” and can only be purchased with a prescription from a licensed medical professional. Customers are limited to a 30-day supply.

Tourists can still access medical cannabis, but only after consulting a Thai doctor and obtaining a medical certificate, a process that makes casual purchases far less common.

Dispensaries are also now required to employ licensed medical or traditional medicine practitioners on-site.

Other restrictions include a ban on cannabis advertising, prohibition of online sales, and rules against selling in certain public areas. Smoking cannabis in public is illegal and can result in fines of up to 25,000 baht (about US$1,000).

The push follows a brief but intense conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, during which Indian forces relied heavily on satellite imagery to track military movements. Officials said the confrontation exposed blind spots in India’s surveillance capabilities, particularly at night and in bad weather.

To address this, India plans to upgrade its satellites with synthetic aperture radar, a technology that allows imaging in darkness and through cloud cover. The government is also working on systems that enable satellites to share data directly, reducing reliance on ground stations.

The first batch of 52 satellites, under a programme known as Space-Based Surveillance-3, is being fast-tracked and could begin launching as early as April 2026, according to earlier reports by Indian media .

India is also considering building overseas ground stations in regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Scandinavia to speed up data transmission, though these plans would require approval from host governments.

During the 2025 standoff, satellites played a key role in identifying targets, while China reportedly helped Pakistan adjust its satellite coverage, according to an Indian defence research body.

India currently has more than 100 satellites in orbit, compared with about eight operated by Pakistan, according to satellite tracking data.

Figures compiled by the social service agency Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre from media reports show that at least 33 seniors died alone and were not discovered for some time in 2025. In 2024, there were at least 42 such cases. The police do not keep official statistics on undetected deaths, according to a parliamentary reply in 2024.

One widely reported case occurred in Jurong East in 2024, when the decomposing body of an 80-year-old woman was found in her flat after neighbours complained of a strong smell. Her husband was hospitalised at the time of her death.

The number of seniors living alone has also risen in the country. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament that about 87,000 residents aged 65 and above were living alone in 2024, a 50 per cent increase from 58,000 in 2018.

Social service agencies say isolation is a key factor. Elaine Ho, head of community health at Loving Heart, said some seniors avoid social interaction, stop going out and gradually experience declining health.

To address the problem, community groups are expanding befriending and outreach programmes. Loving Heart plans to launch a “No More Undetected Deaths” project in early 2026, using trained volunteers to regularly check on vulnerable seniors living alone in Jurong East.

The initiative will begin with two housing blocks in Yuhua and aims to eventually support up to 400 seniors. Volunteers will be trained to build relationships, identify warning signs and link seniors to appropriate support.

Ong has said such befriending programmes are essential to preventing seniors from dying alone at home, adding that outreach efforts by grassroots volunteers, active ageing centres and government agencies will continue to be strengthened.

Dr Nguyen Minh Phong, former head of the Economic Research Division at the Hanoi Institute for Socio-Economic Development Studies, said the discovery will help Vietnam reduce reliance on imports, increase self-sufficiency, and potentially expand export capacity. He added that Vietnamese crude is considered high quality, offering economic and trade benefits regionally and globally, even if the impact on global markets remains minimal.

The field is operated by US firm Murphy Oil Corporation alongside PetroVietnam. Nguyen noted that Vietnam is also investing in a diversified energy strategy, including hydropower, renewables, and nuclear power, aiming for long-term energy independence while carefully managing economic and political interests.

Indonesia has strengthened its crackdown on illegal mining as part of efforts to protect the environment, enforce immigration laws and curb criminal activity. Under Indonesian law, foreign nationals are prohibited from engaging in gold exploration, mining, processing or trading in any individual capacity. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to 100 billion rupiah (approximately US$6.4 million).

The Chinese Embassy warned its citizens not to be misled by claims that mining operations have “powerful backers” or that local disputes have been “settled.” It described the gold mining sector as highly risky, with complex power dynamics and serious security threats.

“Any foreign citizen involved in these activities is considered to be engaging in illegal gold mining ,” the embassy said, adding that such actions can breach mining, immigration, forestry and environmental laws at the same time.

The advisory urged Chinese nationals to strictly comply with Indonesian regulations and avoid all forms of illegal mining, including so-called “private gold mines” or informal cooperative sites. It also warned against involvement in related activities such as transporting or selling illegally mined gold.

Indonesian authorities have stated that the crackdown is necessary to protect local communities and ecosystems, particularly in resource-rich yet fragile regions.

Caring for such a large number of animals comes at a high cost. Sutrisno says the shelter consumes about 100 kilograms of rice a day, along with large quantities of chicken, to ensure the animals are fed. Managing these daily needs has become one of her biggest challenges.

To keep the shelter running, Sutrisno relies on selling crackers and receiving donations, adjusting her work to ensure food supplies do not run out. Indonesia continues to face widespread issues with stray animals, particularly in areas with limited access to veterinary care, though measures such as bans on the dog and cat meat trade and Trap-Neuter-Release programmes have been introduced in some regions.

Indonesian police in West Java detained about a dozen suspects in mid-2025, accusing them of running an illegal network that allegedly trafficked newborn babies, mainly to Singapore. Local authorities believe the syndicate had been operating since 2023 and may have moved at least 25 infants.

Singaporean authorities said they have asked Indonesia’s police and social affairs ministry to share investigation findings and are assisting with inquiries at Indonesia’s request. The police are also checking information related to three Singaporeans allegedly linked to the case.

While investigations continue, some adoption-related processes in Singapore have been affected. Officials said citizenship applications for children linked to the case have been delayed, and adoptive parents are being engaged to explain the situation.

The Singapore government acknowledged the anxiety caused to families involved and said it is working to resolve cases as quickly as possible while safeguarding the welfare of the children.

Both governments say the review aims to ensure that adoption processes are lawful, transparent and focused on the best interests of the children, while holding any individuals involved in trafficking fully accountable.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the measures are part of a push to ensure that tourism brings sustainable benefits to local communities rather than straining infrastructure and social norms.

“One aspect of quality tourism is the amount of money in visitors’ savings accounts over the past three months,” Koster said at a tourism event in Gianyar, adding that visitor behaviour and purpose of travel would also be considered.

Why Bali is doing this

Bali has struggled with the side effects of mass tourism, including traffic congestion, environmental damage, illegal work by tourists, and rising cases of disrespectful behaviour at cultural and religious sites. Officials say budget travellers who overstay visas or seek informal work have added pressure to public services.

By tightening entry requirements, the provincial government hopes to attract visitors who can afford longer, more responsible stays and who contribute more consistently to the local economy.

Who could be affected

The policy is expected to apply mainly to international tourists, particularly those planning extended stays. Short-term holidaymakers may face fewer checks, but authorities have not yet released detailed guidelines.

Digital nomads, long-stay tourists and backpackers are likely to be most affected, especially if they cannot demonstrate sufficient funds or clear travel plans.

Officials stress that the policy is not meant to discourage tourism, but to reset it. “This is about quality, not quantity,” Bali authorities say.

According to Edy Eko Putranto, Director General for Residence Permits at the Immigration Department, at least five people have already applied for the programme, though their applications are still under review.

“We are involving a team to make those reviews first. We have to find out whether these people are eligible or not,” Edy told state news agency Antara.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility for the GCI programme extends beyond former Indonesian citizens. It also includes: Children and grandchildren of former Indonesian nationals, spouses of Indonesian citizens, and children born to marriages between Indonesian citizens and foreigners. However, the programme comes with strict exclusions. It does not apply to individuals from territories that were once part of Indonesia, nor to people linked to separatist movements. Those who have served as civil servants, intelligence officers or military personnel in foreign countries are also barred from applying.

What does it offer?

Successful applicants will receive an unlimited stay permit, allowing them to live and work in Indonesia without the need for repeated visa renewals. While it stops short of full citizenship, the permit provides long-term legal stability and access to employment benefits that many in the Indonesian diaspora have long sought.

Officials have described the scheme as a practical alternative to dual citizenship, balancing national sovereignty concerns with the desire to attract skills, investment and cultural ties from overseas Indonesians.

Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, December 27, to end nearly three weeks of intense fighting along their shared border that killed more than 100 people and displaced over half a million civilians. The truce, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, took effect at noon local time and applies to all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, infrastructure and military targets. Both sides agreed to freeze troop deployments, refrain from provocative actions, avoid spreading false information, and maintain open communication. The deal also provides for ASEAN observers to monitor implementation, while Thailand has committed to releasing 18 Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours if the ceasefire holds. The United Nations, China, Malaysia and the United States welcomed the agreement as a positive step toward restoring peace, with talks involving Thailand, Cambodia and China scheduled to take place in Yunnan.

Thailand accuses Cambodia of breaching ceasefire with drone activity

Thailand’s army has accused Cambodia of violating the newly signed ceasefire, claiming more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected flying from the Cambodian side on Sunday night, December 28. In a statement issued on December 29, the Royal Thai Army said the alleged activity constituted provocation and could force Thailand to reconsider the release of the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn described the incident as a minor issue related to drone flights observed by both sides along the border. The accusations came shortly after China and the United States praised the ceasefire as a hard-won breakthrough, amid longstanding tensions between the two neighbours that have periodically erupted into violence over disputed border areas.

Israeli-led dance festival in northern Thailand cancelled amid threats and vandalism

An Israeli-led series of electronic dance events in Pai, northern Thailand, has been cancelled after organisers reported online incitement, vandalism and mounting pressure from local authorities. The Loop Festival, organised by Israeli residents working with international collaborators, faced accusations on social media following its first event, alongside incidents in which promotional materials were burned, and equipment was destroyed or stolen. Despite holding a second event at an alternative venue, organisers said authorities later informed them that future parties would not be allowed to proceed. The founders said the cancellations resulted in significant financial losses and expressed concern over antisemitic rhetoric, while stating they did not blame local residents who felt threatened by the controversy.

Bangkok warns of higher PM2.5 pollution risk over New Year period

Bangkok’s Air Quality Information Centre has warned of an increased risk of PM2.5 pollution buildup between December 28 and January 1 due to weakening air ventilation. According to the updated outlook covering December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, air circulation is expected to be relatively good on December 26–27, before deteriorating from December 28–30 and remaining poor through New Year’s Day. Authorities said heavy traffic and outdoor activities could worsen pollution levels, particularly between 6:00 pm and 9:00 am in inner-city and downwind areas. Conditions are expected to improve from January 2–3. Residents, especially children and older people, were advised to limit outdoor activities during high-risk periods and monitor air quality.

Public access adjusted for New Year’s Day royal rites at Grand Palace

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that public access to pay final respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, at Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall will be suspended on January 1. Members of the public will instead be able to sign the book of condolences and pay respects in front of her portrait at the Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion from 8 am to 5 pm. Ticket sales for full tours of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be cancelled on New Year’s Day, though access to the Emerald Buddha Temple will remain open via a designated gate. Authorities said nearly 395,000 people have paid their respects since October 27.

Footage captured by Viory in Bangkok showed traffic flowing normally as people moved through the city, passing shopping centres and convenience stores, suggesting a return to everyday life even as uncertainty over the ceasefire lingered.

Several locals questioned whether the ceasefire would hold, citing previous breakdowns in relations between the two neighbours. Some expressed hope that the agreement would hold, while others voiced doubts rooted in past experience.

Visitors also weighed in on the development, with some stressing that any effort to end the fighting was positive. A visitor from South Korea described the ceasefire as a necessary first step towards peace , noting that conflict brings harm to all sides.

Thailand and Cambodia signed the ceasefire on Saturday after delegations met at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province. The agreement followed weeks of escalating violence along the border, during which both countries reported military and civilian casualties.

The move follows figures from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) showing that about 41,800 foreigners were turned away at Singapore’s checkpoints in the first 11 months of 2025. That is nearly 26% more than the total for all of 2024, and 46% higher than in 2023.

Under the new system, airlines will work with Singapore authorities to identify high-risk or prohibited travellers before they depart. These include people with criminal records, those using forged documents or multiple identities, and individuals banned from entering Singapore.

ICA said it has already strengthened checks at its borders using automated lanes with forgery detection, biometric screening and data analytics. These tools allow officers to spot impersonation attempts and other security risks more quickly.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Joe Tan said advance passenger information and analytics are also used to flag travellers for closer scrutiny even before they arrive.

“We do not deny travellers entry simply because they are identified as high-risk upstream,” he said. “They are stopped for further checks, interviews and investigations to determine their eligibility." 

The new directive pushes these checks even further upstream, preventing certain travellers from flying to Singapore at all. Authorities say this will reduce congestion at checkpoints and improve overall security.

Similar systems are already used in countries such as the United States and Australia. In the US, airlines screen passengers against a federal watch list, while Australia uses its Movement Alert List to flag people of interest before travel.

Authorities say the syndicate was operating large-scale drug-processing laboratories hidden inside residential homes and industrial buildings. Among the properties raided was a three-storey bungalow that had been converted into a drug lab.

Police seized massive quantities of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA in both liquid and powder form, along with chemical equipment used to process and package the drugs. Investigators estimate the drugs could have supplied more than 60 million users.

According to the police, the syndicate had been active since April and was supplying drugs to overseas markets. One suspect is believed to have acted as a chemist, while others managed storage and processing sites. The foreign women arrested were described as partners of the male suspects.

In addition to the drugs, police seized several vehicles and other assets as part of the investigation. The suspects remain in custody as authorities continue to track possible links to international trafficking networks.

In 2019 , Malaysian authorities seized nearly 3,700kg of ketamine and cocaine worth about $161m in the country’s biggest drug haul to date. Malaysia has, over the years, become a key transit point for illegal narcotics, with authorities seizing record amounts of crystal methamphetamine in the past year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the measures are intended to ensure that criminal laws remain “effective, fair and responsive” as fraud becomes one of Singapore’s most significant public safety threats.

People who knowingly allow their bank accounts or personal details to be used to launder scam proceeds may also face caning of up to 12 strokes, alongside jail terms and fines. Judges will also have the discretion to impose caning for other forms of fraud.

Scams now account for about 60% of all reported crime in Singapore, according to government figures. Between 2020 and the first half of 2025, nearly 190,000 scam cases were reported, with losses estimated at 3.7 billion Singapore dollars (about US$2.8 billion).

Officials say common scams include phishing, fake job offers, online shopping fraud, investment schemes and impersonation scams.

Judicial caning , a form of corporal punishment carried out with a rattan cane, is already used in Singapore for serious crimes such as robbery and sexual offences. It applies to male offenders under the age of 50 and is imposed in addition to prison sentences.

Indonesian police said the arrest followed an investigation into two suspicious packages sent to Ahchee from England . Authorities believe he intended to distribute the drugs locally, although Ahchee denied knowing the packages contained cocaine.

Delivering the verdict on Thursday, Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the large quantity of drugs posed a serious risk to public safety and could harm Bali’s tourism industry. The court also cited Ahchee’s lack of cooperation during the investigation as an aggravating factor.

The sentence was harsher than prosecutors had requested. In addition to the prison term, Ahchee was fined two billion rupiah (about US$120,000).

Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws and remains a major target for international trafficking networks, according to the United Nations . More than 500 people, including dozens of foreigners, are currently on death row in the country, most for drug-related offences.

Socheata said Cambodia was calling on Thailand to immediately halt all hostile actions and withdraw its forces from Cambodian territory. She added that while some frontlines remained calm, Cambodian forces were on high alert due to continued Thai military activity near the Preah Vihear Temple and other surrounding areas. According to her statement, Thai forces initiated tank and infantry assaults in the area with artillery support, including what she described as the use of toxic gas and cluster bombs.

The spokesperson also stressed that Cambodia has consistently upheld its obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law. Her remarks came a day after Thailand’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had struck Cambodian positions in retaliation for attacks on Thai territory.

The renewed clashes follow rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border last week. Thailand reported nine soldiers killed and four civilian deaths during evacuations, while Cambodia said 11 civilians were killed and 74 were injured. The current ceasefire was originally brokered by US President Donald Trump and signed on 26 October after a previous border crisis, with both sides blaming each other for the latest outbreak of violence.

The government will also simplify paperwork through a one-stop digital portal that allows employers to register migrant workers for health insurance more easily. Each medical visit under the scheme will continue to cost a fixed co-payment of S$5, whether consultations are in person or online.

Singapore’s Minister of Manpower said the reforms will ease pressure on public hospitals, strengthen the country’s health care system and improve preparedness for future health emergencies, while ensuring migrant workers receive timely and reliable care.

"Migrant workers will have shorter travel times, receive help more quickly when they are sick, and experience less disruption to their work and rest schedules."

Launched in 2022, the PCP now covers more than 500,000 migrant workers in sectors such as construction, marine and manufacturing. Officials say about 90% of workers report that healthcare has become more accessible and less expensive since the scheme began.

The Games were first launched in Bangkok as the “SEAP Games,” before expanding in 1977 to include all Southeast Asian nations.

Across 32 completed editions, Southeast Asia has seen a wide range of records set . 

Thailand remains the winningest nation in SEA Games history, with 13 overall titles, ahead of Indonesia’s 10 and Vietnam’s three. 

Vietnam holds the mark for the most gold medals in a single edition, winning 205 golds at the 2021 Hanoi Games. It was the first time any country surpassed 200 gold medals.

The SEA Games have grown not only in the level of competition but also in scale. The 2023 Phnom Penh SEA Games recorded 6,210 athletes — the highest participation on record — and marked Cambodia’s return as host after six decades.

Individual athletes have contributed their own milestones . Singapore’s Joscelin Yeo remains the most successful SEA Games athlete with 40 gold medals from eight appearances. Fellow Singaporean Eileen Chai Ee Juang is the youngest athlete ever to compete, joining the 1985 Games at age seven.

Conversely, Filipino billiards icon Efren Reyes competed at the 2021 Games at 68, making him the oldest known SEA Games athlete. Since his debut in 1987, Reyes has taken part in 11 editions and won six gold medals.

Host nations have also played a major role in shaping the competition. Manila holds the record for the most sports in a single edition, staging 56 events in 2019. This year’s Games in Thailand feature 50 sports and four demonstration events, with 574 gold medals at stake.

As competition continues across Thailand, the 2025 SEA Games are poised to add another chapter to a regional sporting tradition now more than six decades old.

Under the proposed rules, social media companies that allow under-16s to create accounts could face penalties of up to RM10 million (about USD $2.1 million).

Fahmi said the government is studying how other countries are implementing similar restrictions, including Australia, which this month became the first nation to ban social media access for those under 16. Platforms there face fines of up to AU$49.5 million (about USD $33 million) if they fail to enforce the ban.

Malaysia’s decision follows rising concern about online safety for children . Fahmi cited a recent incident involving a primary school pupil who requested indecent images from a teacher via WhatsApp as an example of why tighter controls are needed.

The white paper presents China as a supporter of the United Nations-centred global order and a “builder of world peace.” It further reiterates Beijing’s calls for countries to uphold existing treaties on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and argues that developing nations should have a greater say in international security frameworks.

China says it “conscientiously fulfils” its obligations under major arms control treaties, though several Western governments have previously accused Beijing of opacity in areas such as nuclear modernisation.

The country has further restated its long-held positions on nuclear weapons, including its “ no-first-use ” pledge and opposition to nuclear arms races. It calls for global reductions in nuclear arsenals but does not indicate that China intends to cut its own stockpile, which US intelligence agencies believe is expanding.

China accused unnamed states of destabilising global security through military alliances and missile defence systems.

One of the most important sections concerns outer space, cyberspace and artificial intelligence, areas the white paper calls “new territories of global governance .”

China proposes, amongst others, international norms for cyber operations and global oversight of AI systems with military applications. The document warns that rapid developments in emerging technologies could undermine global stability if not properly regulated.

China says it is strengthening its internal non-proliferation controls and improving oversight of sensitive technologies. It also noted that it is advancing programmes aimed at supporting developing countries to use advanced technologies for peaceful purposes.

The white paper concludes by linking arms control to China’s diplomatic agenda, and calls for an “equal and orderly multipolar world” and a “community with a shared future for humanity”.

“SNI will strengthen consumer confidence and expand markets,” Agus said in a statement. “Improving batik quality is both cultural protection and economic strategy.”

The Ministry of Industry is working closely with the National Standardisation Agency (BSN) and the Big Workshop for Standardisation and Service of Craft and Batik Industry (BBSPJIKB) to encourage batik makers to meet SNI 0239:2019,  the official benchmark for authentic batik.

The standard outlines the distinctions between hand-drawn batik, stamped batik, and combination batik, defining authentic batik through the use of hot wax and traditional tools such as the canting. The motifs and craftsmanship are also key elements recognised under the standard. 

Director General for Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries Reni Yanita said standardisation is crucial not only for preserving cultural values but also for helping artisans compete fairly.

“SNI allows consumers to distinguish genuine batik from mass-produced printed fabrics,” she said. “Quality standards protect small and medium industry players and ensure the correct production process.”

Batik is an ancient Indonesian art form of dyeing fabric by applying wax to create intricate, colourful patterns.

Disclaimer: The image used in this article is AI-generated

The revised KUHAP clarifies that police investigators retain primary arrest authority, while civil investigators may only arrest on police orders. The Attorney General’s Office, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Indonesian Navy remain exempt and may act under their own laws.

Arrests must be supported by at least two pieces of evidence, and investigators must provide a suspect with an assignment letter and an arrest warrant detailing the reason for arrest and the alleged crime . A copy must be given to the suspect’s family or local authorities within 24 hours. Warrant requirements, however, do not apply to suspects caught red-handed, a provision rights groups say could be easily abused.

Indonesia’s Minister of Human Rights , Natalius Pigai, defended the legislation, saying that “eighty percent of human rights elements” had been incorporated. He said the ministry submitted extensive recommendations during parliamentary discussions and was willing to facilitate further dialogue for those who felt unheard.

But Amnesty International Indonesia has rejected the government’s claims, calling for the revision to be revoked entirely. Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena described the process as opaque and exclusionary, noting that parliament uploaded the final draft less than 24 hours before enactment. “This effectively prevented meaningful engagement with civil society,” he said.

These figures appear to contrast with Jakarta’s placement in a Time Out survey, in which the London-based lifestyle publication interviewed more than 18,000 residents world wide for its report, “The Happiest Cities in the World 2025.” Jakarta ranked 18th globally and was celebrated for its food scene, culture, and social vibrancy.

But Jakarta’s Deputy Governor Rano Karno insists the numbers don’t tell a contradictory story.

“Jakarta is a happy city,” he said at City Hall. “There’s no such thing as a ‘depressed city.’ Depression occurs in certain regions or groups, not the entire population. We have to survey it.”

How can a ‘happy city’ still have rising depression?

The country’s public-health specialists say global “happiness indexes” often measure lifestyle satisfaction, such as access to entertainment, restaurants, culture, community spirit, and public transportation , not mental-health outcomes. Therefore, a city may offer a lively environment that residents enjoy while still grappling with pressures that worsen mental health, such as long working hours, heavy traffic and long commutes, high living costs, limited access to mental-health services and urban isolation.

The Ministry of Health added that urban centres tend to show higher mental-health burdens precisely because of these stress factors. 

The data shows that mental-health challenges vary across Indonesia. West Java recorded the highest rate, with 4.4% of residents experiencing mental-health issues, more than double the national average.

The Central Jakarta District Court has sentenced former ASDP Indonesia Ferry CEO Ira Puspadewi to 4.5 years in prison and a Rp500 million fine for corruption linked to the 2019 - 2022 acquisition of PT Jembatan Nusantara (JN). The court found Ira guilty of enriching PT JN owner Adjie by Rp1.25 trillion (approx. US$78.1 million) through an irregular business cooperation scheme. Chief Judge Sunoto read out the verdict on Thursday, noting it was lighter than the 8.5-year sentence sought by prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The case is one of Indonesia’s most high-profile corporate graft scandals this year, Kompas reports . ASDP Indonesia Ferry is a state-owned Indonesian company that operates an integrated ferry and port service to connect the archipelago, along with developing waterfront tourism.

500,000 hectares for cattle farms to combat milk shortage

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the creation of 500,000 hectares of cattle farms to address a milk shortage affecting the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program. Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency Nanik S. Deyang said 300,000 hectares will be developed outside Java and 200,000 within. “The President has given instructions. A cattle farm will soon be established to meet the needs of the MBG and the Indonesian people,” she said . The farms are expected to produce 3 million litres of milk per day, with Agrinas and the Agriculture Ministry spearheading the effort. Plans also include expanding soy milk production to supplement the dairy supply.

Indonesia and Austria to establish carbon trade agreement

Indonesia is preparing to sign a carbon trade agreement with Austria, Minister of Environment and BPLH Head Hanif Faisol Nurofiq announced after meeting Austrian Minister Norbert Totschnig in Vienna. The partnership will include a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) to support both countries’ carbon market frameworks. “We believe that a well-functioning carbon market will contribute to achieving Indonesia’s climate targets while encouraging green investment,” Hanif said . Indonesia’s carbon trade transactions reached Rp7 trillion (approx. US$437.5 million) at COP30 in Brazil, with a potential of 14.5 million tons of CO₂ in future trading.

Riau flu outbreak among Talang Mamak tribe

Health authorities say an Influenza A outbreak that killed five children and infected more than 200 members of the Talang Mamak Indigenous community in Indragiri Hulu, Riau, is now under control. Acting Health Agency head Heri Permana confirmed that no new cases have been reported since late October. “Hopefully there will be no additional patients so we can focus on recovery efforts,” said Sandra, head of the local health agency. A report by Jakarta Post indicated that the outbreak, which mostly affected children and infants, had spread rapidly through the remote hamlet before medical teams intervened with treatment and supplies.

Over 1,000 evacuated after Mount Semeru eruption

More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated following a series of eruptions at Mount Semeru, East Java’s tallest volcano, which spewed ash clouds up to 2 kilometres high and sent lava flows 13 kilometres down its slopes. Authorities reported several injuries and deployed emergency response teams to Lumajang and Malang regencies to assist displaced residents. The 3,676-meter volcano, one of Indonesia’s most active, has been under heightened monitoring since its previous major eruption in 2021.

The ruling sets a new ceiling of 95 years for land-use rights in Nusantara and makes clear that even this maximum must be revisited periodically. The judges said the earlier arrangement failed the Constitution’s test of fairness and public interest, which obliges the state to manage land for the benefit of all citizens, not lock it up for generations.

The case was brought by a member of the Dayak community and a resident of Sepaku, East Kalimantan, where the new capital is being built. They argued that 190-year rights would sideline local people , weaken safeguards against land grabs and reduce the state’s ability to correct mistakes or respond to changing needs over time.

The project, budgeted at roughly US$30 billion, has relied on long tenure as a key selling point for private capital.

Politically, the ruling adds pressure to a flagship plan championed by former president Joko Widodo and inherited by his successor, Prabowo Subianto. While Prabowo has pledged to press ahead, his administration is also shifting resources toward social programmes and Danantara, a new sovereign wealth vehicle expected to manage up to US$1 trillion in state assets.

Scam and fraud claims against Singapore’s digital banks have more than doubled in 2025, with 94 cases reported in the first eight months, up from 42 in all of 2024. The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) said these cases, worth S$2.5 million, mainly involved compromised credentials and impersonation scams, Straits Times reports. Victims were often deceived by phishing or scammers posing as officials. Fidrec added that claims against digital banks rose from 2.1% of total cases in 2023 to 8.7% in 2025, signalling a worrying trend as online banking expands.

Two Singaporeans arrested in Cambodia-based scam ring

Two Singaporean men, Wayne Soh You Chen and Brian Sie Eng Fa, have been deported and arrested for their alleged roles in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate accused of running government official impersonation scams. The syndicate, believed to be led by fugitive Ng Wei Liang, allegedly defrauded victims in at least 438 cases, costing S$41 million. Straits Times reports both men were captured abroad after months on the run, while 32 other members, including 25 Singaporeans and 7 Malaysians, remain at large.  

Autonomous vehicle testing

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has greenlit Grab and WeRide to conduct autonomous vehicle testing for their Ai.R fleet in Punggol. The trial will pave the way for Singapore’s first public autonomous shuttle service by early 2026. The service will link residents to key areas such as Punggol Coast MRT, bus interchanges, and shopping malls, Business Times reports. The AVs, trained to navigate local road conditions and weather, will gather real-world data to enhance their AI driving models. The programme will see test runs increase fourfold by year-end.  

Study links heavy social media use to mental distress

A national mental health study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has found that young people who spend over three hours daily on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on interviews with 2,600 respondents aged 15 - 35, the research showed that 30.6% reported severe symptoms, while cyberbullying and body image issues were strong contributing factors. IMH noted that youth with higher resilience and social support were less likely to suffer mental health strain. The study was conducted with the Ministry of Health and NUS’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Today Online reports.

5.5% - 7.5% pay rise for low-wage workers

The National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers to grant built-in wage increases of 5.5% to 7.5% for workers earning up to S$2,700 a month from December 2025 to November 2026. Firms performing well should raise pay at the higher end of the range or by at least S$105 - S$125. The move, which covers about 57,600 workers, comes amid modest GDP growth of 1.5% - 2.5% for 2025 and persistent cost pressures. The council also announced higher pay floors for administrators and drivers under the Occupational Progressive Wages scheme, set to take effect in July 2026.

Cambodia has begun pulling back heavy weapons from its border with Thailand, marking the first phase of implementing the peace agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Defence Ministry spokeswoman Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said the withdrawal began late on October 26, with ASEAN observers inspecting returning armoured vehicles in Siem Reap the following morning. The move follows the joint declaration signed by Prime Ministers Hun Manet and Anutin Charnvirakul, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim.

General suspended for pistol-whipping woman in traffic dispute

Cambodia’s National Military Police have suspended Brigadier General Chhim Chhem and referred his case to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court after he pistol-whipped a woman during a traffic altercation. Chhem is charged with “intentional acts of violence” under Article 217 of the Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of six months to three years. Authorities said Chhem attacked 20-year-old Pen Sokna after she blocked his car and demanded $5 in compensation for damage to her motorcycle. He has admitted guilt and pledged to compensate the victim.

Cambodia to scrap all tariffs on US goods under landmark trade deal

Cambodia will remove all tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products under a new trade agreement announced by the White House, granting American exporters unprecedented market access. The deal, signed alongside the ASEAN Summit, commits Cambodia to eliminate duties on US food, machinery and manufactured goods, while Washington will maintain a 19% reciprocal tariff, except for certain products that will face none. Phnom Penh also pledged to cut non-tariff barriers, recognise US safety and agricultural standards, and bolster labour, environmental and intellectual property protections. President Trump hailed the pact as “a forward-looking and tough trade deal” benefiting American workers and farmers.

Four foreigners arrested in Siem Reap over online ‘love scam’

Cambodian authorities have arrested four foreign nationals in Siem Reap for allegedly running a cryptocurrency “love scam” targeting victims abroad. The joint operation, carried out on October 24 by provincial police and prosecutors, led to the arrest of three Chinese men — Xiao Song, Han Jiajia and Qin Cilong — and a Vietnamese woman, Luong Thi Que, at a rented villa in Sala Kanseng Village. Officers seized computers, phones and other evidence. The suspects admitted to posing as online romantics to defraud victims. Officials said the arrests form part of Cambodia’s wider crackdown on technology-based crime.

Cop killed in Kampong Thom drug raid

A police officer was killed and another seriously injured after a drug dealer opened fire with an AK-47 during a crackdown in Kampong Thom province on October 23. The shooting occurred in Bek Chan village, Taing Kork district, when suspect Thorn Dina, 29, and an accomplice opened fire on officers, killing Lieutenant Colonel Huon Saway and injuring Lieutenant Colonel Tim Channy. The suspects fled on a motorbike toward Kampong Cham province. Police have launched a manhunt. 

Alongside the peace deal, Trump announced a raft of new trade and defence agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, signalling a renewed US economic push in a region increasingly shaped by China’s influence.

Malaysia emerged as the biggest economic winner. Under a new reciprocal trade agreement, Kuala Lumpur will cut or eliminate nearly all tariffs on US exports, ending long-standing barriers on American agricultural goods, motor vehicles, and industrial products. The deal also commits Malaysia to recognise US regulatory standards, streamlining future trade.

The United States and Malaysia further elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a move accompanied by major commercial deals. These include multi-year agreements for up to $3.4 billion in annual LNG purchases, $42.6 million in coal sales, and a landmark order for 30 Boeing aircraft with an option for 30 more.

Additional purchases of US semiconductors, aerospace components, and data centre equipment are expected to total $150 billion. The two countries also signed an MOU on critical minerals, expanding cooperation across exploration, extraction, and manufacturing.

Cambodia also gained from Trump’s visit. In exchange for signing the peace accord, Phnom Penh secured the removal of a US arms embargo and an agreement to restart the Angkor Sentinel joint defence exercise, suspended since 2017. Cambodian officers will also gain more training opportunities at American military academies.

Trump and Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to deepen collaboration against transnational crime, including cyber scams and narcotics trafficking, which Washington says cost Americans billions each year.

In Thailand, Trump and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a new framework for reciprocal trade that could eliminate tariff barriers on 99% of goods. They also signed a memorandum to boost cooperation on critical minerals, cybercrime , and supply chain resilience.

Vietnam joined the list of beneficiaries as Trump unveiled a framework for a fair and balanced trade agreement that would grant preferential market access to nearly all US industrial and agricultural exports.

Trump’s short visit ended with him attending the annual US-ASEAN Summit, where he pledged America ’s continued commitment to regional peace and prosperity. 

But one figure stood out: among the heads of state was a non-leader.

At the far end of the line stood U Hau Khan Sum, the permanent secretary of Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was there in place of his country’s leader, barred from attending.

The absence traces back to Myanmar’s turbulent recent history.

In 2021, the military seized power from the elected government, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and installing a junta under Min Aung Hlaing. The coup sparked a civil war that has killed tens of thousands, with the military now controlling only about a fifth of the country.

Although the junta handed authority to an interim civilian government in July and announced plans for elections in December, observers warn the move could simply legitimise military rule.

ASEAN’s response has been firm. In 2021, the bloc — including Hlaing himself — adopted a five-point peace plan to end the violence and foster dialogue. Four years later, progress has been negligible.

Citing the junta’s failure to implement the plan, ASEAN has continued to bar Myanmar’s military leaders from attending high-level meetings. The country was also stripped of its turn to host the 2026 summits, a responsibility now passed to the Philippines .

Some member states have floated the idea of reintegrating Myanmar’s leadership, arguing that engagement might yield results. Yet for now, as the world ’s most influential leaders gather for the 47th ASEAN Summit, Myanmar remains on the sidelines.

Footage from this year’s event captured by Viory shows dramatic scenes at the Bang Liao Shrine, where devotees known as 'Mah Song' or “Horses of the gods” entered trances believed to be guided by divine possession. In these altered states, participants had their cheeks pierced with swords, rods, tree branches, and even tools like axes and machetes. Others were seen walking barefoot over burning embers, part of the traditional fire-walking ceremony.

According to tradition, the Mah Song’s pain-defying acts serve a purpose of absorbing bad luck and misfortune, protecting the community from evil spirits, and ensuring good fortune in the year to come.

Each day of the festival sees loud processions through the streets of Phuket Town, with devotees parading past shrines, firecrackers in the background, and the air thick with incense smoke.

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt border hostilities and release 18 detained soldiers under a “peace deal” signed on Sunday and witnessed by US President Donald Trump at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump hailed the accord, signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian leader Hun Manet, as “an incredible job for humanity.” The joint declaration commits both nations to withdraw heavy weapons, remove landmines and resolve disputes peacefully. Trump, who credited US mediation for averting further conflict, also announced upcoming trade and minerals agreements with the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Thailand begins year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit

Thailand began a year-long funeral for former queen Sirikit on Sunday, as mourners gathered in Bangkok to pay respects to the “Mother of the Nation.” The 93-year-old royal, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died on Friday after years of illness. Her body was moved from Chulalongkorn Hospital to the Grand Palace, where it will lie in state for a year before cremation. Citizens have been asked to wear muted colours and suspend celebrations for 90 days. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delayed his ASEAN trip to attend the initial ceremonies.

Anutin asserts authority to dissolve parliament early 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his right to dissolve Parliament at any time, hinting that he could do so before the agreed January deadline. Speculation has mounted that Anutin may call an early election to pre-empt a possible censure motion against his minority coalition. While the constitutional amendment process has advanced past its first reading, Anutin said, “If that day comes, let the people decide.”

Pheu Thai may choose non-Shinawatra leader after Paetongtarn’s exit

The opposition Pheu Thai Party will hold a general assembly on October 31 to elect a new leader following Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation amid a credibility slump tied to her leaked phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Party elections director Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the next leader “may not be a Shinawatra,” but denied rumours he would take the post, saying he is “too old” and prefers new-generation leadership. He dismissed reports that his family pressured Paetongtarn to quit, calling them “completely untrue,” and vowed to restore the party’s strength ahead of the next general election.

Thailand urges regional action on online scams at ASEAN Summit

Thailand is calling for stronger regional cooperation to combat online scams and cybercrime , as well as to deepen economic ties, ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Bolbongse Vangphaen, the director-general of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and fellow leaders will reaffirm their commitment to peace, digital growth and sustainability amid global instability. Thailand, which chairs ASEAN’s digital economy negotiations, is pushing the “Bangkok Declaration Against Online Scams” and a joint declaration on cybercrime.