Between October 1, 2024, and June 13, 2025, authorities inspected over 31,000 foreign workers, revealing widespread violations:

Thailand classifies certain occupations as entirely or conditionally restricted to safeguard its workforce , but according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Phumipat Mueanchan, many employers bypass legal channels, and enforcement has been lax in some regions.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates 3.9 million migrant workers are legally employed in Thailand, and the country remains a major destination for regional labour.

Thai authorities are under increasing pressure to balance economic reliance on foreign workers with the protection of domestic jobs amid slowing growth and rising automation.

The Labour Ministry has vowed to step up inspections and penalise violators, including employers, while urging businesses to comply with regulations and seek formal permits when hiring foreign staff.

Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a phone call on June 14, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. During the call, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar’s strong condemnation of the recent Israeli strike on Iranian territory, calling it a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. He also emphasised the importance of de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Iran tells Qatar it won’t negotiate under fire

Iran has informed Qatari mediators that it will not engage in ceasefire or nuclear deal negotiations while under attack, according to a source familiar with the talks, reported by PressBee . The message, also conveyed to Oman, makes clear that Tehran will only consider diplomatic discussions, whether related to a truce with Israel or the revival of the nuclear agreement with the U.S. after it completes its military response to recent Israeli strikes.

Qatar to support the establishment of Islamic medical school

Ghana’s Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has requested support from the Qatar Education Foundation to establish an Islamic Medical School in the Northern Region. The proposed institution, intended to serve as a teaching hospital for the University for Development Studies, aims to expand access to medical education and improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Mr. Iddrisu made the appeal during a meeting in Accra with Qatar’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al-Mesallam.

Qatar and France deepen bilateral ties

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, co-chaired the third Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue in Paris on June 12. The meeting reviewed progress made since the Amir of Qatar’s state visit to France in February 2024, highlighting new cooperation across security, defence, economy, trade, investment, and education. Both nations reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations and committed to further expanding their strategic partnership.

Qatar records over $2.7 billion in FDI in 2024

Qatar attracted more than $2.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, according to the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) , marking a 110% year-on-year increase in project numbers and a 123% rise in job creation. A total of 241 new projects were established, generating over 9,000 jobs. Key investment sectors included electric power generation, data processing and hosting, retail and wholesale trade, scientific research and development, and water and sewage systems.

These embassies are located in 25 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America .

According to local reports , the embassies are checked by a special team to determine how useful each embassy has been and also decide if Libya still needs those offices.

Affected workers at the closing embassies will be moved to nearby countries where Libya still has offices.

The foreign ministry has six months to complete the closures and send a full report to the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, foreign scholarships are also on hold by the government .

The decision started on 25 April. Students who are already studying abroad will have to finish their education without any extension or money from the government.

The monies that were originally supposed to be invested in the admission of new students will now be used to build a national digital library.

This library will help people in Libya access study materials and research tools without having to travel abroad.

This move is part of a bigger plan by the Libyan government to save money and make its services work better. The Central Bank of Libya had warned that government spending needed to be reduced.

The Prime Minister said the changes will help “reorganise the foreign service and reduce unnecessary spending.”

The visa exemption agreement aims to provide greater convenience for people traveling between Singapore and China.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the recovery of Chinese students studying in Singapore, exceeding 40,000 and returning to pre-pandemic levels. The visa-free arrangement is expected to further facilitate such exchanges.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed Singapore's aspiration to surpass pre-pandemic levels in direct flight connectivity between the two countries.

He emphasized that the 30-day visa-free arrangement would fortify the bedrock of bilateral relations by enabling more people-to-people exchanges.

Both countries are currently working on the operational details, to implement the scheme in early 2024, as stated by the Singapore Prime Minister's Office in a media release.

Chinese citizens presently require a visa to enter Singapore, and this new agreement will eliminate this requirement for short visits.

Singaporeans with ordinary passports can already enter China without a visa for up to 15 days for various purposes, including business, tourism, visiting relatives, and transit.

The visa-free arrangement aims to further enhance the relationship between the two nations, following the recent upgrade to an "All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership" during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping in March.

The JCBC meeting serves as a platform to review substantial collaboration and set the direction for cooperation between Singapore and China.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong, during a bilateral meeting on Wednesday, expressed anticipation in signing over 20 memoranda of understanding and agreements at the JCBC meeting, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, the GCC leaders condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, expressing concern about the displacement of Palestinian civilians and the destruction of vital infrastructure.

They denounced these actions as clear violations of international laws and rights. Additionally, the leaders warned about the potential spread of the conflict to other areas in the Middle East and called for an immediate end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, urging Israel to return to negotiations for a two-state solution.

Erdogan, attending at Qatar's invitation, highlighted the significant trade ties between Turkey and GCC countries, reaching $23 billion.

Condemning Israel's attacks on Gaza, Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing "war crimes against humanity" and endangering the entire region for political gain.

As Israeli forces continue their attacks in Gaza, the GCC leaders called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, expressing hope for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.

The statement also emphasized the need for international intervention to establish a ceasefire, rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip, and end the "occupation of Palestinian land."

The GCC leaders underscored the potential risks of the conflict spreading further in the absence of decisive action and urged the international community to address the situation promptly.

The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the event, stating that the injured employee returned to work after recovering from hand injuries. Iranian authorities are currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the matter.

Earlier in June, a Swiss citizen and defense attaché of the embassy were discovered with severe injuries in a Tehran hotel room.

The defense attaché had sustained injuries to his head, knees, chest, and abdomen. The military spokesperson for Switzerland confirmed the incident, explaining that the attaché fell unconscious during a business trip, was treated in a Tehran hospital, and later returned to Switzerland after recovery.

In May 2021, a Swiss diplomat named Sylvie Brunner, the first secretary of the embassy responsible for protecting American interests in Iran, tragically fell from the balcony of her 17th-floor apartment in Tehran.

The circumstances surrounding her death sparked speculation and raised suspicions, leading to an ongoing investigation by the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office.

Rumors circulated, with many questioning the nature of Brunner's death, as it seemed unlikely to be a suicide.

The report reveals that the Federal Prosecutor's Office has been investigating her case for over two years, conducting forensic examinations to determine the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.

While suspicions of an unusual death persist, exact details from the investigations have not yet been disclosed.

The mysterious series of events has heightened concerns about the safety of Swiss Embassy personnel in Tehran.

In 1969, Kissinger assumed the role of National Security Advisor in the administration of Richard Nixon. Instrumental in concluding the Vietnam War, he advocated for improved relations with the Soviet Union, contributing to the thaw in Cold War tensions.

Later appointed as U.S. Secretary of State in 1973, Kissinger played a pivotal role in initiating diplomatic relations with China and participated in Middle East peace talks.

His shuttle diplomacy proved crucial in stabilizing relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors after the 1973 Middle East war.

Kissinger, along with Vietnam's Le Duc Tho, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their secret negotiations leading to the 1973 Paris Agreement, marking the end of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.

Regarded as one of the most influential diplomats of the 20th century, Kissinger's cunning, ambition, and intellect played a vital role in shaping the post-World War II world, as noted by The New York Times.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deemed the joint maritime and air patrols with US troops in the West Philippine Sea a success, despite being shadowed by a Chinese warship. General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, stated that the objectives were met, expressing confidence in enhanced operational capabilities with the US. In a report from ABS-CBN News, during the patrols, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel trailed two Philippine ships and a US vessel, maintaining a safe distance without engaging in dangerous maneuvers, as anticipated during the planning process. The military reported no untoward incidents during the three-day joint patrols.

Hostage Filipino seafarers

The 17 Filipino seafarers held captive by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a hijacked ship in the Red Sea are reportedly safe, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified at ABS-CBN News that the ship was the target, and the Filipino crew happened to be on board. De Vega assured that the Houthi rebels have consistently indicated they do not intend to harm the Filipino seafarers. Authorities have informed the hostages' families that the government is actively managing the situation. The incident involves a British-owned cargo ship operated by the Japanese company Nippon Yusen K.K. (NYK Line), with a crew from various countries.

Philippines to rejoin ICC

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday stated that the Philippines is considering the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is currently examining the war on drugs conducted by the previous Duterte administration. Marcos mentioned that the decision to return to the ICC is under careful consideration, and the government is assessing its options. In a report from ABS-CBN News, the President's remarks were in response to House resolutions urging cooperation with the ICC's investigation into the anti-narcotics campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 and continued under Marcos. Marcos noted that these resolutions were not unusual and represented the House's expression of the need to cooperate with ICC investigations.

Maguindanao massacre

On the 14th anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr., a key perpetrator, was convicted of 21 counts of graft for the fraudulent supply of fuel to the Maguindanao provincial government from his petroleum station. The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division sentenced him to a total of 127 years and 9 months to 210 years in jail. Ampatuan was also ordered to pay up to P44.18 million for undelivered fuel, plus 6 percent annual interest. The massacre occurred on November 23, 2009, resulting in the deaths of 58 people, including the wife and sister of political candidate Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu and 30 journalists, who were ambushed and ruthlessly executed in Maguindanao.

Low Pressure Area kills two

The Philippines’ disaster agency is verifying two reported deaths in Eastern Visayas, in the central Philippines, attributed to the shear line and low-pressure area, causing heavy rains and widespread floods. The floods have injured one person in the region, affecting around 879,000 individuals, with 41,595 seeking refuge in evacuation centers, as per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The report at 8 a.m. indicates 17 impassable roads and bridges, with about 250 houses damaged. Forty-seven cities and towns are in a state of calamity. The government has provided approximately P51.86 million in assistance thus far, according to the NDRRMC.

Despite being close economic and cultural partners, their ties have faced challenges related to issues such as Japan's wartime actions, U.S.-China tensions, and North Korea's nuclear program.

The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan, and China will gather in the southeastern South Korean city of Busan on Sunday to lay the groundwork for their leaders' summit. They will exchange perspectives on enhancing three-way cooperation and address various regional and international matters, according to a statement from Seoul's Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, the three ministers will engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. In September, senior officials from the three nations reached an agreement to restart the trilateral summit "at the earliest convenient time."

South Korea and Japan, pivotal allies of the United States in the region hosting approximately 80,000 American troops collectively, have faced criticism from Beijing for their recent efforts to strengthen the trilateral Seoul-Tokyo-Washington security partnership. Beijing is particularly sensitive to actions it perceives as attempts to constrain China.

In response to North Korea's launch of a military spy satellite into space on Tuesday night, Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington united in condemning the move, emphasizing the North's endeavors to enhance missile technology and establish a space-based surveillance system. Despite this, China, a key ally of North Korea, urged all concerned nations to remain calm and exercise restraint, echoing previous statements made during North Korea's provocative weapons tests.

The launch itself has drawn condemnation from the international community, as United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from conducting satellite launches, viewing them as a guise for testing long-range missile technology. North Korea contends that it has the sovereign right to launch satellites.

Despite the hope for a favorable evolution in the Indian government's stance, constant pressure from both the Taliban and the Indian government to relinquish control led to the difficult decision, according to the embassy's press release.

India has not recognized the Taliban government and evacuated its staff from Kabul ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi, previously run by staff appointed by ousted President Ashraf Ghani, confirmed that there are no diplomats from the Afghan Republic in India, and embassy staff have safely reached third countries.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry has not provided an immediate comment.

“The only individuals present in India are diplomats affiliated with the Taliban,” it said, mentioning that control has been transferred to the Indian government.

“It now rests upon the Indian government to decide the fate of the mission, whether to maintain its closure or consider alternatives, including the possibility of handing it over to Taliban ‘diplomats,’” it said.

The U.N. refugee agency says Afghans account for around one-third of the nearly 40,000 refugees it has registered in India, which doesn’t include those registered through other agencies.

The Afghan embassy said the community in India has significantly declined over the past two years, with refugees, students, and others leaving the country. The number has nearly halved since August 2021, and very limited visas were issued during this period, it said.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo conducted a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, stating on television that the government was proceeding with the suspension of a portion of the inter-Korean pact.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently on a state visit to Britain, earlier chaired a National Security Council meeting with some ministers and the national intelligence chief via video link.

The pact, referred to as the Comprehensive Military Agreement, was signed in 2018 between former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Its goal was to de-escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The agreement included the establishment of buffer zones with suspended live-fire drills, designated no-fly zones, removal of certain guard posts from the Demilitarized Zone dividing the countries, and the maintenance of hotlines, among other provisions.

However, the agreement has faced increasing scrutiny and calls for suspension or termination, with critics contending that it restricts Seoul's capacity to monitor North Korea's activities along the border.

In a statement, South Korea's National Security Council noted that the action would entail the reinstatement of reconnaissance and surveillance operations around the military demarcation line between the countries.

North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, reported that the Malligyong-1 satellite was launched from the Sohae satellite launch facility on a Chollima-1 rocket at 10:42 p.m. (1342 GMT) on Tuesday, entering orbit at 10:54 p.m. (1354 GMT). The announcement cited North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration.

Having notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between Wednesday and Dec. 1, North Korea's move follows two unsuccessful attempts this year to launch what it described as spy satellites.

Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, denounced the launch as "a brazen violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," warning of increased tensions and the potential destabilization of the security situation in the region and beyond.

This launch marks the first since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with Vladimir Putin at Russia's modern space facility in September, during which the Russian president pledged assistance to Pyongyang in building satellites.

South Korean officials suggested that the recent launch likely involved technical support from Moscow, part of a growing partnership that has seen North Korea supply millions of artillery shells to Russia. However, some missile experts caution that it may be premature to assume full integration of Russian technical assistance into the satellite or rocket at this stage.

“We have to see how properly this is being operated,” Lee Choon-geun, a rocket expert at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute said.

Russia and North Korea have refuted allegations of engaging in arms deals but are making public commitments to enhance their collaboration.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launch, which occurred slightly more than a week before South Korea's scheduled launch of its inaugural spy satellite into space using a rocket operated by the U.S. company SpaceX.

Following the launch attempt in May, South Korea recovered the satellite wreckage from the sea and determined, through analysis, that it had limited utility as a reconnaissance platform.

The South Korean military expressed the belief that the recent rocket launch carried a reconnaissance satellite and was directed toward the south

According to a report from Reuters, these military drills are anticipated to expand in scope and frequency following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's December announcement of a military buildup, doubling defense spending over the next five years to strengthen Japan's Self Defense Forces against potential adversaries, notably China.

Commander Shingo Nashinoki of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), speaking on Irisuna, emphasized the challenging national security environment around Japan, particularly with increased military activities by China and Russia in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Western Pacific. Established in 2018, the ARDB is trained for operations from the sea and plays a crucial role in defending the Okinawa islands, extending from the main Japanese islands to near Taiwan.

Nashinoki mentioned that the augmented defense budget would enable the ARDB to add a third regiment, enhancing its capabilities.

Nong Rong, assistant Chinese foreign minister, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Chinese border residents and strengthening the security of Chinese personnel, according to a report from Reuters.

China hopes Myanmar will restore stability and supports all parties in handling their differences and achieving reconciliation through dialogue.

Thailand is working to bring home its nationals trapped in Myanmar due to the ongoing conflict.

Myanmar has been facing turmoil since a military coup in February 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government.

Pro-democracy insurgent groups have joined forces with ethnic minority guerrillas in some areas to confront junta forces. While Western governments have condemned the Myanmar military and imposed sanctions, China has been supportive of the generals and has called for respecting Myanmar's sovereignty.

Nong, during his recent visit to Myanmar, also encouraged the strengthening of security for Chinese institutions and projects in the country.

He visited a significant natural gas pipeline, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure and energy network, connecting Ramree Island on Myanmar's west coast with the Chinese border city Ruili in Yunnan Province.

AFP Spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar stressed that talks between Manila and Tokyo would define the details of the access agreement, with an emphasis on how it would support the activities of the two countries.

The accord is being promoted as a means to enhance the security connections between both nations and enable collaborative military drills.

Japan has previously participated as an observer in the yearly Balikatan exercises and engaged in smaller joint training sessions with the Philippine Coast Guard.

Furthermore, in the negotiations, the Philippines will prioritize its national security interests and seek to leverage the opportunities presented by Japan, the United States, and other allied nations.

"This has a big impact on strengthening the country's defense because having allies, having friends, having forces that are ready to join you should there be a need for... not only in terms of war but also addressing natural calamities," he said.

In addition to its Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, the Philippines also has a similar agreement in place with Australia.

Such partnerships facilitate joint training and the sharing of military equipment and assets among Filipino and foreign soldiers.

During a joint conference, Prime Minister Kishida expressed Japan's commitment to enhancing the maritime law enforcement capabilities of the Philippines, including the provision of patrol vessels, defense equipment, and technological cooperation, such as the transfer of warning and control radar technology. This is part of Japan's support for the Philippines in this regard.

During their meeting on Friday, Marcos and Kishida reiterated their dedication to upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas, underscoring the importance of following a "rules-based approach to address conflicting claims in maritime regions."

As "two maritime nations linked by common fundamental values and shared strategic interests," the Philippines and Japan pledged to work together on economic, political, and security-related matters back in 2011.

Both countries "affirmed that the principles of unhindered navigation, free trade, and adherence to established international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peaceful dispute resolution, are in the best interests of both nations and the broader region," including the South China Sea," in a joint statement released that same year.

"I hope to discuss how to respond to the grave humanitarian situation in the Gaza region as well as directly communicate Japan's readiness to continue providing aid," Kamikawa said of her meeting with her Palestinian counterparts.

However, she did not specify who she would meet from the Palestinian side.

Speaking to reporters before her departure, she acknowledged the Israeli strike on the Jabalia refugee camp and that many civilians had been killed in the attack.

"I understand the Israeli military has said the strike targeted Hamas operatives and relevant infrastructure," she said. She did not comment further.

Yoko Kamikawa reported that all 10 Japanese citizens, along with their eight Palestinian family members, who wanted to depart from Gaza, have successfully relocated to Egypt. She also mentioned that these evacuees are in good health.

Furthermore, she conveyed that Japan would maintain contact with one Japanese national who resides in Gaza and has expressed the desire to remain there, choosing not to evacuate.