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Myanmar rebuffs ASEAN's call to free Aung San Suu Kyi and questions the need for an envoy

Myanmar rebuffs ASEAN's call to free Aung San Suu Kyi and questions the need for an envoy

Myanmar’s military-backed government has rejected ASEAN's call for the unconditional release of former leader Aung San Suu Kyi
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ASEAN Leaders Emphasize Unity and Dialogue to Address Global Challenges

ASEAN Leaders Emphasize Unity and Dialogue to Address Global Challenges

ASEAN Chair and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for unity and dialogue among ASEAN member states to navigate global political and economic uncertainties. Speaking during the 59th ASEAN Day celebration in Jakarta, Marcos highlighted the importance of cooperation to ensure regional stability and prosperity. He emphasized that ASEAN was founded on the belief that its peoples would be safer and more prosperous when facing the future together. The ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which marks its first year of implementation, focuses on energy security, food security, and the safety of nationals amid geopolitical tensions. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono also underscored ASEAN's role as a bridge-builder in a world increasingly shaped by conflict and strategic rivalry. He stated that ASEAN should not become an arena for great power rivalry and must prioritize the welfare and security of its people.
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Malaysia and Bangladesh Seek Solutions for Rohingya Repatriation Amid Concerns Over Myanmar's Readiness

Malaysia and Bangladesh Seek Solutions for Rohingya Repatriation Amid Concerns Over Myanmar's Readiness

Malaysia has announced an agreement with Myanmar to repatriate 5,000 Rohingya refugees currently residing in Malaysia. This development is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough in addressing one of Southeast Asia's prolonged humanitarian crises. However, the specifics of the agreement, including the legal status and conditions for returnees, remain unclear. The Rohingya crisis, rooted in issues of citizenship and systemic discrimination, has been exacerbated by Myanmar's internal conflicts. The proposal has raised questions about the safety and voluntariness of the repatriation process, as well as the adequacy of protections for returnees. Concerns have been voiced by Rohingya representatives and human rights organizations about the ongoing risks in Myanmar, including military conflicts and restricted humanitarian access.
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Philippines Celebrates Singapore's National Day, Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties

Philippines Celebrates Singapore's National Day, Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties

On the occasion of Singapore's 61st National Day, the Philippine Embassy extended congratulations and highlighted the strong diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Philippines and Singapore have enjoyed 57 years of cooperation, with over 220,000 Filipinos living in Singapore, reflecting deep people-to-people ties. This year is particularly significant as the Philippines chairs ASEAN, valuing Singapore as a trusted partner in advancing regional stability and prosperity. The Philippines looks forward to Singapore's leadership in ASEAN 2027, confident in its ability to build on collective achievements and strengthen regional unity.
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Gunman fires inside Thai government office as country reels from school shooting

Gunman fires inside Thai government office as country reels from school shooting

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - A gunman was arrested after firing shots at a local government office on the outskirts of Thailand's capital on Monday, officials said, just days after a teenager's killing spree at a school in the same province reignited debate over gun control. 
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'Mom, don't call me': Inside Thailand's deadly school shooting

'Mom, don't call me': Inside Thailand's deadly school shooting

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Napat Wesshasartar BANG KRUAI, Thailand, Aug 8 (Reuters) - When a shot rang out at the Debsirin Nonthaburi School on the outskirts of Bangkok on Friday morning, 14-year-old Khim and her classmates peered over a balcony to see if the noise had come from a construction site
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Gunman kills Thai local official at work as country reels from school shooting

Gunman kills Thai local official at work as country reels from school shooting

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um BANGKOK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - A gunman killed a Thai official inside a local government office on the capital Bangkok's outskirts on Monday, authorities said, days after a teenager's shooting spree at a school in the same province reignited debate over gun
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US not disengaging from Asia, seeks 'partners, not protectorates,' says Pentagon official

US not disengaging from Asia, seeks 'partners, not protectorates,' says Pentagon official

MANILA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - The United States is not disengaging from Asia and is instead "digging in" to maintain a favourable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, but wants its partners to shoulder more responsibility for their defence, a senior Pentagon official said on Monday.
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Vietnam's Role in ASEAN's Future Development Emphasized by Foreign Minister

Vietnam's Role in ASEAN's Future Development Emphasized by Foreign Minister

Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, has reaffirmed the country's commitment to playing an active role in shaping the future of ASEAN. On the occasion of ASEAN's 59th founding anniversary, Trung highlighted Vietnam's strategic contributions to regional cooperation and its alignment with ASEAN's core principles. The minister emphasized the need for ASEAN to proactively shape regional development trends and address shared challenges. Vietnam's efforts are guided by a foreign policy of independence and multilateralism, aiming to enhance its role within ASEAN and contribute to the bloc's collective strength.
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Malaysia's Refugee Policy: Challenges and UNHCR's Role in Rohingya Crisis

Malaysia's Refugee Policy: Challenges and UNHCR's Role in Rohingya Crisis

Malaysia is grappling with the challenge of managing a significant number of Rohingya refugees, following a military coup in Myanmar that increased the influx of asylum seekers. The UNHCR reports over 215,600 refugees in Malaysia, with the majority being Rohingyas. The Malaysian government has temporarily halted UNHCR's refugee registration to establish its own management system. However, this move has drawn criticism from rights groups concerned about the safety and rights of refugees. The government is also considering repatriating 5,000 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, a plan that has been put on hold due to potential risks of persecution.
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Thai teen kills 7 in rampage at home and school before shooting himself

Thai teen kills 7 in rampage at home and school before shooting himself

By Chalinee Thirasupa and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANG KRUAI, Thailand, Aug 7 (Reuters) - A Thai teenager killed at least five people and himself at a school outside Bangkok on Friday after fatally shooting his grandparents, police said, in the Southeast Asian nation's worst mass killing since 2022.
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From his quiet home to a shooting spree at school, a Thai teenager's deadly rampage

From his quiet home to a shooting spree at school, a Thai teenager's deadly rampage

By Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat BANG BUA THONG, Thailand, Aug 7 (Reuters) - The boy shot his grandparents dead at dawn on Friday in their two-storey house bordering rice fields on the outskirts of Bangkok. Each was killed by a single gunshot to the head, a Thai police official said.