Officials from the Philippines-claimed Kalayaan group of islands within the disputed Spratly Islands archipelago plan to expand its civilian population amid a war of words with the Chinese embassy in the country.
Local authorities in Kalayaan, which falls under the jurisdiction of Palawan province, were working on plans to grow the population beyond its current outpost on Thitu Island, known locally as Pagasa, and to the six other land masses under its administration, Vice-Mayor Maurice Phillip…
Australia demands answers from Laos over methanol poisoning ‘injustice’
Australia has summoned the Laotian ambassador to protest against what a victim’s family described as an “absolute injustice” after 10 people linked to a deadly methanol poisoning case received suspended sentences and fines equivalent to US$130.
The case stems from a fatal incident in the riverside town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist destination in Laos, in November 2024.
Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, died after drinking methanol-tainted alcohol at Nana…
Malaysian airports face complaints over expensive food and goods
Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) has been asked to explore ways to ensure goods and food sold at airports are priced reasonably, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing.
Tiong added his ministry had received complaints from the public over the steep prices of items such as chocolates, food and alcohol at the airport shops compared to the prices outside.
“Visitors at the airport have mentioned that items sold at duty-free shops are expensive and that it is cheaper to buy…
Vietnam’s new construction law introduces clearer rules and reduced administrative burdens
Vietnam’s comprehensive overhaul of the country’s construction legal framework will deliver welcome clarifications in areas that have long created uncertainty for investors, contractors and project owners when it comes into effect.
Australian tribunal decision helps shape how businesses use facial recognition technology
In a significant development for privacy law in Australia, the Administrative Review Tribunal has released its decision following a review of the Australian Privacy Commissioner’s decision on Bunnings’ use of facial recognition technology.
Southeast Asia’s scam hubs are adept at conning. Now AI is making it easier, faster
Criminals in Southeast Asia are harnessing inexpensive AI tools to target bigger pools of potential victims at high speed, keeping scam centres humming even as governments try to crack down, senior officials at Interpol say.
Previously, some scams were easy to spot – from poor quality online ads luring people to work in such centres to the scams themselves, typically designed to make people part with their money through the promise of romance or investment returns.
Now, scammers are using large…
Thailand rejects radical change with Anutin’s ‘right-wing turn’
Nationalism, a deep network of local patronage and a promise to safeguard Thailand’s faltering economy catapulted Anutin Charnvirakul back into the prime minister’s office.
By his own admission, the win exceeded expectations. His Bhumjaithai Party secured 193 of the 500 parliamentary seats, according to early unofficial tallies late on Monday – “even more than I asked for”, Anutin told reporters – albeit from what looks likely to be one of Thailand’s lowest voter turnouts in decades.
Analysts…
Australian tribunal decision helps shape how businesses use facial recognition technology and balance privacy
In a significant development for privacy law in Australia, the Administrative Review Tribunal has released its decision following a review of the Australian Privacy Commissioner’s decision on Bunnings’ use facial recognition technology.
Malaysia’s ‘illegal’ temple row: PM slams vigilantism after rally ban
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday warned against allowing disputes over “illegal” houses of worship to spill into communal confrontation, after police detained 19 people linked to a planned rally in central Kuala Lumpur that authorities said risked inflaming racial and religious tensions.
The “Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship” rally had been scheduled for around 8pm on Saturday near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, close to the Sogo shopping complex. Police denied permission on security…
The bitter choice for Indonesian sailors abandoned off Africa
Abandoned for months on their fishing boat off West Africa, Indonesian sailor Surono and his shipmates face a dilemma: return home without almost a year’s wages or stay on the docked vessel.
He is among a growing number of migrant workers abandoned by shipowners, who flout their obligations and desert crews without paying the salaries owed.
“My family cries because I can’t get any money. My children and wife need money to eat,” Surono, 47, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, said from…