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Asia
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Malaysia’s IJM denies money-laundering allegations as anti-graft agency freezes US$3.9 million in probe
Read more: Malaysia’s IJM denies money-laundering allegations as anti-graft agency freezes US$3.9 million in probeFollowing the investigation, which comes just days after the construction giant emerged as a takeover target for conglomerate Sunway Bhd, IJM also denied reports that it is under investigation by the UK Serious Fraud Office.
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Defections from North Korea fall further as regime tightens grip
Read more: Defections from North Korea fall further as regime tightens gripJust 224 North Korean defectors entered South Korea for resettlement last year – a sharp drop from pre-2020 levels, when over 1,000 people made the perilous journey south each year.
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US and China agree to set up direct military communication channels, says Pentagon chief
Read more: US and China agree to set up direct military communication channels, says Pentagon chiefPete Hegseth’s remarks came just hours after the US defence chief urged Southeast Asian nations to stand firm and strengthen their maritime forces to counter China’s increasingly “destabilising” actions in the South China Sea.
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Vietnam flood death toll rises to 35: Disaster agency
Read more: Vietnam flood death toll rises to 35: Disaster agencyHeavy rain has pummelled coastal provinces since last weekend, submerging homes and sweeping away poultry and livestock.
Thailand
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AOT: Passenger charge hike won’t dent demand
Read more: AOT: Passenger charge hike won’t dent demandAirports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has acknowledged that its decision to raise the international passenger service charge (PSC) to 1,120 baht per traveller will push up airfares, but expressed confidence it will not deter travel demand.
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Thailand approves $25-billion investment by TikTok
Read more: Thailand approves $25-billion investment by TikTokThailand has approved six major projects worth a combined 958 billion baht, or US$29 billion, the Board of Investment (BOI) reported on Wednesday.
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Proposed tax on arrivals draws mixed reactions
Read more: Proposed tax on arrivals draws mixed reactionsTourism operators have expressed mixed views on the new government’s plan to levy a 300‑baht tourism tax, as it may affect travel sentiment amid sluggish tourism caused by the Middle East crisis.
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Diesel refining margin cut to drop price by 2.14 baht
Read more: Diesel refining margin cut to drop price by 2.14 bahtEnergy Minister Akanat Promphan, in his capacity as chairman of the Energy Policy Administration Committee (Epac), has ordered a reduction in diesel refining margins aimed at lowering retail fuel prices by about 2.14 baht per litre, with the measure expected to take effect on Thursday.
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Ostrich paces the traffic on Highway 36
Read more: Ostrich paces the traffic on Highway 36CHON BURI – An ostrich was seen running free on the Pattaya–Rayong highway on Tuesday, covering 10 kilometres before it was safely recaptured and returned to the cafe where it is a star attraction.
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Malaysia’s IJM denies money-laundering allegations as anti-graft agency freezes US$3.9 million in probe
Read more: Malaysia’s IJM denies money-laundering allegations as anti-graft agency freezes US$3.9 million in probeFollowing the investigation, which comes just days after the construction giant emerged as a takeover target for conglomerate Sunway Bhd, IJM also denied reports that it is under investigation by the UK Serious Fraud Office.
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Defections from North Korea fall further as regime tightens grip
Read more: Defections from North Korea fall further as regime tightens gripJust 224 North Korean defectors entered South Korea for resettlement last year – a sharp drop from pre-2020 levels, when over 1,000 people made the perilous journey south each year.
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Construction, property shift tactics
Read more: Construction, property shift tacticsThe construction and property sectors are being forced to adjust strategies and build greater resilience to cope with volatile energy prices, as the Middle East conflict drives up both energy and construction material costs, according to Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC).
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Pundits warn of stagflation risk
Read more: Pundits warn of stagflation riskThailand faces a heightened risk of stagflation as elevated oil prices nudge up inflation, with the new government unlikely to launch large stimulus measures to prop up the subdued economy given high public debt levels, warn analysts.
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PM calls for work-from-home amid oil imports vulnerability
Read more: PM calls for work-from-home amid oil imports vulnerabilityPrime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has advised the private sector to adopt work-from-home measures and support nationwide energy-saving efforts, to weather the energy crisis.