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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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Malaysia PM Anwar tables US$99.3 billion Budget 2026, set to be country’s largest ever
Read more: Malaysia PM Anwar tables US$99.3 billion Budget 2026, set to be country’s largest everThe RM419.2 billion (US$99.3 billion) allocated for Budget 2026 outstrips the record RM412.1 billion expenditure earmarked for this year, which in turn was adjusted from an earlier allocation of RM421 billion.
Thailand
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AI Passport project to be reviewed
Read more: AI Passport project to be reviewedThe government has pledged to gather more input before proceeding with its 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI Passport project, which has drawn intense scrutiny focused on transparency, value for money and data privacy.
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Curriculum changes stress Thai language, history, civic duty
Read more: Curriculum changes stress Thai language, history, civic dutyThe school curriculum in Thailand will be revised to focus more on the Thai language, civic education and Thai history, with increased mother-tongue support for Thai students in international schools as well.
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Singapore eyes bridge potential
Read more: Singapore eyes bridge potentialSingapore is interested in Thailand’s Land Bridge project as a potential economic opportunity, though discussions remain at an early stage, government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said.
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Pushing against alcohol sales in public parks
Read more: Pushing against alcohol sales in public parksCivil society groups and local activists in northern Thailand have raised strong concerns over plans to allow alcohol sales in public parks.
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Ex‑director of elite Bangkok school jailed 27 years for admissions bribes
Read more: Ex‑director of elite Bangkok school jailed 27 years for admissions bribesThe former director of Triam Udom Suksa School, widely regarded as Thailand’s top elite public high school, was jailed for 27 years on Monday for taking student‑admission bribes for the 2016–2018 intake, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Case ruled.
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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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Thailand wilts as ‘financial summer’ batters households
Read more: Thailand wilts as ‘financial summer’ batters householdsAs temperatures climb across Thailand, households are feeling more than just the heat. This year’s hot season has brought a sharp rise in living costs, particularly fuel prices, tightening budgets and amplifying financial strain.
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Rising oil, power costs weigh on steel
Read more: Rising oil, power costs weigh on steelThailand’s steel and iron industry is reeling from the impact of soaring oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, as higher shipping costs for imported iron ore — the key raw material for steelmaking — push production expenses to new heights.
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Two gambling dens busted in Bangkok, 104 arrests
Read more: Two gambling dens busted in Bangkok, 104 arrestsTwo gambling dens were raided, equipment seized and 104 punters arrested in Bangkok on Saturday night, the Department of Provincial Administration announced on Sunday morning.