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Asia
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Commuters welcome second RTS Link proposal connecting Tuas with southwestern Johor, but is it feasible?
Read more: Commuters welcome second RTS Link proposal connecting Tuas with southwestern Johor, but is it feasible?Questions remain over whether the proposed rail link would be integrated with existing transport networks as well as whether there is political will from both sides to jointly fund it.
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Commentary: South Korea needs reassurance, but Trump may make demands instead at their upcoming summit
Read more: Commentary: South Korea needs reassurance, but Trump may make demands instead at their upcoming summitThe future of the US-South Korea alliance may hinge on what happens at the upcoming summit between presidents Donald Trump and Lee Jae-myung, says Pusan National University’s Robert Kelly.
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South Korea’s military has shrunk by 20% in six years as male population drops
Read more: South Korea’s military has shrunk by 20% in six years as male population dropsThe dramatic decline in the pool of available males for military service is also causing a shortfall in the number of officers and could result in operational difficulty if it continues, the defence ministry said in the report.
Thailand
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Akanat to cap refinery margins at 3-4 baht per litre
Read more: Akanat to cap refinery margins at 3-4 baht per litreEnergy Minister Akanat Promphan said he plans to cap refinery margins at 3-4 baht per litre in a bid to curb rising fuel costs without relying on subsidies.
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Thai cannabis shops given 3 years to transform to clinics
Read more: Thai cannabis shops given 3 years to transform to clinicsThe Ministry of Public Health has begun a full transition to ensuring cannabis use in Thailand will be for medicinal purposes only, allowing dispensaries a three-year timeframe to convert into medical clinics in order to continue operating.
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Gold prices sag as Chinese New Year starts
Read more: Gold prices sag as Chinese New Year startsGold prices typically rise during Lunar New Year as demand for the precious metal strengthens during this auspicious season.
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People’s Party dissolution sought for ‘media company’ links
Read more: People’s Party dissolution sought for ‘media company’ linksSerial petitioner Srisuwan Janya has asked the Election Commission (EC) to seek the dissolution of the People’s Party over allegations that it was connected to Spectre C Co, a media company accused of running illegal information operations.
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More women allege molestation by Ang Thong undertaker
Read more: More women allege molestation by Ang Thong undertakerMore women have come forward with complaints about molestation by an undertaker who shaved their pubic hair during “superstitious” rites, while police are looking into a foetus graveyard at the Ang Thong temple where he operated.
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NCB frets over potential uptick in informal debt
Read more: NCB frets over potential uptick in informal debtThe National Credit Bureau (NCB) has expressed concern about a potential rise in informal debt amid subdued loan growth in the banking sector and an easing household debt-to-GDP ratio.
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Economy has ‘left ICU’, says finance chief
Read more: Economy has ‘left ICU’, says finance chiefThailand’s economy has now “left the intensive care unit [ICU]”, reflected in fourth-quarter growth of 2.5%, which surpassed the earlier projection of 1.8% and lifted full-year 2025 growth to 2.4%, above the 2% forecast, said caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
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Thailand’s competitiveness problem is not about ideas. It’s about getting things done
Read more: Thailand’s competitiveness problem is not about ideas. It’s about getting things doneBy the time you finish your first coffee in Bangkok, you have probably already read about another plan, roadmap or announcement about how Thailand will grow faster, become more innovative or compete better in the global economy.