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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.
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Commentary: Prabowo’s Indonesia draws opposition via cartoon pirates
Read more: Commentary: Prabowo’s Indonesia draws opposition via cartoon piratesPop culture resistance can become a powerful form of resistance – especially when authorities overreact, says a writer who covers Southeast Asia politics.
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Indonesia becomes first in Southeast Asia to deploy short-range ballistic missile system
Read more: Indonesia becomes first in Southeast Asia to deploy short-range ballistic missile systemThe Turkish-made KHAN missile was spotted by military enthusiasts at an Indonesian Army facility in East Kalimantan and has been widely reported by defence blogs and Indonesian media.
Thailand
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Pundits fret over oil prices as war widens
Read more: Pundits fret over oil prices as war widensAnalysts are expressing concerns about the new government’s ability to manage skyrocketing oil prices, as Houthi rebel involvement signals a broadening and prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
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Call for fuel tax cut as crisis mounts
Read more: Call for fuel tax cut as crisis mountsThe Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to introduce urgent measures, including a possible excise tax reduction on fuel, to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cope with escalating operating costs driven by surging global crude oil prices.
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Pheu Thai to meet Bhumjaithai for coalition talks Friday afternoon
Read more: Pheu Thai to meet Bhumjaithai for coalition talks Friday afternoonThe election‑winning Bhumjaithai Party has formally invited Pheu Thai to join government‑formation talks, with leaders of both parties set to meet on Friday afternoon, Pheu Thai secretary‑general Prasert Jantararuangtong said.
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Pheu Thai backs Bhumjaithai to lead coalition government
Read more: Pheu Thai backs Bhumjaithai to lead coalition governmentThe Pheu Thai Party has formally pledged support for the Bhumjaithai Party to take the lead in forming a new government, with Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul saying both sides are ready to put past differences behind them and move forward together.
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‘Tokyogurl’, ‘Cheerio’ charged in SEA Games cheating case
Read more: ‘Tokyogurl’, ‘Cheerio’ charged in SEA Games cheating caseThe Crime Suppression Division has arrested a former national e‑sports athlete and her proxy player on computer‑crime charges stemming from a cheating scandal at the 33rd SEA Games, held in Bangkok last 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.
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PM takes aim at low CPI score
Read more: PM takes aim at low CPI scoreThe government has pledged aggressive reforms after Thailand scored 33 out of 100 and ranked 116th in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
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Yodchanan satisfied with Pheu Thai effort despite setbacks
Read more: Yodchanan satisfied with Pheu Thai effort despite setbacksPheu Thai Party prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat insists he remains undiscouraged by the outcome of Sunday’s election, adding that it is now up to the party’s executive committee to decide whether to join a coalition government or serve in opposition.
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Parks chief defends elephant relocation protocols
Read more: Parks chief defends elephant relocation protocolsThe head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Thursday defended his agency’s handling of a fatal elephant relocation operation, while protesters continued to demand his resignation.