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World
Asia
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Free preschool, baby bonus: China’s early education push seeks to level the playing field
Read more: Free preschool, baby bonus: China’s early education push seeks to level the playing fieldPolicymakers hope to ease the load on young families, close early education gaps and nudge birth rates up. But deeper structural pressures and societal expectations may prove harder to shift.
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Commentary: The bigger story behind Modi’s China trip
Read more: Commentary: The bigger story behind Modi’s China tripNew Delhi’s foreign policy remains anchored in diversification, not American expectations of a special partnership, says an academic.
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Ho Chi Minh City is the shopping haven you’ve been sleeping on: 10 fashion labels and thrift stores to hit up
Read more: Ho Chi Minh City is the shopping haven you’ve been sleeping on: 10 fashion labels and thrift stores to hit upFrom edgy independent labels to eclectic vintage troves, the Vietnamese city is the next Asian fashion shopping destination to check out. And it’s only a short flight away.
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Commentary: A prophesied disaster likely won’t strike Japan this weekend
Read more: Commentary: A prophesied disaster likely won’t strike Japan this weekendDespite advances in tectonic science, earthquakes can’t be predicted. But perhaps there’s something to be said for keeping people on their toes, writes Gearoid Reidy for Bloomberg Opinion.
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Commentary: Thai PM’s suspension threatens more than the Shinawatra legacy
Read more: Commentary: Thai PM’s suspension threatens more than the Shinawatra legacyPrime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension amid an ethics probe into a leaked phone call comes at a bad time, even if Thailand is no stranger to political volatility, says Control Risks’ Harrison Cheng.
Thailand
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18 poll cases still under review
Read more: 18 poll cases still under reviewThe Supreme Administrative Court is reviewing 18 cases related to the recent election and referendum, with one case already dismissed, two rejected, and one withdrawn, says Prawit Boonthiem, vice president of the court.
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Reform mandate meets political reality
Read more: Reform mandate meets political realityThe post-election political landscape has entered a delicate new phase after voters endorsed the first step towards constitutional change in a referendum held alongside the Feb 8 general election — a victory claimed by the People’s Party.
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Referendum date officially set for same election day
Read more: Referendum date officially set for same election dayThe referendum day on the constitution will officially take place on the same day as the general election, which is on Feb 8 this year.
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Insurers face a raft of economic challenges
Read more: Insurers face a raft of economic challengesUnfavourable economic conditions, political instability, soaring medical costs and natural disaster risks are the top challenges facing insurance companies in Thailand, while the country’s ageing society could support continued health insurance expansion.
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Tensions cool on border
Read more: Tensions cool on borderMajor powers, diplomatic missions and humanitarian organisations have commended Thailand for freeing 18 Cambodian soldiers and reinforcing momentum behind the fragile ceasefire between the two countries.
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Free preschool, baby bonus: China’s early education push seeks to level the playing field
Read more: Free preschool, baby bonus: China’s early education push seeks to level the playing fieldPolicymakers hope to ease the load on young families, close early education gaps and nudge birth rates up. But deeper structural pressures and societal expectations may prove harder to shift.
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Commentary: The bigger story behind Modi’s China trip
Read more: Commentary: The bigger story behind Modi’s China tripNew Delhi’s foreign policy remains anchored in diversification, not American expectations of a special partnership, says an academic.
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Election Commission wraps up MP candidate registration
Read more: Election Commission wraps up MP candidate registrationThe Election Commission (EC) has concluded the registration for constituency and party-list candidates in the Feb 8 general election, with more than 5,000 candidates and 94 prime ministerial nominees from political parties.
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Drink driving tops list of New Year road violations
Read more: Drink driving tops list of New Year road violationsOver 90% of road traffic violations between Dec 30 and Dec 31, 2025, were linked to alcohol consumption, according to recent data. At least one fatality, however, was attributed to improper use of a map application.
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Renewables expansion facing fresh challenges
Read more: Renewables expansion facing fresh challengesCaretaker prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s decision to dissolve the House adds challenges to the state push for a transition to clean energy in 2026.