JAPAN THAILAND MYANMAR

Jun 05 2026POLITICS

Thailand Picks Mediators as Cambodia Triggers UN Maritime Talk

Thailand has agreed to name two mediators and join a rarely used United Nations arbitration scheme after Cambodia launched a compulsory conciliation process under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The move follows Bangkok’s earlier decision to end a 2001 bilateral agreement that had guided ta

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Jun 04 2026POLITICS

Thai Leader Thaksin’s Early Exit Stuns Political Scene

Thailand’s political world got a surprise this week when former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra learned he won’t finish his remaining jail time. After months of legal back-and-forth, King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved royal pardons for prisoners—including Thaksin—marking Queen Suthida’s birthday. J

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May 31 2026POLITICS

Japan challenges labels of rising military power

Japan’s defense chief recently spoke clearly at a major Asian security meeting in Singapore. He pushed back against claims that Japan is becoming more aggressive in military matters. His comments came after repeated accusations from China about Japan’s supposed "new militarism. " Yet the defense min

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May 30 2026TECHNOLOGY

Japan’s Banks Get a New AI Cyber‑Shield

Japan’s top three banks will soon receive OpenAI’s newest cyber‑defence tool, GPT‑5. 5‑Cyber, through a special program that only lets verified defenders use it. The plan is part of Tokyo’s effort to treat advanced AI as a key national asset, not just a consumer gadget. Only institutions that

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May 28 2026FINANCE

Japan’s New Bond Plan to Boost Investment

Japan is looking at a fresh way to support its investment agenda by issuing special “bridging bonds. ” These instruments are designed to connect short‑term borrowing with long‑term projects, helping the government fund new initiatives without immediately adding to its debt burden. The idea is not

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May 26 2026POLITICS

How Japan and South Korea Balance Old Wounds with Modern Needs

Japan and South Korea share a bond that’s hard to ignore. On one side, they’re economic allies, trading technology, cars, and pop culture like K-pop. On the other, they’re stuck in arguments over history—especially Japan’s rule over Korea in the early 1900s. These fights pop up in trade disputes, co

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May 26 2026FINANCE

Japan’s overseas wealth grows, but global rank drops as rivals surge ahead

Japan still holds the biggest pile of money invested abroad, but its spot in the global ranking just slipped—again. In 2025, the country’s net external assets, which include everything from stocks and bonds to property overseas, hit a new high of 561. 75 trillion yen ($3. 53 trillion). That’s up 4.

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May 24 2026HEALTH

Health insurance in Thailand: Does it lead to more doctor visits?

Thailand’s Social Security Scheme gives workers access to healthcare, but it also seems to change how often people use medical services. A study looked at survey data over time and compared people with insurance to those without. The findings suggest that having insurance makes people visit doctors

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May 15 2026RELIGION

Buddhism and Power: How Thailand Blends Faith and Authority

Thailand stands out as a unique case where Buddhism isn't just a religion—it’s deeply tied to the country's political structure. The connection goes back centuries, starting when Indian monks first introduced the teachings of the Buddha to the region. Unlike Christianity or Islam, Buddhism doesn’t r

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May 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

A Cheaper, Stronger Way to Cure Silicone?

Japan just made a big jump in silicone production. Scientists wrapped iron particles in a thin layer of silicone resin. That tiny shield lets the iron work as a catalyst without breaking down in air. Before this, iron catalysts lost power after just half an hour of exposure. Now they stay strong for

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