U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) bumps fists with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to the Malacañang Palace in Manila, July 29, 2021.

Philippine, US Troop Pact in ‘Full Force Again’

President Duterte retracts termination letter on Visiting Forces Agreement after meeting U.S. defense chief.

Thailand Begins Crackdown on ‘Fake News’ Amid Rising Criticism of Govt

Thailand Begins Crackdown on ‘Fake News’ Amid Rising Criticism of Govt

Media associations say new measures intend to restrict freedom speech during time of pandemic.

Indonesia: Residents Seek Compensation for ‘New Bali’ Project in Lombok

Indonesia: Residents Seek Compensation for ‘New Bali’ Project in Lombok

Developers say U.S. $3B project will include circuit expected to attract international motorcycle, auto races.

In Rare Move, Malaysian King Rebukes Govt for Allegedly Misleading Parliament

In Rare Move, Malaysian King Rebukes Govt for Allegedly Misleading Parliament

Monarch’s statement prompts strident calls from lawmakers for PM Muhyiddin Yassin to resign.

Philippine Leader Orders Home Detention for Unvaccinated People

Philippine Leader Orders Home Detention for Unvaccinated People

President’s effort to slow spread of COVID-19 is not “legally justified,” a lawyers group says.

Thai Press Groups Push Back against Govt ‘Crack Down’ on Journalists

Thai Press Groups Push Back against Govt ‘Crack Down’ on Journalists

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha on Tuesday ordered agencies to prosecute journalists and others suspected of spreading fake news.

Indonesia Sacks 2 Air Force Commanders after Servicemen Rough up Deaf Papuan

Indonesia Sacks 2 Air Force Commanders after Servicemen Rough up Deaf Papuan

Caught on video, incident draws attention to alleged racism, excessive force against indigenous people by military.

Heavy Rain Causes Deadly Landslide at Bangladesh Rohingya Camp

Heavy Rain Causes Deadly Landslide at Bangladesh Rohingya Camp

Rickety shelters for displaced refugees prove dangerous because they are built on hills, experts say.

Philippines to Impose Stricter Lockdown in Metro Manila to Stem Delta-strain Infections

Philippines to Impose Stricter Lockdown in Metro Manila to Stem Delta-strain Infections

Two-week shutdown will cost country U.S. $4 billion and 440,000 may lose jobs.

US Defense Secretary Austin Meets in Hanoi with Vietnamese Officials

US Defense Secretary Austin Meets in Hanoi with Vietnamese Officials

Talks focused on efforts to strengthen security in the South China Sea.

Philippine Olympic Champ Wades Into Manila’s South China Sea Dispute With Beijing

Philippine Olympic Champ Wades Into Manila’s South China Sea Dispute With Beijing

“What is ours is ours,” says Hidilyn Diaz, a gold medalist at the Tokyo Games.

US Defense Secretary Arrives in Vietnam for Talks on Regional Security

US Defense Secretary Arrives in Vietnam for Talks on Regional Security

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin is the first cabinet member from the Biden administration to visit Southeast Asia.

Malaysians Bewildered, in Limbo Over Status of Revoked Emergency Laws

Malaysians Bewildered, in Limbo Over Status of Revoked Emergency Laws

Citizens and opposition lawmakers fume as government dodges questions, delays explanation.

Philippine Health Experts Urge Ultra-Strict COVID-19 Lockdown

Philippine Health Experts Urge Ultra-Strict COVID-19 Lockdown

OCTA Research Group also recommends expanded tracing, testing and isolation in Metro Manila.

UNESCO Adds Thai Park to World Heritage List, Amid Karen Rights Concerns

UNESCO Adds Thai Park to World Heritage List, Amid Karen Rights Concerns

Another U.N. agency has expressed concerns about human rights violations against indigenous people.

View more items >>

COVID-19 Surge Drives Demand for Malaysian Coffin Maker

COVID-19 Surge Drives Demand for Malaysian Coffin Maker

Indonesia: Greenwashing the Numbers

Indonesia: Greenwashing the Numbers

Thailand Sets Up COVID-19 Hospital at Bangkok Airport

COVID-19 Crisis: Decisions, Decisions

COVID-19 Crisis: Decisions, Decisions

Filipino Fishermen Feel Effects from Beijing’s Expansionism in South China Sea


rfalogo.png

View Full Site