Kingdom in Mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP and is standing again in Clacton as other parties boycott the race. The by‑election is set for August 13 amid ongoing investigations into undeclared gifts and donations. Count Binface and other fringe candidates are contesting the race.
An international pattern of grooming and coercion by groups known as Com networks has emerged, with cases in the UK and beyond. Authorities report a surge in abuse linked to Discord, Telegram and other platforms, with tens to hundreds of cases; the networks recruit vulnerable youths, especially girls, to produce exploitative content for notoriety.
The United States has set new tariffs on imports tied to forced labor, with 10% duties on partners that have begun enforcing bans and 12.5% for those that have not. The changes take effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 24, as part of a broad push to enforce labor standards in global supply chains.
The Phnom Penh Appeals Court has upheld Kem Sokha's treason conviction and barred him from leaving the country for five years after the sentence ends, amid a crackdown against the opposition that has reduced its once-strong challenge to the ruling party.
Thailand has cancelled the MOU 44 framework for joint offshore exploration with Cambodia, but will pursue maritime boundary issues under UNCLOS. Cambodia regrets the move and signals commitment to a peaceful, law-based resolution as border clashes last year underscore volatile dynamics.
ASEAN leaders are coordinating a regional response to energy and food security amid disruptions from the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz closure. The Philippines is chairing the Cebu summit, pushing a voluntary oil-sharing framework, a regional power grid, and measures to diversify energy sources while maintaining open sea lanes.
A series of traffic crashes have left dozens dead and many injured in Cambodia, Pakistan and Bangladesh ahead of Eid al-Adha. In Cambodia, two separate incidents killed 14 and injured more than 90; in Pakistan, a minibus collision near Mardan has caused several fatalities and injuries; in Bangladesh, a truck overturn near Soratoil killed and injured hitchhikers. Authorities warn road dangers persist due to infrastructure lapses and relaxed enforcement.
Cambodian lawmakers have approved a new conscription law expanding compulsory military service to men 18-25 for two years, with women allowed to serve voluntarily. The law, signed by Senate president Hun Sen in his acting capacity, follows border clashes with Thailand and replaces a 2006 statute. Penalties for evasion vary by peacetime and wartime conditions, with exemptions for certain groups.
Since early June, Chinese coast guard and survey ships have intensified activity near Taiwan and Pratas Island, prompting Taiwan to condemn Beijing’s maritime claims. Several incidents involve harassing inquiries, standoffs, and expulsions, with Taiwan emphasizing sovereignty and international law.
A set of Business Insider UK pieces recounts personal moves into entrepreneurship and relocation, highlighting the strain and shifts in families and professionals as they pursue new ventures across Lisbon, Los Angeles and beyond.
Experts warn Sri Lanka is emerging as a global hub for transnational cybercrime after a Southeast Asian crackdown. Chinese-led networks are relocating here amid lax visa rules, with scams ranging from romance fraud to crypto fraud, and hundreds deported or arrested this year.
Cambodia’s Supreme Court has upheld the treason convictions and prison terms for two journalists who posted border-related photos on Facebook last year, a decision that rights groups say signals continued government influence over the judiciary and press freedoms. The ruling follows months of tension between Cambodia and Thailand over border clashes, with critics warning of shrinking media space under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s government.
Eswatini is temporarily housing a fourth group of third-country nationals deported from the United States, with rights protected during their stay. Officials say this follows a series of secretive agreements tied to U.S. immigration actions, and the migrants are to be held at Matsapha Prison while their status is assessed.
ASEAN foreign ministers are in Manila for high-level talks armed with a focus on Myanmar. The meeting also touches on regional energy, border tensions, and economic concerns as international players participate. The discussions follow a prior in-person engagement in Bangkok and come amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and Indonesia’s currency volatility.
The United States has launched a broad campaign to isolate the International Criminal Court, aiming to weaken its authority and deter investigations involving American personnel. Rubio argues the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty, while allies face pressure to withdraw or face penalties. Several ICC officials have already faced sanctions.
Capdevila’s ESTA has been denied for travel to the U.S. final regardless of his 2010 Spain glory. He appeals for help via X as Spain faces Argentina in the MetLife Stadium final.
A UNODC report shows Asia-Pacific losses from scams reaching up to $114 billion in 2025. Authorities have raided scam centers in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, while criminals shift operations to new hubs or shrink scale. The U.S. and partners are coordinating to hold operators and complicit officials accountable, with Cambodia planning an international conference on cyber scams in September.
Indonesia has-received artefacts linked to Papuan Dani, Asmat and Lake Sentani communities, recovered in cooperation with the FBI. The artefacts, smuggled out of Indonesia, will be housed at the National Museum, as part of efforts to restore cultural sovereignty. This follows recent repatriations including bronze Buddhist sculptures and other items.