-
On January 7, 2026, Chen Zhi, Chinese-born chairman of Cambodia-based Prince Group, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China following a joint investigation into his alleged role in a vast transnational online scam network. The U.S. and U.K. have sanctioned Chen and his businesses for wire fraud, money laundering, and exploiting trafficked workers in Southeast Asia. Cambodia revoked his citizenship amid international pressure.
-
Myanmar's military junta plans a limited election in junta-controlled areas despite widespread rejection and ongoing conflict. The move follows recent military victories and increased violence, including recapturing towns like Kyaukme and Hsipaw. International criticism and internal resistance continue to challenge the legitimacy of the process.
-
On October 14-15, 2025, US and UK authorities charged Chen Zhi, head of Cambodia's Prince Group, with wire fraud and money laundering tied to forced-labor "pig butchering" scams. The operation used trafficked workers in compounds to defraud victims globally, seizing 127,271 bitcoin worth $15 billion and freezing UK properties. Chen remains at large, facing up to 40 years in prison.
-
Recent articles highlight how diet, oral health, and supplements influence aging, brain health, and disease risk. Studies show consistent healthy eating, oral care, and targeted nutrients can reduce stroke, support hair growth, and slow cognitive decline. These findings emphasize the importance of daily habits for long-term well-being.
-
On October 26, 2025, at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to end deadly border clashes. The deal includes military de-escalation, removal of heavy weapons, prisoner release, and ASEAN observer deployment. Despite the truce, core territorial disputes remain unresolved, and tensions persist amid trade negotiations and regional diplomacy.
-
Myanmar's military launched operations against KK Park, a major cybercrime compound near the Thai border, detaining over 2,000 people and seizing Starlink equipment. Thousands of scam workers fled into Thailand amid ongoing civil conflict and regional pressure to curb cross-border cybercrime. The operation highlights Myanmar's role in transnational online scams.
-
US President Donald Trump is in Southeast Asia for a series of summits, including ASEAN and APEC, aiming to boost economic ties, oversee a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip highlights US-China rivalry and regional security concerns.
-
On October 26, 2025, East Timor officially became ASEAN's 11th member after a 14-year application process. The small nation of 1.4 million people gains access to regional trade, investment, and integration opportunities amid US-China rivalry. Leaders hailed this as a milestone for regional unity and economic diversification for East Timor’s fragile economy reliant on oil and gas.
-
Recent articles highlight the US's growing vulnerability due to its dependence on China for rare earth minerals. China’s export controls and dominance in processing threaten US supply chains, impacting clean energy and defense sectors. The US is attempting to diversify but faces significant hurdles.
-
ASEAN and China signed the upgraded Free Trade Area 3.0 during the ASEAN summit, covering over 2 billion people. The agreement aims to enhance regional economic integration, digital trade, and sustainability, amid ongoing US-China tensions. Leaders also discussed recent military incidents and bilateral relations.
-
Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and founder of Apple Daily, faces a deteriorating health condition while awaiting trial under national security law. US lawmakers and international diplomats urge his release, citing health concerns and political persecution amid rising US-China tensions.
-
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) announced a China-mediated ceasefire with Myanmar’s military, withdrawing from key towns including Mogok. The deal aims to halt military advances and airstrikes, as the country prepares for elections seen by critics as a means to legitimize military rule. The ceasefire follows recent territorial gains by rebels and ongoing conflict.
-
North Korea has condemned US sanctions targeting cybercrime networks linked to its regime, asserting that these measures will not alter its strategic stance. Meanwhile, the US and allies have imposed new sanctions on North Korean hackers and financial entities accused of laundering over $3 billion to fund nuclear programs, amid ongoing diplomatic stalemates.
-
A boat carrying approximately 300 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar sank near Langkawi, Malaysia, with at least seven dead, 10 survivors, and hundreds missing. The vessel likely capsized in Thai waters after departing from Rakhine state, amid ongoing migrant trafficking and perilous sea journeys. Search-and-rescue efforts continue today.
-
A Thai appeals court has approved the extradition of She Zhijiang, a Chinese-Cambodian national, to China. He faces charges related to illegal online gambling, scam networks, and money laundering. She was arrested in Bangkok in 2022 and has been detained since. The extradition will proceed within 90 days.
-
A boat carrying Rohingya refugees sank near Thailand’s Ko Tarutao island, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 14 survivors. The vessel, believed to have been part of a larger group split from a larger boat, was en route from Myanmar. Rescue efforts continue as authorities warn of ongoing risks for migrants at sea.
-
Russia's defense exports remain strong despite sanctions, with Rostec expanding capacity and securing over $60 billion in orders. Meanwhile, Myanmar continues to acquire Russian and Chinese military equipment, increasing its air power amid ongoing civil conflict. Both stories highlight resilience in military supply chains.
-
As of late November 2025, Myanmar's military and allied ethnic militias have intensified raids on online scam centers near Myawaddy, detaining over 12,500 foreigners and seizing thousands of devices. These operations target criminal networks linked to human trafficking and cyber fraud, amid international pressure and the recent extradition of scam kingpin She Zhijiang to China.
-
The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
-
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending ash clouds across Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. No casualties reported, but villages are covered in ash, affecting livestock and travel. The eruption is the first in 12,000 years, with ongoing regional impacts.
-
The US government announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Myanmar, citing improved conditions in both countries. The move affects nearly 4,000 Myanmar nationals and over 350,000 Haitians, with the decision based on assessments of safety and stability. The changes take effect in early 2026.
-
Australia has increased funding for domestic violence services amid ongoing concerns about rising femicide rates. The government announced a $41.8 million boost for 1800RESPECT, a national helpline, as advocates warn that violence against women remains a critical crisis despite recent declines in murder numbers for 2025.
-
Myanmar's military junta began phased elections on December 28, 2025, amid ongoing civil war and widespread opposition. The polls exclude major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi's dissolved National League for Democracy, and are held only in military-controlled areas. Critics and international observers denounce the elections as neither free nor fair, citing repression, arrests, and violence.
-
Belarusian leader Lukashenko visited Myanmar, the first such visit in 26 years, amid ongoing military rule and upcoming elections. The visit signals Belarus's support for Myanmar's military government, including plans to send election observers and strengthen military cooperation, despite widespread international criticism of the electoral process.
-
Landmine and unexploded ordnance casualties surged in 2024, with children most affected. Funding shortages threaten demining efforts in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Nigeria, risking increased civilian harm. Experts warn that without urgent support, contamination will grow, prolonging humanitarian crises.
-
As of December 2025, 67 journalists were killed worldwide, with Israeli forces responsible for 43%, primarily in Gaza where over 220 journalists have died since October 2023 amid ongoing conflict. Israel continues to bar international journalists from Gaza, despite calls for access and legal challenges. U.S. lawmakers criticize Israel's lack of transparent investigations into attacks on journalists.
-
A train in Assam hit a herd of about 100 elephants, causing derailment of five coaches and the engine. No human casualties occurred. The accident happened outside a designated elephant corridor, amid increased elephant crossings due to habitat loss and encroachment. Trains frequently encounter elephants in the region.
-
Tajikistan reports killing three alleged terrorists crossing from Afghanistan, amid ongoing border clashes. Afghan authorities investigate, while regional tensions persist. Meanwhile, humanitarian crises deepen in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan, with aid cuts worsening conditions for millions. The stories highlight ongoing instability and humanitarian challenges in these regions.
-
The ICJ in The Hague announced Belgium's intervention in South Africa's case against Israel over Gaza. The case alleges violations of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, with Israel denying the charges. Several countries have joined the proceedings, which could influence international law and policy on Gaza.
-
Pope Leo, celebrating his first Christmas as pontiff, referenced the story of Jesus' birth to highlight the plight of Gaza's residents, refugees, and the global homeless, urging for peace and an end to wars worldwide. The pope also addressed conditions for Palestinians and global conflicts.
-
Myanmar's ongoing three-phase election, held amid conflict and repression, sees the military-backed USDP leading early results. Critics call the vote a sham, with opposition parties and international observers condemning it as neither free nor fair. Voting continues in conflict zones despite violence and political repression.
-
On January 12, 2026, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) began a three-week trial in The Hague on a genocide case filed by Gambia in 2019 against Myanmar. The case accuses Myanmar's military of committing genocide against the Rohingya minority during a 2017 military campaign. Myanmar denies the charges and is cooperating with the court. The trial could set legal precedents affecting other genocide cases worldwide.