Category: Politics

Politics

Thailand Is Rushing ฿100 Million to Flood-Hit Nan — But Another Threat Could Undo the Recovery

NAN, Thailand — Thailand has shifted from emergency rescue to a massive cleanup and recovery operation in flood-ravaged Nan province, with the government preparing compensation payments, deploying soldiers and heavy machinery, and racing to restore damaged communities before more rain threatens the region. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Nan on Sunday, August 23, and ordered government agencies to accelerate rehabilitation, damage assessments and financial assistance for residents af

August 23, 2026

Politics

Washington Just Made a Rare Move in the Bond Market — But What Investors Fear Next Could Shake the Global Economy

The U.S. government may be preparing to take a more aggressive role in stabilizing the Treasury market after investors showed growing concern over rising debt pressures and market volatility. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government could increase its purchases of Treasury securities, suggesting Washington may expand its bond buyback strategy to support liquidity and restore confidence in the world’s largest government bond market. The comments came after the Treasury revealed

August 23, 2026

Politics

84 Years After 183 Workers Died, What Is Still Hidden Beneath This Japanese Mine?

A citizen-led search is bringing renewed attention to one of World War II-era Japan’s most devastating industrial disasters — and to the remains that may still lie beneath the sea. More than eight decades after 183 workers were killed in a catastrophic flooding accident at Japan’s Chosei undersea coal mine, a small civic group is continuing the difficult mission of recovering and identifying those left behind. The disaster occurred on February 3, 1942, when an abnormal inflow of seawater flood

August 23, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Just Made Its Biggest Defense Move Ever — But China’s Next Response Could Change Asia’s Future

Taiwan is entering a new phase of security preparation as pressure from China continues to reshape the island’s military strategy, maritime defenses, and political priorities. The latest developments show Taipei is moving beyond traditional defense planning and toward a broader strategy focused on deterrence, asymmetric warfare, and preparing for possible future crises in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s government has proposed a record defense budget for 2027, exceeding NT$1 trillion for the first

August 23, 2026

Politics

Thailand’s Opposition Is Going After Anutin — But the Issue That Could Hurt His Government Most Isn’t What You Think

BANGKOK — Thailand’s government is heading toward one of its toughest political tests since Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul returned to power, as opposition parties prepare for a potentially explosive no-confidence debate that could put some of the administration’s most controversial decisions under a national spotlight. The parliamentary offensive is taking shape just as the House prepares to reconvene on August 25, opening a new political front for an administration already confronting que

August 23, 2026

Politics

Japan’s Ruling Party Goes All-In to Win Okinawa — But Can It Finally Unseat Governor Tamaki?

TOKYO/OKINAWA — Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is pulling out the stops in a determined push to win one of the country’s most politically significant regional elections, with party leaders set to descend on Okinawa ahead of next month’s gubernatorial vote. The LDP is throwing its full weight behind Genta Koja, 42, a former deputy mayor of Naha, as he takes on incumbent Governor Denny Tamaki, 66, who is seeking a third term in office. The election is scheduled for September 13, wi

August 23, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Just Made Its Biggest Defense Move Ever — But China’s Reaction Could Decide Asia’s Future

Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan is taking one of its strongest steps yet to strengthen its defense capabilities as tensions across the Taiwan Strait continue to rise, sending a clear message that the island is preparing for a more uncertain security environment. The move comes as Taiwan faces growing military pressure from China, including increased military activities around the island and escalating competition between Beijing and Washington over regional influence. Taiwanese officials say the goal

August 23, 2026

Politics

Taiwan’s Homegrown Rocket Just Broke the Sound Barrier — But This Is Only the Beginning

The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) successfully launched the Maraho (島脈 MARAHO) sounding rocket from the Xuhai Indigenous Scientific Rocket Launch Site in Pingtung County at 7:10 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, completing a crucial first flight test for the country's long-term orbital rocket programme. The rocket's numbers tell an impressive story. Maraho's engine fired for approximately 18 seconds, generating about 1,500 kilogram-force of liftoff thrust. It accelerated to a maximum speed of 408 metr

August 23, 2026

Politics

PM Wong to Unveil New Family Support Measures Tonight — But How Much Will Singaporeans Really Get?

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to use his 2026 National Day Rally to unveil new measures aimed at supporting Singaporean families, as the city-state confronts a record-low fertility rate, rising pressures on parents and an ageing population. The highly anticipated address is being held on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Headquarters in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Wong’s Malay speech began at 6.45 p.m., followed by Mandarin, while his English address is schedul

August 23, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Just Approved Its Biggest Defense Plan Ever — But What China Does Next Could Change Asia Forever

Taiwan is dramatically increasing its military spending to a historic level as fears grow over China’s expanding military pressure around the island. The Taiwanese government has proposed a record NT$1.12 trillion (around US$35 billion) defense budget for 2027, marking an increase of about 18% from the previous year and pushing defense spending above 3% of Taiwan’s GDP for the first time. The move comes as President Lai Ching-te continues to push for stronger national defense, arguing that mil

August 23, 2026