Myanmar army ruler pledges elections, ASEAN cooperation
BANGKOK — Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday again promised new multi-party elections and said his government is ready to work with any special envoy named by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
China mulls booster shots for some as Delta variant spreads
CHINA is studying if it’s necessary to give booster COVID-19 vaccine shots to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with underlying diseases and those who work in high-risk areas.
US top diplomat Blinken to court Southeast Asia in virtual meetings
WASHINGTON — United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian officials every day this week, a senior state department official said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to show the region it’s a US priority while also addressing the crisis in Myanmar.
Two Sumatran tigers recovering from coronavirus
JAKARTA — Two Sumatran tigers at an Indonesian zoo were recovering from COVID-19 after they tested positive in mid-July, the Jakarta government said in a statement on Sunday, adding that authorities were trying to find out how they were infected.
International Space Station thrown out of control by misfire of Russian module — NASA
The International Space Station (ISS) was thrown briefly out of control on Thursday when jet thrusters of a newly arrived Russian research module inadvertently...
Biden pushes cash reward to get vaccinated, new rules for federal workers
WASHINGTON — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., on Thursday urged local governments to pay people to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and...
Money rolls in for Europe Inc. as companies banish pandemic blues
LONDON — Carmaker Volkswagen, plane maker Airbus, and energy major Royal Dutch Shell all posted bumper financial earnings on Thursday reflecting a generally buoyant mood...
Phuket restricts travel from other Thai regions as COVID-19 cases surge
Thailand’s Phuket will ban travel from the rest of the country from Aug. 3 to 16 to try to stop a surge in coronavirus...
In fast-warming world, Tokyo is barometer for future Olympics
The muggy heat-swaddling Tokyo may be a forerunner of Olympic life to come, experts say, urging a rethink to make the world’s oldest sporting...
Delta’s spread is testing ‘COVID Zero’ defenses
THE RISE of the highly-contagious Delta variant is challenging even the most aggressive COVID-19 containment regimes, an ominous sign as economies look to open up and return to pre-pandemic life.
Japan’s COVID-19 adviser urges clear risk message as cases surge in Olympic host
TOKYO — Japan faces its most serious situation since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the country’s top medical adviser warned on Thursday, urging the government to send a “clearer, stronger message” about growing risks, including to the medical system.
Thailand risks first double-dip recession since 1998 crisis
THAILAND will likely be the worst economic performer in Southeast Asia this year, with economists continuing to slash the country’s growth forecast amid surging COVID-19 infections, mounting political tensions and fading hopes for a tourism revival.