From full houses to five customers a day: How the Iran conflict has hollowed out Bangkok tourism

Boat trips that once drew 150 tourists now carry just 30, as the conflict saps river traffic.

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament

April 3 - Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on Friday after breezing through a parliamentary vote, formalising his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five years after he ousted an elected government in a coup.

Streaming channel PetTV for pets launched in China

Tencent Video described it as a “24-hour happiness hub specially designed for your furry kids".

Blood clots, burning eyes: Pollution chokes north Thailand

Some monitors recorded pollution levels that are 60 times higher than WHO's recommended exposure.

Malaysia court sets May 7 to hear Najib’s stay of execution bid on $1.6b payment to former 1MDB unit

The court will also hear submissions on costs in the lawsuit brought by the unit against the former premier.

Thai PM Anutin blames stockpilers for fuel shortage

Evidence of hoarding and profiteering among large and medium-sized oil traders has been found.

Thai PM blames stockpilers for fuel shortage

Proposed RTS Link fare to be presented to Malaysia, Singapore governments, says Loke

The Malaysian transport minister said progress was not affected by the Middle East conflict.

New Zealand electric vehicle sales soar during petrol price pinch amid Middle East conflict

There were 3,108 electric vehicle registrations in March, up from 921 in February.

Australians cancel Easter travel as worries mount over fuel crisis

Australia, which imports 90 per cent of its fuel, has experienced localised shortages and seen prices soar.

US tariff uncertainty pushes Indian exporters to more stable markets like Japan

The impact is being felt across India’s textile industry, which employs around 45 million people, with American buyers withholding orders or demanding steep discounts.

Indonesian airlines renew call to raise fare cap as jet fuel prices jump 70%

State-owned energy giant Pertamina raised domestic jet fuel prices by an average 70 per cent.

North Korea reportedly razes towns near main missile launch site

Two villages, including hundreds of buildings, were demolished in March.

Thai Met Department warns of 42 deg C heat and thunderstorms across upper Thailand

The public is advised to take care of their health by avoiding prolonged outdoor work or activities.

Singaporean, Vietnamese and 5 others nabbed over drug distribution in Johor

The syndicate is believed to have been active since October.

Bangladesh cuts working hours to save energy amid Middle East crisis

Government offices will run from 9am to 4pm, while markets and shopping centres must shut by 6pm.

Cambodian lawmakers approve anti-cybercrime law

If their operations lead to the death of one or more people, scam centre bosses could face life in prison.

US returns Chinese drug fugitive in rare extradition

A report on the handover did not provide further details on the drug Han was accused of smuggling.

Braving high fuel costs, Filipinos flock to crucifixion spectacle

The ritual is a way for devotees to atone for sins and seek miracles from God.

North Korea to hold burial ceremony for troops killed in Ukraine war

The isolated country is building a museum honouring the fallen troops.

Geisha spectacle in Japan’s Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring

The Miyako Odori show first started in 1872 and incorporates traditional Japanese performing arts.

India’s ‘Mounjaro brides’: Weight-loss injections become part of pre-wedding preparation

Marriages continue to be arranged, often bringing expectations around physical appearance and financial status.

South Korea, France agree to deepen defence cooperation amid Middle East conflict

The leaders also confirmed their commitment to bolstering energy security.

Myanmar's junta chief set for parliamentary vote on presidential bid

April 3 - Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing faces a parliamentary vote on Friday on his bid to become the country's president, as he seeks to formalise his grip on political power five years after his coup against an elected government.

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military Parliament

His transition from top general to civilian president follows a lopsided election in December and January.

Watch: Who is the coup leader who will be Myanmar's next president?

Min Aung Hlaing presided over his last military parade in Myanmar before he takes up the role of president.

Under global spotlight, Australia plays hardball on social media ban

The government said it was investigating Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat for possible breaches.

Fears cost of water and beer to soar as India's scorching summer hits

Makers of plastic and glass bottles are struggling to access raw materials as the war squeezes supplies.

How 3 sisters from Surabaya turned Peggy Hartanto into one of Indonesia’s most recognisable fashion exports

The label’s signature silhouettes are designed to alter how a woman stands, moves and occupies space. Even its smallest accessory carries that intent.

Myanmar's coup leader who set off a brutal civil war becomes president

General Min Aung Hlaing has been chosen as the next president by the newly-elected parliament.

CNA Explains: How the Iran war might reshape Asia’s energy playbook

As energy supplies tighten and prices rise, the region faces the fallout of its reliance on imported fossil fuels from the Middle East.

Commentary: How Southeast Asia might change the way it engages an increasingly disruptive America

The impetus for engaging Washington in Southeast Asian affairs may be shifting from pragmatism to prevention, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

The mysterious origins of a spicy, grilled fish dish

How Wanzhou became known across China as the home town for kaoyu.

Growing energy crisis sparked by Iran war could further shake Filipinos’ trust in Marcos

The rising fuel prices come at a politically sensitive time for him, as his approval ratings continue to fall.

China imports US oil for Asian fuel markets amid Hormuz crisis

China is moving to resume large-scale purchases of United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, as supply disruptions in the Middle East and tightening fuel markets across Asia force Beijing to recalibrate its energy strategy. Some observers view the move as a

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi

US President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after reportedly growing frustrated by her failure to pursue his political enemies with sufficient zeal and her handling of the Epstein files. Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post that Bondi is out as

An ancient oracle warned that invading Persia would backfire

Invasions of ancient Persia were always daunting tasks. They often led to disaster. In the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the Persian empire came to dominate a vast and varied geography with what’s now Iran at its heart. Comprising modern Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the Persian Gulf and

Another Fed rate cut still possible but far from guaranteed

It’s still possible the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates again this year – but don’t count on it. With input prices soaring, interest rates aren’t the top concern for farmers and ranchers these days. Still, lower rates would be welcome. Every little bit helps. The Fed

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany

BEIJING, April 2 - China on Thursday repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in conversations with Western counterparts, widening its diplomatic effort to end the war that has disrupted the global energy market.

‘Don’t tell others how to do their jobs’: Inaction, disregard for safety led to HK’s deadly fire

The authorities are also looking into possible bid-rigging and fraud.

Malaysia clarifies WFH policy only for civil servants living more than 8km from office

This applies to those working in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and all state capitals.

Robotaxi outage highlights pitfalls but unlikely to derail China’s push: Analysts

A passenger said he was stuck in a robotaxi for nearly two hours and felt terrified when the SOS button did not work.

India graveyard raid uncovers hidden cooking gas canisters amid shortage

About 700 cylinders were seized after around 2,600 raids, a government official said.

Iconic 19th Century painting sets Indian art record with $17.9m sale

Yashoda and Krishna, painted by Raja Ravi Varma, beat a record set by an MF Husain work last year.

What Iran’s Amazon data center attacks reveal about modern war

Before dawn on March 1, 2026, Iranian Shahed drones struck two Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates. A third commercial data center in Bahrain was hit, though it is less clear whether it was deliberately targeted. Iran has also indicated that it

South Korea's Lee urges US visa reforms, raises defence role in talks with senators

President Lee Jae Myung also told visiting US senators that South Korea was ready to shoulder a greater role in its own defence.

South Korea’s Lee urges US visa reforms, raises defence role in talks with senators

He called on Congress to support legislation aimed at creating new work visas for South Korean professionals.

Nepal charges 32 people over fake helicopter rescue scam

The long-running racket that has cast a shadow over the country’s vital tourism industry.

Nepal holds its first post-poll Parliament session

The lawmakers, who were elected in March, met within the new Parliament building.