Cambodia unveils ancient Shiva statue restored from 10,000 pieces
The statue “was toppled in the 14th century and shattered into more than 10,000 fragments by looters”.
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New Macau security law allows for trials behind closed doors
Defence lawyers will be required to obtain clearances before appearing in national security cases.
China-ruled Macau approves national security law allowing closed-door trials
HONG KONG, March 19 - Lawmakers in Macau, a city under Chinese rule, unanimously approved a bill on Thursday that allows court proceedings to be held behind closed doors when deemed necessary to protect national security interests.
Fuel crunch in Thailand hits emergency medical vehicles in 39 provinces
Rescue missions in some areas have been restricted due to fuel shortage.
Asian airlines pick up Europe-bound traffic amid Middle East route disruptions
Asian airlines like SIA and Malaysia Airlines are capturing Europe-bound passengers who used to transit via the Gulf.
Iran calls for regional coordination in calls with Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan
DUBAI, March 19 - Iran's foreign minister called for vigilance and regional coordination in separate calls with counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan as the military warned of a tougher response to any further attacks on its energy infrastructure, state media reported on
China cracks down on fentanyl networks in move long sought by Washington
BEIJING, March 19 - China has arrested seven people and subjected 12 more to \"criminal compulsory measures\" in a campaign targeting traffickers in fentanyl precursor chemicals, state media said on Thursday, a move long urged by the United States.
US intel doubts China will invade Taiwan in 2027
China may be preparing to take Taiwan, but not through a near-term invasion, as new US intelligence suggests it is prioritizing coercion, pressure and political absorption over outright war. The March report, entitled 2026 Annual Threat Assessment of US Intelligence Community,
Japan PM to hold 'difficult' talks with Trump as Iran conflict looms large
It comes days after Trump criticised Japan for not answering his demands for help in the Strait of Hormuz.
Myanmar junta touts surrender of over 500 rebel fighters
A Mandalay People’s Defence Force spokesman suggested the event was propaganda.
Iran war’s terrifying logic means no one can back down
The primary danger in the escalating Iran war is no longer the risk of expansion but a complete collapse of restraint. The conflict has surged past a contained bilateral US-Israel versus Iran exchange and become a wider regional crisis fueled by a dangerous conviction that
Russia vows compensation for culled cattle after farmers protests
MOSCOW, March 19 - Russian officials promised compensation to farmers in the Novosibirsk region on Thursday, where authorities have ordered thousands of cattle to be culled, sparking Russia's largest non-political protests since the start of the war in Ukraine.
Iran crisis lifts India bottled water prices, erasing Modi tax cut gains
Clean water is a privilege in the country of 1.4 billion people.
Children’s headphones on Temu, Amazon found with chemicals exceeding safety limits in South Korea
35 per cent of those tested contained substances at levels up to 200 times over the safety standard.
Iran considers levying transit fees on ships in Hormuz Strait, lawmaker says
DUBAI, March 19 - Iran is considering a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker said on Thursday, a potential bid to monetise Tehran's newfound grip over the critical waterway through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied
Weddings in South Korea reach highest number since 2018
The number of marriages had fallen for 11 consecutive years from 2012 before turning upward in 2023.
Seoul braces itself for 260,000-strong BTS crowd with sweeping security plan
Entry will be restricted to designated pathways, while ID and bag checks may be conducted.
Billionaire Indonesian bank owner Michael Hartono dies at 86
He died in Singapore on March 19, according to the corporate secretary of one of his companies.
China calls killing of Iran’s Larijani, leaders ‘unacceptable’
"We have always opposed the use of force in international relations," said a foreign ministry spokesman.
To feed or fuel? Economists urge Indonesia to downsize free meals programme as oil prices soar
Fiscal strain on the economy is set to mount rapidly, especially since fuel at pump stations is government-subsidised.
From chemical producers to sento baths, Japan feels the heat from Middle East supply crisis
Japan may seek to purchase oil from non-Gulf destinations, including the US.
Fuel shortage hits taxi service at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
Taxis have gradually begun suspending services, especially for long-distance trips.
2 Japan primary school teachers convicted for sharing voyeuristic student images on social media
The educators exploited pupils, sharing illicit images in a wider ring.
Thousands of Philippine jeepney drivers protest as rising fuel prices drive up costs
Local diesel prices more than doubled after global oil prices surged because of the Iran war.
Baby monkey Punch acclimatising, making new friends at Japan zoo
Punch became an internet sensation after clips of him clinging to a plush orang utan toy for comfort were shared.
India's ceramic hub grinds to a halt as Iran war chokes gas supply
Manufacturers stopped operations after supplies of propane and natural gas reduced sharply in recent days.
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms officially in bloom, 5 days earlier than average year
Blossoms will be in full bloom in about a week if warm temperatures continue.
Nepal investigating burning of Xi Jinping's book at university
KATHMANDU, March 19 - Nepal is investigating how some copies of a book authored by Chinese President Xi Jinping were burned at a university in the east of the country after the Chinese embassy expressed concern over the incident, officials said on Thursday.
China offers to work with Southeast Asia on energy security
BEIJING, March 19 - China, home to the world's biggest oil refining sector, said it was ready to work with Southeast Asia in addressing energy problems stemming from the war in Iran and called on the parties involved to immediately cease military operations.
China calls for end to Gulf conflict, offers to ease South-east Asia energy crunch
China had previously banned exports of Chinese fuels following the Middle East war.
China weathering Iran war with minimal damage
Various observers are emphasizing that the US-Israeli war against Iran is either hurting or helping China. Some argue that “China has a lot to lose,” that the war is “unsettling China and its ambitions,” or that “Xi Jinping’s geopolitical chessboard is starting to collapse.”
Australian farmers, miners feel diesel squeeze with Iran war
Diesel stocks are down to 30 days, said Australia's Energy Minister.
Iran war expected to dominate US-Japan talks as Takaichi lands in Washington
The Japanese prime minister will be the first major ally to hold face-to-face talks with United States President Donald Trump since he urged several countries to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Seoul’s Incheon Airport gears up for surge of BTS fans this week
The airport has deployed extra staff and expanded passport control capacity ahead of the expected surge.
Johor transport body to monitor 33 accident ‘black spots’ during festive Hari Raya period
The operation is aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities during the busy travel period.
Taiwan rejects China’s energy security ‘reunification’ offer amid Middle East war
Taiwan's government referred to China's offer as "cognitive warfare".
S’porean man charged in Phuket after crashing into barricades that hit a police officer
The man was charged with reckless driving, causing injury, and failing to stop to provide assistance.
Olympic cyclist who ran over wife under fire over Porsche post
The post was criticised for being "deeply offensive" by a victims' rights commissioner.
Independent Hong Kong panel starts hearing into devastating inferno
HONG KONG, March 19 - Human factors rendered ineffective almost all the fire safety measures at the site of a Hong Kong blaze that killed 168 people in November, the lead lawyer for a panel led by a judge that is investigating the inferno said on Thursday.
In Seoul square of protest and history, BTS fans welcome grand comeback
The South Korean landmark, built in 1395, has weathered centuries of destruction and restoration.
Mount Fuji viewing train for inbound tourists starts operation
The tour will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Dec 22.
Indonesia detains four soldiers over acid attack on activist
Andrie Yunus, who criticised the army's role in government, suffered burns to 20% of his body.
Hong Kong fire: Panel hears safety measures failed on day of deadly blaze
The judge-led committee will investigate whether fire safety standards were inadequate.
Wild possum shelters with plush toys in Australian airport shop
Airport employees have returned the animal to its rightful place in the great outdoors.
Voters rocked by war and tariffs could add to market angst in upcoming elections
LONDON, March 19 - Voters grappling with unprecedented turmoil head to the polls in more than 50 countries this year, with the opportunity to make clear their views on their governments' strategies for wars, tariffs and economic strife.
Trump may push Japan for help with Iran war in White House meeting
WASHINGTON, March 19 - President Donald Trump may use a White House meeting with Japan’s prime minister on Thursday to press for help in the war on Iran, placing Sanae Takaichi in an awkward position as Tokyo weighs how much support it can provide.
Mystery AI model suspected to be DeepSeek-V4 is revealed to be from Xiaomi
The mysterious free model, Hunter Alpha, surfaced on the AI gateway platform OpenRouter on March 11.
Watch: Real possum spotted on toy animal shelf at Australian airport
Passengers discovered a real possum nestled among other native Australian toy animals at Hobart Airport, Tasmania.
More Hong Kong drivers head north into mainland China for cheaper petrol - but at what cost?
As conflict in the Middle East drives up global fuel prices, Hong Kong drivers are looking north for relief - but will the savings add up?
