Thailand

Thailand's Air Force deploys F-16s as unidentified aircraft seen near Thai-Myanmar border

Errant plane vanishes after two military jets from Nakhon Sawan sent to Tak border to intercept intruder.

AseanPlus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Dec 21, 2024)

Here's a look at the news highlights from Asean countries in the Star-AseanPlus section for Saturday (Dec 21, 2024).

AseanPlus News

Popular Chinese actress, director Joan Chen’s past as dishwasher in US sparks lively debate online

As her tale of struggle and hardship resurfaces on Chinese social media, it deeply resonates with netizens.

Philippines

Numbers down as registered live births in Philippines decrease by 17.2 per cent in past decade

The registered live births in the Philippines have decreased by 17.2 per cent in the past 10 years, from around 1.75 million in 2014 to nearly 1.45 million in 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has announced.

Vietnam

Vietnam distinguishes itself as one of fastest-growing economies in East Asia-Pacific, says World Bank

Vietnam has distinguished itself as one of the fastest-growing economies in the East Asia-Pacific region in 2024, Vietnam News Agency cited Andrea Coppola, the World Bank's lead country economist .

Nation

Machete-wielding robbers from Muar arrested in Sungkai, remanded seven days

MUAR: Two men and a woman, believed to be involved in an armed robbery with machetes in Taman Sri Treh, Muar, on Tuesday (Dec 17), and who went viral on social media, have been remanded for seven days starting Saturday (Dec 21), Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.

Singapore

Man in Singapore jailed for assaulting his father and molesting a woman in separate incidents

A man who rained blows on his father continued the assault, despite knowing that police officers were waiting to be let into their flat at around 3am on May 10.

Football

JDT storm into Malaysia Cup semis with 4-0 win over KL City

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) advanced to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur City (KL City) FC in the second leg of the quarter-finals at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, here.

Indonesia

Indonesians embrace return of plundered treasure from the Dutch

In the mid-19th century, Dutch colonial officials climbing an Indonesian volcano spotted an ancient statue meant to serve as protection against misfortune, looted it, and took it to the Netherlands.

Thailand

Pregnant Thai star’s robust performance defended by fans – ‘women can shine at any stage’

K-pop and J-pop girl groups face pressure, with pregnancy often leading to career suspension.

Singapore

Fans rejoice despite travelling woes to KL as Lions secure Asean Championship semifinal spot

What started out as a day of frustration turned into a night of jubilation for Lions fans who made the trip across the Causeway with the chartered coaches provided by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

AseanPlus News

The future of gaming is Gen-Z on smartphones earnings millions

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (best known for playing the Mountain in Game of Thrones) stalked through the arena in a fur-lined kilt and boots, his long beard in a braid, swinging a 35 kilogram hammer.

Cambodia

Indochina region of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - rising from shadows to shine as Asean's premier tourist destination

The Indochina region, once ravaged by war and suffering, is now a flourishing tourism destination attracting millions of foreign visitors annually with its iconic charms.

Other Sports

Weightlifting Taiwan granny, 90, garners cheers, health benefits at gym

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Cheng Chen Chin-Mei beamed broadly as she hoisted a 35-kg (77-pound) weightlifting bar to her waist, dropped it and waved confidently to the enthusiastic crowd in a competition in Taipei.

Arts

Arahmaiani: the Indonesian artist with a thousand lives

The artist was a nomad for years because of a crackdown on her paintings, installations and performances, which were viewed as provocative in Indonesia

Nation

Photo gallery: Colourful decor, year-end promos draw crowds ahead of Christmas in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: The festive cheer of Christmas is building up in Kuala Lumpur as major shopping malls are adorned with vibrant decorations and filled with the holiday spirit.

AseanPlus News

Seven Chinese nationals tried to illegally enter Guam as US tested missile, authorities say

Seven Chinese citizens were arrested on charges of illegally entering Guam around the time the US Missile Defense Agency conducted a key missile interception test using a new radar, the island's Customs and Quarantine Agency has said.

Philippines

China coast guard says it 'drove away' Philippine aircraft over Scarborough Shoal

China's coast guard said on Friday it warned and "drove away" a Philippine C-208 aircraft that "illegally" entered the airspace over Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

Cambodia

Cambodia's trade with Asean up 12.8 per cent in first 11 months of 2024

Cambodia's trade volume with its fellow Asean member states hit US$14.3 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, up 12.8 percent from US$12.68 billion over the same period last year, said an official report from the government.

Laos

Laos capital Vientiane's economy hits 5.85 per cent growth, beating expectations

Laos capital Vientiane'seconomy grew by 5.85 per cent, surpassing the National Assembly’s initial target of 0.30 percent, according to the city Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone.