South-eastern Asia

Myanmar court sentences two to death over lawyer's murder

Court hands out death sentence to gunman and an accomplice involved in planning the killing while two other men involved in the crime received prison sentences. A fifth suspect thought to be the crime's mastermind remains at large.

Philippines arrests journalist Maria Ressa on libel charge

Former CNN journalist Ressa, who has repeatedly clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in Rappler's Manila office on Wednesday.

Thai election commission moves to dissolve party linked to princess

The Thai Raksa Chart Party is now fighting for its survival after nominating Princess Ubolratana Mahidol as a prime ministerial candidate for the March 24 general elections. Thailand's king had called her move "highly inappropriate."

Myanmar army 'shelling' villages, restricting aid in Rakhine state

Amnesty International says it has "received reports that army divisions involved in atrocities against Rohingya in 2017 have been deployed to Rakhine state again in recent weeks," amid fighting between the military and a Buddhist militia.

Thailand to free refugee Bahraini footballer after extradition bid dropped

Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia, was arrested in November at a Bangkok airport while on a honeymoon trip following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

Singapore's homegrown satellite launches into Orbit

Singapore is probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of space exploration. But the island state is establishing itself as a force in the new space race by building a fleet of small, low-cost satellites.

Thai king vetoes sister's election candidacy

Thai Princess Ubolratana Mahidol accepted her nomination by the Thai Raksa Chart Party in an Instagram post. Hours later, Thailand's King called her candidacy "inappropriate and unconstitutional" and vetoed the move.

'Please, don't send me to Bahrain' - Jailed Bahraini footballer

Footballer Hakeem al Araibi, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and was later granted asylum in Australia, faces extradition to his homeland Bahrain, where he thinks he will face torture and even death.

Football player refuses voluntary extradition to Bahrain

Hakeem al Araibi's rejection of extradition means a trial will be held to determine whether Thai authorities will send him to Bahrain, where he fears he is at risk or torture.

Why is Malaysia’s monarchy so unique compared to other kingdoms?

Instead of following the bloodline, nine royal families use an electoral system to choose the next Malaysian monarch for a five-year term.

At least two killed in grenade attack at mosque in southern Philippines

The attacks takes place just days after a deadly bombing at a Catholic cathedral and a vote backing self-rule in the Muslim-majority region.

Malaysia stripped of world paralympic event over stance on Israel

Malaysia is one of several Muslim states that have no formal diplomatic ties with Israel and the Palestinian cause has widespread support in the country. It is forbidden to enter the country on an Israeli passport.