Vietnam's president dies after viral illness

13 Sept 10:43 Key points summarised by AI

Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang, 61, died on Friday from a serious illness caused by a highly virulent virus, for which no efficient treatment was found despite extensive efforts.
A former chief of internal security, Quang was a high-profile leader whose ascent signaled limitations to Vietnam's liberal agenda despite ongoing economic reforms and social openness.
Having been ill for months and receiving treatment in Japan, his death prompts Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh to temporarily assume presidential duties until the National Assembly elects a new president.

Suspected drug couriers killed in Phetchaburi; half a tonne of Ice seized

Yesterday 16:06 Key points summarised by AI

Two suspected drug couriers were killed in a shootout with narcotics officers in Phetchaburi province.
Authorities seized approximately half a tonne of crystal methamphetamine, also known as Ice, during the operation.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night after officers tracked a network suspected of transporting large quantities of drugs to southern Thailand.
The suspects, identified as Chattharin and Rungarun, both 27, opened fire when confronted by officers, who returned fire, resulting in their deaths.