Thailand takes over ASEAN chairmanship from Singapore

13 Sept 13:45 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand officially assumed the ASEAN chairmanship from Singapore, with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha receiving the symbolic gavel at the end of the two-day ASEAN summit.
Thailand's chairmanship, which formally begins on January 1, will prioritize boosting connectivity in infrastructure, rules, and people-to-people links to foster a "seamless ASEAN."
A central focus for Thailand will be on sustainable development, encompassing both security and economic growth across the region.
Gen Prayut unveiled "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability" as Thailand's chairmanship theme, acknowledging ASEAN's international role while addressing challenges like trade competition and disruptive technologies.

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.