Japan's Emperor Naruhito pledges to work as symbol of the people

13 Sept 08:27 Key points summarised by AI

Emperor Naruhito formally ascended Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne, succeeding his father Akihito and commencing the new Reiwa era.
He vowed to serve as a unifying symbol of the Japanese state and its people, pledging to always consider their happiness and progress.
The new imperial couple, Naruhito and Empress Masako, inspire hopes for a more international and relatable monarchy, reflecting their backgrounds and modern outlook.
Japan celebrates this succession with a festive mood, marked by a 10-day holiday and nationwide events, with a more elaborate enthronement ceremony scheduled for October.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.