Asean must learn Europe’s COVID-19 lessons

13 Sept 21:02 Key points summarised by AI

Europe's rapid COVID-19 outbreak exposed critical flaws in the EU's economic-centric integration, where principles like free movement hindered a unified and swift pandemic response.
The EU's slow reaction, internal squabbling over resources, and jurisdictional complexities highlighted the challenges of coordinating a pan-regional health crisis without robust pandemic preparedness.
ASEAN, having been inspired by the EU's economic integration model, must learn from these European missteps, particularly the oversight of not incorporating pandemic planning into its foundational discussions.
As ASEAN now proposes a regional response fund, it must proactively address potential pitfalls like differing national interests and equitable resource distribution to ensure effective collective action.
The article suggests ASEAN's current less-developed common market status provides a crucial opportunity to integrate robust pandemic response mechanisms, avoiding the EU's past mistakes.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Today 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.