Biden joins U.S.-ASEAN summit Trump skipped after 2017

14 Sept 01:48 Key points summarised by AI

President Biden re-engaged with Southeast Asian leaders at a virtual U.S.-ASEAN summit, marking the first top-level U.S. participation in four years since Trump skipped the meeting in 2017.
Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to ASEAN's central regional role and a "free and open Indo-Pacific," pledging $102 million for health, climate, economic, and education programs to bolster the partnership.
The engagement aims to counter an increasingly assertive China, with Biden implicitly addressing shared challenges like maritime issues, while analysts note a continued lack of U.S. involvement in regional trade frameworks.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 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.