Thailand’s press freedom ranking improves this year

13 Sept 13:41 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand significantly improved its global press freedom ranking, rising to 115 out of 180 countries from 137 in the previous year.
Despite the improved ranking, Reporters Without Borders notes Thailand's media landscape is highly "polarised," with the Prime Minister expecting media to support government affairs.
Lower-profile media outlets providing alternative viewpoints are often targeted by authorities, contrasting with mainstream media that align with government perspectives.
The report also highlights a dramatic deterioration of press freedom across the Asia-Pacific region, citing Myanmar as the world's "largest prison" for journalists.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.