ASEAN envoy to make another visit to Myanmar

21 Sept 02:45 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN Special Envoy Prak Sokhonn will undertake a second visit to Myanmar in early June, aiming to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the country's ongoing conflict.
The visit seeks to advance the implementation of the "five-point consensus" adopted at last year's ASEAN summit, emphasizing de-escalation and engagement.
Sokhonn outlined five key objectives for his trip: cessation of violence, constructive engagement, COVID-19 vaccination efforts, humanitarian relief, and fostering optimism.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has requested that Sokhonn be granted access to all relevant parties in Myanmar, including Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.