ASEAN Foreign Ministers must not lose their way

13 Sept 13:42 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN foreign ministers failed to reach a consensus on addressing Myanmar's military junta, deferring critical decisions to the upcoming leaders' summit.
The bloc is divided between members advocating for stronger isolation and potential suspension of Myanmar, and those pushing for adherence to the 5-Point Consensus and continued engagement with the State Administrative Council.
Concerns are rising that further isolating Myanmar risks pushing it closer to Russia, potentially destabilizing the region and challenging ASEAN's international relevance.
Key proposals for ASEAN leaders include considering an inclusive humanitarian donor forum and extending the special envoy's tenure to three years, with incoming chair Indonesia signaling a tougher stance.

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.