First mahout encounter with sick Thai elephant in Sri Lanka goes well

14 Sept 02:53 Key points summarised by AI

Thai mahouts successfully began familiarization with Sak Surin, an ailing elephant in Sri Lanka, noting positive responses to their presence and Thai language.
Their immediate task involves training Sak Surin to comfortably use a specially built cage within two weeks, crucial for his scheduled repatriation flight to Thailand.

ASEAN envoy to visit Myanmar starting Wednesday

Today 08:32 Key points summarised by AI

**Humanitarian Mission:** An ASEAN special envoy, led by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, will visit Myanmar to expand humanitarian access and engage with local and national officials.
**Aid Focus:** The delegation, including experts from the AHA Centre, will assess humanitarian needs in conflict-hit regions like Shan State, aiming to streamline aid delivery.
**No Suu Kyi Engagement:** Despite recent positive developments for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the envoy's visit will not include a meeting with her, as no such arrangement was made.
**Unfulfilled Consensus:** While Myanmar establishes an ASEAN Affairs Coordinating Committee and its own roadmap, ASEAN reiterates that the bloc's Five-Point Consensus remains unfulfilled, leading to continued exclusion of Myanmar's political appointees from high-level meetings.