NATO, be careful what you wish for

21 Sept 06:09 Key points summarised by AI

NATO's recent summit approved a robust aid package for Ukraine, including transitioning its forces to NATO standards and forming a new NATO-Ukraine Council, though a membership timeline remains absent.
The alliance's growing strength and expansive posture are escalating tensions with Russia, heightening the risk of nuclear conflict and creating extreme pressure on Europe's Eastern flank.
A proposed NATO liaison office in Japan faces strong opposition, notably from French President Macron, who argues NATO should concentrate on its North Atlantic role and avoid extending its geographical reach.
Regional bodies like ASEAN express concern that an increasingly assertive NATO could further destabilize the global geopolitical environment and increase the likelihood of tactical nuclear weapon use.
The author urges NATO to reconsider its non-European expansion plans and prioritize Europe's security to prevent further escalation with Russia.

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.