ASEAN struggles for unity on Myanmar conflict

13 Sept 13:50 Key points summarised by AI

Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, face significant internal divisions regarding how to achieve peace in the conflict-ridden country.
Myanmar's military junta has largely disregarded ASEAN's five-point peace plan, casting doubt on the bloc's ability to influence the situation.
Thailand's controversial decision to engage directly with the junta, despite ASEAN's ban, underscores the deep rifts within the regional bloc.
As chair, Indonesia strives to foster unity and facilitate informal talks but struggles to bridge the wide gaps between warring factions and member states.

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.