Timor Leste: 11th Asean member in jeopardy?

13 Sept 11:14 Key points summarised by AI

Timor Leste's prospective membership in Asean is jeopardized by its leaders' critical comments regarding Asean's democratic principles and its approach to the Myanmar crisis.
Prime Minister Gusmao Xanana threatened to reconsider joining Asean if the bloc failed to resolve the Myanmar conflict, while President Ramos Horta openly supported Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG).
These outspoken actions, including meetings with the NUG, have been deemed 'inappropriate and premature' by Asean members, leading to diplomatic repercussions like the expulsion of Timor Leste's diplomat from Yangon.
Despite Asean agreeing in principle to admit Timor Leste, its persistent critiques and strong democratic posturing risk creating an 'impasse' within the consensus-driven bloc, potentially delaying or complicating its full admission.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Yesterday 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.