AI In-brief 13 Sept 05:46

Thai media associations urge investigation of alleged reporter intimidation

Thai media associations called on the national police to investigate the alleged detention and intimidation of an Amarin TV news crew.
The news crew, covering a fatal shooting, was reportedly held by 'bodyguards' who demanded their phone's SIM card and threatened a reporter with violence.

AI In-brief Today 09:22

America voted against Trump, not for the World

US midterm elections delivered a rebuke to Trump, with Democrats gaining control, yet this signifies a rejection of his personal politics rather than a return to traditional US global engagement.
America has become increasingly inward-focused, prioritizing domestic issues like the economy, healthcare, and immigration over global leadership and traditional foreign policy roles.
Protectionism and tariffs are now bipartisan policies, indicating the 'old America' that championed free trade and global order is unlikely to return, significantly impacting regions like Southeast Asia.
With Washington preoccupied by internal political battles, Southeast Asia must strengthen its own hand through deeper integration and broader regional cooperation, rather than waiting for renewed US attention.