Right-wing Sanae Takaichi set to be Japan's first female premier

11 Sept 21:19 Key points summarised by AI

Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative, has been elected head of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the country's first female prime minister.
She inherits a party in crisis, aiming to restore public trust amid economic challenges and competition from opposition parties, advocating for "Abenomics"-style aggressive spending and easy monetary policy.
Takaichi's nationalistic stance, including visits to the Yasukuni shrine and considering a "quasi-security alliance" with Taiwan, may strain relations with China and South Korea, though welcomed by Taiwan.
Domestically, she pledges to increase women in cabinet but holds socially conservative views and plans to tighten controls on rule-breaking visitors and immigrants, aligning with anti-globalism sentiments.

Bangkok plans safeguards for Hajj pilgrims amid Saudi security concerns

Yesterday 16:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand initiates contingency plans to safeguard its nationals, particularly Hajj pilgrims, in Saudi Arabia amidst rising Houthi attacks.
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirms government coordination with military and embassy officials to ensure assistance for Thais during potential escalations.
Bangkok expresses alarm over Houthi attacks reportedly reaching Riyadh and the Mecca region, targeting critical infrastructure like airports and oil facilities.
Recent Houthi claims include strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and oil pipelines, following earlier attacks that disrupted air travel and caused casualties.