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ITD, ASEAN academics partner to drive green and digital integration

Today 04:53Key points summarised by AI

The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) has convened academics from eight ASEAN nations to draft strategic policy papers addressing the 'Twin Green-and-Digital Transition' and integrating Thailand into regional supply chains.
This initiative emphasizes that regional collaboration is crucial for building resilient supply chains and navigating global challenges, creating a platform for ASEAN nations to propose joint approaches with Thailand.
Several ASEAN members presented specific proposals for collaboration, including linking Indonesia's critical minerals to Thailand's EV sector, Laos enhancing its land-linked trade hub role, Brunei focusing on clean energy and digital trade, and the Philippines integrating its semiconductor supply chain.
The green and digital transitions are identified as vital for trade competitiveness, with ITD planning to translate these research findings into concrete economic partnerships to turn global megatrends into shared regional opportunities.

Today 20:55Key points summarised by AI

A Belgian woman and a Russian man were separately arrested at Phuket International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle large quantities of cannabis out of Thailand.
The Belgian suspect was caught with over 31kg of cannabis, valued at 5.38 million baht, destined for Paris, while the Russian suspect had over 17kg of cannabis and resin, valued at 9.5 million baht, hidden for a flight to Kazakhstan.
These arrests underscore a significant increase in cannabis trafficking from Thailand, with customs seizing over 37,000kg since October last year, much of it intended for the UK.
The UK's National Crime Agency reported a tenfold surge in cannabis seizures from Thailand at UK airports in 2024, leading the British government to provide Thailand with advanced detection equipment to combat international smuggling.