Laos rejects demands

Laos yesterday rejected a request from an international human-rights group to release Hmong leaders, saying it was not holding any refugees deported from Thailand.

Laos jail Hmong leaders forcibly repatriated by Thailand
New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday called on Laos to free Hmong ethnic minority leaders who had been jailed after being forcibly deported by Thailand earlier this year.

The China Post becomes 20th member of ANN
Taipei - The China Post, a Taiwanese-based leading English daily, has joined Asia News Network as its 20th member.

more >>

New scandal hounds Arroyo government
Manila -- A former senior police official caught with a huge amount of cash at an airport in Moscow has reinforced the widespread perception that the Philippine government is riddled with corruption.

After Nargis: Time to Normalise Aid Relations
International Crisis Group (ICG) latest report on Burma, also known as Myanmar, called on the the international community to build on the recent achievements. Following is ICG's Executive Summary and recommendations:

more >>

No escalation of conflict in southern Philippines
Manila -- Fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines is not likely to escalate into a full-scale war, an international security think tank said Friday.
US-Vietnam meeting on Agent Orange opens
Hanoi - US and Vietnamese experts and officials opened a weeklong meeting Monday in Hanoi on US aid to remediate the effects of Agent Orange, the chemical defoliant the United States sprayed during the Vietnam War.
Cambodia's dog-tired demining mission needs cash
Phnom Penh (dpa) - Cambodia's star landmine-detection dogs are in financial trouble and urgently need fresh recruits and donations to keep the programme running smoothly, a senior official said Monday.
Long awaited Cambodian anti-corruption legislation inches forward
Phnom Penh - Cambodia's long-awaited anti-corruption legislation is ready to consideration in the nation's parliament, government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Monday.

more >>

Bangkok's best bars and pubs
Our nightlife reporter bids weekend a fond farewell with a recap of her seven favourite watering holes
Get it while it's tasty
Thai and international favourites, plus a few exotic items, are prepared in an open-kitchen
Babymime in full view
The acclaimed Thai pantomime troupe collaborates with top director nikorn saetang for their first solo show
Shopping by the sea
Along with the beach, there is an extensive selection of items worth browsing for in local markets