Malaysian court acquits political analyst over Mongolian murder

Kuala Lumpur -- A Malaysian court on Friday acquitted a prominent political analyst of involvement in the gruesome killing of a Mongolian woman two years ago.

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.

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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:

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Indonesian Muslim hardliners sentenced to 18 months in jail
Jakarta (dpa) - An Indonesian court Thursday sentenced two Muslim hardliners to 18 months in prison each for their roles in a violent attack against an interfaith rally in June that left dozens of people injured.
Nine Burmese activists get six months for contempt of court
Rangoon - Nine activists who played a role in last year's Buddhist monk-led anti-government demonstrations have received six-month jail terms for contempt of court after complaining of the lack of a free judiciary in military-run Burma, a non-governmental organisation said Thursday.
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.

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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