Youth meet in East Timor to grapple with violence in society

Dili - Young people from around the world gathered this week in East Timor to participate in a conference to share ideas on identity, conflict and peace as the country, one of the most at-risk nations in Asia, tries to come to terms with long-standing violence in its society.

Khmer Rouge foreign minister's detention extended
Phnom Penh - The former foreign minister of Cambodia's genocidal Khmer Rouge regime has had his detention extended for another year ahead of his trial before an international tribunal, national media reported Thursday.

Prominent Burma dissident welcomes Obama approach
Rangoon - US president-elect Barack Obama is expected to take a more multilateral and "effective" approach to Burma's transition to democracy than the outgoing administration of President George Bush, a prominent dissident said Wednesday.

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"Sometimes I get regular women, sometimes I hire lady-boys"
Phnom Penh - At the end of each day, Lux, a construction worker in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, goes home for supper with his wife and young children.

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.

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Breeding livestock for livelihoods in Laos
Vientiane - Despite being a predominantly agrarian country, the Lao PDR (Laos) has insufficient livestock to meet the increasing demand of its wealthier neighbours - Thailand, China and Vietnam - for live animals and meat, according to a recent study.
Security concerns over guns in civilian hands: Timor-Leste
DILI - Poor management of government weapon stockpiles and an unknown number of small arms in the hands of civilians were potential triggers for violence in the fledgling nation, according to a new report.
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.

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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