Thai ex-PM Yingluck defiant as verdict looms

Embattled Thai ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra was in defiant mood on Tuesday as she prepared to give a closing defence at her trial for negligence linked to a rice subsidy policy that could see her jailed.

US to cut 755 US diplomatic staff in Russia, says Putin

President Vladimir Putin on Sunday said the United States would have to cut 755 diplomatic staff in Russia and warned of a prolonged gridlock in its ties after the US Congress backed new sanctions against the Kremlin.

 

Billionair Jack Ma reveals his secrets

Jack Ma, the founder and executive chairman of China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, talks to the Nation Co-founder Suthichai Yoon about Thailand’s main strength and weakness when it comes to e-trade, and the anti-globalisation trend, China’s ‘negative’ image as well as his retirement plan. Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview conducted at Alibaba’s HQ in Hangzhou, China.

 

ASEAN at 50, more a neighbourhood than a community

Southeast Asian countries today are far more integrated than they have ever been in the modern history of the region, but ASEAN has some way to go before it can call itself a real community. The 10 member countries grouped in the Association of Southeast Asean nations (ASEAN) are glued together more because of their geographical proximity, and out of that perhaps comes a sense of shared destiny. 

Japan’s scandal-hit defence chief announces resignation

Japan's hawkish defence minister on Friday said she had resigned over a long-brewing scandal involving the handling of military documents, in a political blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe, who has seen his popularity plummet in recent weeks over a series of controversies, immediately apologised to the nation over the saga.

US Senate passes Russia sanctions, sends bill to Trump

The US Senate on Thursday passed bipartisan sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, sending the package to President Donald Trump, who must decide whether to accept the tough approach to Moscow or veto the measure.

Trump names new US ambassador to Việt Nam

President Donald Trump has nominated Daniel Kritenbrink, a career diplomat with extensive experience in Asian affairs, to be US ambassador to Việt Nam, the White House said Wednesday.

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