Kingdom Prepares for Coronation’s Holy Water Ritual
BANGKOK — Rehearsals to draw and transport sacred water for the May coronation ceremony took place on Thursday across the nation.
Philippines Issues Strongly Worded Rebuke at China Flotillas
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government protested on Thursday the presence of large numbers of Chinese vessels near islands and islets occupied by the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea as illegal and vowed to take "appropriate action."
Preliminary Report Says Crew of Ethiopia Jet Followed Boeing Rules
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The crew of the Ethiopian Airlines jet that crashed shortly after takeoff last month performed all of the procedures recommended by Boeing when the plane started to nose dive but could not control it, according to a preliminary report released Thursday by Ethiopia's government.
S. Korea Launches 5G Smartphone Networks Ahead of Schedule
SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea's telecommunications carriers turned on super-fast 5G mobile internet networks abruptly ahead of schedule in an attempt to ensure the country becomes the first in the world to launch the services.
Hong Kong Customs Seizes Massive Cocaine Haul
HONG KONG — A haul of cocaine with an estimated market value of $13 million has been seized in Hong Kong, customs agents said Thursday.
Australia Could Jail Social Media Execs for Showing Violence
CANBERRA, Australia — Australia's Parliament passed legislation on Thursday that could imprison social media executives if their platforms stream real violence such as the New Zealand mosque shootings.
Ballot Recounts, By-Elections Ordered in Some Polling Stations
BANGKOK — The Election Commission said Thursday that ballots from two polling stations will be recounted while six others need by-elections.
Nissan’s Ghosn Arrested Again in Financial Misconduct Case
TOKYO — Nissan's former Chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested Thursday morning for a fourth time by Tokyo prosecutors investigating him for alleged financial misconduct while leading the Japanese automaker.
50 Murder Counts Filed on NZ Mosque Attack Suspect
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Police say the man accused of the Christchurch mosque attacks will face 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges at his court appearance on Friday.
Flash Floods Hit Pattaya After Hours of Heavy Rain
PATTAYA — Pattaya city was hit by flash floods for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after being pounded by thunderstorms.
