The suspect points to the 'Doraemon Door' used for smuggling cash from Myanmar into Thailand on Kaset Phanit Soi 9, Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province, May 26, 2025.
KANCHANABURI — Police in Sangkhlaburi district have arrested a 25-year-old Thai man for illegally transporting nearly 18 million baht ($552,000) in cash across the border from Myanmar into Thailand. The suspect confessed to repeatedly using what locals call a “Doraemon Door” – a house with its front entrance in Thailand and back door opening directly into Myanmar.
The arrest took place on May 26 with assistance from the Lad Ya Special Forces unit, which had intensified checkpoint operations in the area. Authorities stopped a vehicle driven by the suspect, identified as Thanawat, as he traveled from Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong toward Sangkhlaburi town center.
During the search, officers discovered two cloth bags containing 17,994,000 baht in cash hidden inside the vehicle.
Sangkhlaburi Police question a 25-year-old Thai man after arresting him for illegally transporting nearly 18 million baht in cash across the border from Myanmar into Thailand on May 26, 2025.
Unique Cross-Border Route
Thanawat told investigators he operates an import-export business between Thailand and Myanmar. He explained that after collecting payment from sales in Myanmar, he would store the money in a warehouse before smuggling it across the border to deposit in Thai banks for business investment purposes.
The suspect regularly used an unusual route through a house located on Kaset Phanit Soi 9, where the front entrance sits on the Thai side of the border while the back door opens directly onto a Myanmar road. Locals have dubbed this passage the “Doraemon Door,” referencing the popular Japanese cartoon character known for his magical gadgets.
The suspect points to the ‘Doraemon Door’ used for smuggling cash from Myanmar into Thailand on Kaset Phanit Soi 9, Sangkhlaburi district, Kanchanaburi province, May 26, 2025.
Thanawat admitted to using this route multiple times, paying 500 baht per trip to workers who guard the property. His luck ran out during this latest attempt when authorities intercepted him.
Legal Consequences
Officials have charged Thanawat under the Customs Act for bringing money into the kingdom without going through proper customs procedures. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a fine equivalent to four times the value of the goods plus import duties.
Authorities plan to question the homeowner to determine whether they were complicit in the smuggling operation.
Thai government aims to address the problem of student visa abuse by foreign nationals by issuing a new regulation titled “Criteria and Guidelines for the Administration of Short-Term (Non-Degree) Study Programs for Foreign Students in Higher Education Institutions 2025."
BANGKOK — After authorities discovered that some foreigners who have violated Thai laws have used student status as an excuse to stay in the country long-term and work illegally, the Thai government is moving to close this loophole by enforcing stricter controls over short-term education programs.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang announced that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) aims to address the problem of student visa abuse by foreign nationals by issuing a new regulation titled “Criteria and Guidelines for the Administration of Short-Term (Non-Degree) Study Programs for Foreign Students in Higher Education Institutions 2025,” which came into effect on May 14.
The regulation provides a legal framework for the issuance of residence permits for foreign students based on cooperation between MHESI and the Immigration Department.
Key points of the new regulation include:
1. Institutions offering short-term courses must demonstrate professional competence and preparedness in terms of curriculum content, qualified teaching staff and clearly defined learning outcomes.
2. Institutions must submit detailed course information to the Office of the Secretary of State of MHESI. This includes the course name, responsible department and faculty, objectives, structure and content, instructional format with at least 60% on-site and no more than 40% online, length of program with no more than 180 days, daily and weekly schedules, student qualifications, application period, number of foreign students admitted, language of instruction, learning location, and methods of assessment. Attendance records must also be submitted.
3. Institutions must issue formal certificates and apply for a temporary residence permit for foreign students for study purposes. Each stay must not exceed 180 days and must be consistent with the need and structure of the course. Academic records must be verified, especially for students who were previously enrolled in other programs at a Thai higher education institution.
4. Once the Immigration Bureau grants permission to stay, institutions must report the foreign student’s information to MHESI within 30 days.
5. Institutions are required to monitor attendance and submit monthly progress reports through the MHESI international student tracking system. These reports must clearly list all currently enrolled students, those who have withdrawn, and those who have completed the course.
6. If a facility is not in compliance, MHESI will notify the facility’s Board of Directors to consider terminating the program.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, explained that the government aims to raise the standards of short-term education in Thailand with transparency and legal clarity. The aim is to prevent the entry of foreigners under false pretenses and ensure that education programs are managed efficiently.
“This regulation requires higher education institutions to follow strict procedures and report regularly to the MHESI. This will help build confidence in the integrity and quality of Thailand’s education system and make it more attractive to international students,” she said.
In this grab taken from video, France's President Emmanuel Macron prepares to disembark a plane on arrival, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)
PARIS (AP) — They were just playfighting.
That was French President Emmanuel Macron ‘s explanation Monday for video images that appeared to show his wife, Brigitte, pushing her husband away with both hands on his face before they disembarked from their plane to start a tour of Southeast Asia this weekend.
The moment quickly made headlines in France, with media trying to decipher the interaction that cameras spotted through the just-opened door of the plane. The headline of a story on the website of the daily Le Parisien newspaper asked: “Slap or ‘squabble’? The images of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron disembarking in Vietnam trigger a lot of comment.”
Macron later told reporters that the couple — married since 2007 after meeting at the high school where he was a student and she was a teacher — were simply joking around.
“We are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife,” he said, adding that the incident was being overblown into “a sort of geo-planetary catastrophe.”
In this grab taken from video, France’s President Emmanuel Macron prepares to disembark a plane on arrival, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)
In video taken by The Associated Press as the Macrons arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sunday, a uniformed man can be seen pulling open the plane door and revealing the president standing inside, dressed in a suit and talking to someone who wasn’t visible.
Two arms — in red sleeves — reached out and pushed Macron away, with one hand covering his mouth and part of his nose while the other was on his jaw. The French leader recoiled, turning his head away. Then, apparently realizing that he was on camera, he broke into a smile and gave a little wave.
In subsequent images, Macron and his wife, wearing a red jacket, appeared at the top of the stairs. He offered an arm but she didn’t take it. They walked down the carpeted stairs side by side.
The French leader argued that the images and reaction to them offered a cautionary tale about disinformation in the social media age.
He said that in recent weeks, other videos had been used to circulate made-up stories that he’d taken cocaine with the leaders of Britain and Germany — when, in fact, he said he’d just been picking up a tissue — and that he’d had a muscular encounter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, when they’d been shaking and holding hands.
“Everyone needs to calm down,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron listens to Vietnamese General Secretary of the Communist Party To Lam at the office of the Party Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam Monday, May 26, 2025. (Luong Thai Linh/Pool Photo via AP)
His office also downplayed the interaction.
“It was a moment where the president and his wife were decompressing one last time before the start of the trip by horsing around. It’s a moment of complicity. It was all that was needed to give ammunition to the conspiracy theorists,” his office said.
Brigitte Macron was Brigitte Auzière, a married mother of three children, when they met at his high school. A teacher, she supervised the drama club where Emmanuel Macron, a literature lover, was a member.
He moved to Paris for his last year of high school, but promised to marry Brigitte. She later moved to the French capital to join him and divorced before they finally married.
A restaurant owner in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province, posted a photo of a tourist who secretly defecated on his restaurant. (This image has been edited to conceal the tourist.)
PHUKET — The owner of Sala Loy floating restaurant in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, has posted a message calling on Phuket provincial administrators to consider building additional public toilets for tourists in the area, after discovering foreign female tourists defecating on his restaurant premises.
Pannatat Asawapitakchon gave an interview after his post gained attention and received many comments, including widespread support. He said outsiders have now defecated on his restaurant property twice, with the most recent incident occurring on Thursday, May 22, during closing hours when he was sitting inside the restaurant and witnessed the female tourist’s behavior. He went out to ask her to clean up the area.
“At first she didn’t accept responsibility, but after talking for a while, she went to clean the spot where she had defecated. But it wasn’t clean enough, so I had to clean it again myself. That’s why I want to ask the relevant agencies about public restrooms – I’d like them to build restrooms in the Rawai Beach area,” he said.
A restaurant owner in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket province, posted a photo of a tourist who secretly defecated on his restaurant premises to highlight the problem of public restroom shortage, despite Phuket being one of Thailand’s famous tourist destinations.
In his social media post, he explained that when his restaurant is open, he allows tourists and passersby to use the restroom. He mentioned previous discussions about this issue, where staff had suggested charging a restroom fee, but the restaurant decided they could absorb costs like labor, water, electricity, cleaning supplies, and tissue paper, since tourists who visit do spend money. Even if they don’t eat at the restaurant, they spend on other things, bringing money into Thailand, which increases employment rates and people’s spending power.
“But what happened at my restaurant shows we’re not ready to efficiently accommodate tourists. This incident wasn’t the first time, and there have been many other occasions where the restaurant has had to clean up urine or feces around the restaurant area. I don’t know if other business operators have experienced this,” he wrote.
He emphasized at the end of his post: “I ask those involved to help solve this small problem. It’s not urgent, but I’m raising the issue for future improvements. In the meantime, I’ll probably have to keep cleaning up urine and feces myself.”
Officers from Regional Police Investigation Division 2 escort three Chinese nationals (2 men, 1 woman) without work permits to Pattaya Police Station for legal proceedings on May 26, 2025.
PATTAYA — Police arrested three Chinese nationals for working without permits during a raid on a Chinese real estate company in Pattaya on Monday.
Officers from Regional Police Investigation Division 2 conducted a search of the building belonging to a Chinese real estate company in Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on May 26. They found several Chinese and Thai employees working inside the building – 16 Chinese nationals and approximately 30 Chinese customers waiting for services.
From preliminary questioning, the building manager claimed it was an office providing advisory services for buying and selling houses, land, and condominiums in Pattaya to Chinese clients. The company acts as an intermediary in real estate transactions. Officers are investigating whether this constitutes any legal violations.
Police officers conduct a search of a Chinese office in Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on May 26, 2025.
Subsequently, police inspection revealed that 3 Chinese nationals (2 men, 1 woman) out of the total 16 did not have work permits in Thailand. They will face legal action for working without authorization.
Meanwhile, officers have summoned Mr. Kham, age 40, from Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, one of the company’s shareholders, for additional questioning to investigate deeper connections and proceed with legal procedures.
Previously, Prachachat Business, Thailand’s business media, reported survey results from Colliers Thailand indicating that the earthquake in Myanmar in late March became a positive factor for Pattaya real estate, which lies outside the earthquake impact zone, attracting more investors.
Condominium and housing projects in Pattaya have seen foreign buying demand surge in 2025.
Watthanapol Polcheewin, President of the Chonburi Real Estate Association, revealed that the aftermath of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars has led to a significant influx of foreign investors, particularly from China, purchasing land to build factories in industrial estates in Chonburi and Rayong provinces from mid-2024 to present.
“Condominium and housing projects in Pattaya have seen foreign buying demand surge dramatically by 20% compared to 2024, as foreigners can legally purchase condominiums up to 49% ownership under Thai law. They buy for residential use as second homes while working in Thailand. They typically purchase properties priced between 2-4 million baht in North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, and South Pattaya locations,” he said.
The Thai government is working to balance encouraging Chinese tourism and investment while ensuring business legal compliance, following public backlash against the surge of illegal Chinese enterprises.
Thai police officers conduct a preliminary investigation at the crime scene in a Pattaya restaurant on May 26, 2025.
PATTAYA — A heavily intoxicated Chinese tourist stabbed a fellow countryman at a Chinese restaurant in Pattaya early Sunday morning after being confronted for entering the wrong dining room while drunk.
The incident occurred at 12:46 a.m. on May 26 at a Chinese restaurant on Pattaya Second Road in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
Police Lt. Col. Suchart Dusdee of Pattaya City Police Station responded to reports of a stabbing incident. Upon arrival with rescue volunteers, officers found Mr. Dong, a 40-year-old Chinese national, suffering from a stab wound to his left ribcage from a sharp object. Emergency responders provided first aid before rushing him to the hospital.
At the scene, friends of the victim had already apprehended the perpetrator, later identified as Mr. Wenqiang, along with the weapon – a fruit peeling knife in the kitchen. Inside the fifth-floor dining room V6 where the incident took place, investigators found signs of a struggle with bloodstains on the floor and walls.
Friends of stabbing victim Mr. Dong apprehend the attacker in the kitchen of a Pattaya restaurant after he fled from the dining room, along with the weapon – a fruit peeling knife – on May 26, 2025.Police escort the Chinese stabbing suspect from the Pattaya restaurant to the police station for investigation on May 26, 2025.
Restaurant serving staff told police that the victim had been dining and drinking alcohol with friends in a private room when the perpetrator, whose origins were unknown, suddenly grabbed a fruit knife and stabbed the victim. Staff immediately notified police after the incident.
Dong’s friends explained they did not know the attacker beforehand. While they were drinking together in their private room, the heavily intoxicated perpetrator unexpectedly opened the door and entered. Dong scolded him for being so drunk that he had entered the wrong room and told him to leave. Wenqiang became extremely angry and used the knife to stab Dong.
Police Lt. Col. Wuttinant Kongdee, investigation officer at Pattaya City Police Station, along with detective officers, conducted a preliminary investigation at the crime scene. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage to determine the exact cause of the incident and will proceed with legal action according to due process.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, right, greets Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur Monday, May 26, 2025. (Mohd Rasfan/Pool Photo via AP)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Southeast Asian nations will forge a common front to face challenges including economic headwinds from U.S. tariffs and a four-year civil war in Myanmar, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Monday.
Opening an annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Anwar said he has sought a unified bloc meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the tariffs. Officials are hopeful it could happen later this year. Malaysia is the current chair of ASEAN.
“For ASEAN, our peace, stability and prosperity have often depended on an open, inclusive, rules-based international order… These foundations are now being dismantled under the force of arbitrary action,” Anwar said.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
ASEAN, which has agreed to avoid retaliatory measures, has formed a taskforce to coordinate a response to the U.S. tariffs in parallel with bilateral negotiations by some member countries, Anwar said. ASEAN members include bigger economies such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, as well as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
The region relies on exports to the U.S. and is hurt by the Trump administration’s tariffs, which range from 10% for Singapore to as high as 49% for Cambodia. Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs in April for most of the world, and this month struck a similar deal with key rival China, easing trade war tensions.
Anwar said an ASEAN leaders’ meeting on Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Gulf Cooperation Council — the first such tripartite meeting — would spur new cooperation that could help insulate ASEAN’s economy. The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, center, attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
ASEAN leaders later Monday will launch a new 20-year vision to deepen their economic and social integration, Anwar said.
Analysts said China, which is ASEAN’s top trading partner, wants to expand its influence by presenting itself as a reliable ally in the region. But tensions persist over Beijing’s aggressive stance in the disputed South China Sea that has led to frequent clashes especially with the Philippines.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the ASEAN summit that a “code of conduct” being negotiated by ASEAN and China to govern the busy sea passage must be binding — one of the factors that has hampered talks.
“We underscore the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability and prevent miscalculations at sea,” he said.
From left to right, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., pose for a picture before the start of the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
On the Myanmar crisis, Anwar said Malaysia has managed to “move the needle forward” after forming an informal advisory group headed by former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Anwar met last month with Myanmar military chief Gen. Ming Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and held virtual talks with the opposition National Unity Government.
Officials said the current emphasis on aid delivery following a March earthquake that killed 3,700 people could eventually pave the way for peace talks. But critics accuse the army of violating a self-proclaimed ceasefire with dozens of airstrikes, with aid not freely allowed into areas not under the army’s control.
The Myanmar war, which has killed thousands and displaced millions, is a challenge to ASEAN since refugees have fled across borders to neighboring nations. The region has also seen rising transnational crimes and cybercrimes. The bloc has made little headway after the Myanmar military refused to comply with its peace plan, including a ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid and negotiations.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, attends the plenary session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Anwar said more engagement is being planned in Myanmar.
“Quiet engagement matters. The steps may be small and the bridge may be fragile but as they say: In matters of peace, even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf,” Anwar said.
Thomas Daniel from Malaysia’s Institute of Strategic and International Studies said ASEAN has no real leverage to push for reconciliation. The Myanmar military has reportedly lost control of a large part of the country, making the situation even more challenging.
“The conditions on the ground are extremely difficult. I don’t think we have reached a stage where ASEAN can facilitate any kind of political dialogue between conflicting parties. They are not ready for that yet,” he said.
TK Park, in collaboration with the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Thailand, organizes the activity "Read Iran : More Than Just Books
BANGKOK — TK Park will host a nine-day cultural celebration showcasing Iranian arts, literature, and cinema to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Iran.
The “Read Iran: More Than Just Books; It’s Life” event, organized in partnership with the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Thailand, runs from June 7-15, 2025, at TK Park in CentralWorld.
The festival aims to offer visitors fresh perspectives on Iran and Persian culture beyond common perceptions through interactive activities, film screenings, and hands-on workshops.
Film Festival Features Four Iranian Movies
The cultural program kicks off with a film festival on June 7-8, featuring four carefully selected Iranian films shown twice daily at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The diverse lineup includes the family animation “Dolphin Boys,” drama “Twenty One Days Later,” romantic comedy “Goodbye Shirazi Girl,” and family drama “In the Arms of the Tree.”
Traditional Art Workshop with Master Artist
Visitors can participate in an exclusive Persian pattern painting workshop on June 7-8 from 1:00-4:00 PM, limited to 10 participants per day. Master artist Arash Ghaheroiyian, whose works have been exhibited in international museums, will teach traditional watercolor techniques using Persian ink mixed with 24-karat gold and honey – methods rooted in classical Persian art.
Cultural Walking Tour and Food Experience
The program includes a “Following the Rose” walking tour on June 14, exploring Bangkok’s Persian community and its historical connections. The festival concludes on June 15 with “Persian Taste,” offering visitors traditional Persian tea and desserts accompanied by stories about Iranian food culture.
Exhibition Showcases Rare Books and Contemporary Art
Throughout the nine-day event, an exhibition will display Iranian books and artworks, including rare publications and contemporary pieces that illustrate modern Iranian life in formats accessible to all visitors.
The organizers describe “Read Iran” as an initiative designed to foster deeper cultural understanding in today’s diverse world through storytelling, literature, and lifestyle experiences.
The event takes place at TK Park, 8th Floor, CentralWorld, Bangkok. Additional information is available at www.tkpark.or.th.
Bangkok Open House highlights 55 degree programmes and international learning opportunities..
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), ranked 17th globally, held its Open House 2025 at the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, drawing strong interest from Thai students, parents, and educators eager to explore one of Asia’s most distinguished universities.
The event featured keynote sessions and interactive engagements with HKU’s academic representatives. Attendees were welcomed by Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange, and Professor Cecilia Chan from the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, who introduced HKU’s forward-looking approach to higher education—highlighting innovations in AI literacy and interdisciplinary teaching.
HKU’s Business School, renowned across Asia, was also presented. Attendees received personalised consultations with the Admissions Team, joined open Q&A with academic staff from various faculties, and heard firsthand from current undergraduates about life at HKU—both academically and socially.
“It was inspiring to learn directly from students who are already studying there,” said a Thai student currently in Mathayom 6, with plans to pursue engineering. “They shared what it’s really like to live in Hong Kong and how the university helps them adjust to international life.”
55 Programmes Across 10 Faculties and 3 Specialised Schools
Professor Yim emphasised that HKU now offers 55 undergraduate programmes, with over 100 elective modules allowing students to tailor their studies to fit personal goals and future careers.
HKU’s ten faculties are:
Faculty of Architecture
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Dentistry
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Business and Economics
Students may also pursue studies in specialised schools in Innovation, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering, designed to meet global demands and develop professional excellence.
A Global, Supportive Learning Environment
Ms Esther Kwok, Director of Admissions, noted that HKU welcomes students from over 90 countries, fostering a truly international and inclusive academic community. The university offers high-calibre teaching, modern infrastructure, and a dynamic student life—creating an environment where students thrive.
“As a parent, I was reassured to see how much effort HKU puts into supporting international students,” said a Bangkok-based parent who attended the Open House with their daughter. “It’s not just about the rankings—it’s about the people, the atmosphere, and how the university makes you feel confident your child will be in good hands.”
Partnerships with Thai Schools and Targeted Initiatives
HKU continues to engage with Thai schools across various sectors—including public, private, and international institutions—through programmes such as:
Counsellor Fly-In Programme A fully sponsored visit for Thai school counsellors to experience HKU’s academic culture and student life on campus.
HKU Academy for the Talented A pre-university initiative for high-potential students in Years 10–12 (Mathayom 4–6), offering access to workshops, seminars, and academic resources both online and in person.
Principal Nomination Scholarships
Partner schools—including Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, Triam Udom Suksa School, Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Pathum Thani, and Kamnoetvidya Science Academy—are invited to nominate top-performing students for special scholarship consideration.
Scholarships for Thai Students Each year, HKU provides approximately 10 to 15 merit-based scholarships to Thai students across all educational backgrounds. The scholarships cover tuition fees of around THB 900,000 per academic year, although accommodation and living expenses remain the responsibility of students and families.
“Knowing that scholarships are available makes studying abroad feel more within reach,” added a prospective applicant interested in biomedical sciences. “It gave me real hope that I could be part of something bigger.”
For further information on programmes, applications, and scholarships, visit: https://www.hku.hk
ASEAN Foreign Ministers attend the opening ceremony of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, May 25, 2025.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Southeast Asian nations must accelerate regional economic integration, diversify their markets and stay united to tackle the fallout from global trade disruptions resulting from sweeping U.S. tariffs, Malaysia’s foreign minister said Sunday.
Mohamad Hasan, at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, also reiterated the bloc’s call for an end to Myanmar’s civil war and downplayed plans of Myanmar’s ruling military to hold elections later this year as a “whitewash.”
“ASEAN nations are among those most heavily affected by the U.S.-imposed tariffs. The U.S.–China trade war is dramatically disrupting production and trade patterns worldwide. A global economic slowdown is likely to happen,” Mohamad said. “We must seize this moment to deepen regional economic integration, so that we can better shield our region from external shocks.”
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan delivers an opening speech at the opening ceremony of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, May 25, 2025.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
ASEAN countries, many of which rely on exports to the U.S., are reeling from tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration ranging from 10% to 49%. Six of the bloc’s 10 members are among the worst-hit, likely affecting ASEAN’s targeted growth forecast of 4.7% this year, trade officials said.
When Trump last month announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs, countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam swiftly began trade negotiations with Washington.
Mohamad said that Malaysia, ASEAN’s current chair, has requested a special summit with the U.S. as a bloc to discuss tariffs and is hopeful it could happen later this year. He said ASEAN is also exploring making Ukraine its dialogue partner while accelerating the process of admitting East Timor as its 11th member.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers line up for a photo call at the start of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
ASEAN leaders meet Monday in an annual summit that will be followed by a joint meeting Tuesday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
ASEAN’s unity is crucial as the region grapples with climate change and disruption from the malevolent use of artificial intelligence and other unregulated technologies, Mohamad said, adding that the bloc will be tested by external pressure, including a superpower rivalry.
Mohamad said the conflict in Myanmar, where the military seized power in 2021, had spilled over its borders with a growing number of refugees fleeing to neighboring nations and rising transborder and cybercrimes, making it now “an ASEAN issue.” He said ASEAN does not prefer any foreign intervention as the bloc should resolve its own internal affairs.
Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, left, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, and Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, talk before a group photo at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting opening ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, May 25, 2025.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Myanmar’s military leaders are barred from ASEAN meetings after refusing to comply with the bloc’s peace plan, which includes negotiations and delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mohamad said the March earthquake that left more than 3,700 dead had opened up opportunity for ASEAN to reach out to warring parties with the aim of creating a dialogue toward peace.
Mohamad said the bloc plans to appoint a permanent envoy to Myanmar with a three-year term to bolster the process, and that he would visit Myanmar in June. Currently an envoy is appointed each year from the country holding the bloc’s rotating chair.
Mohamad said that violence must cease before any elections in Myanmar, which he said would be futile if there was just partial participation. Opposition parties are mostly either banned from contesting or are boycotting elections. It is also unclear how the polls can be carried out as the military has reportedly lost control of a large part of Myanmar.
“What is the point if it’s just a whitewash to cover up in the eyes of the international community?” Mohamad said.
