Asean
Thai Prime Minister Survives No-Confidence Vote
Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament Saturday brought on by opposition lawmakers. The prime minister’s ruling coalition government will remain in office until elections later this year. The speaker of the Thai parliament announced the results Saturday of voting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva easily maintaining the support of his coalition partners. Abhisit received 249 votes from the 467-seat parliament after four days of often heated debate. The government faced opposition charges of excessive use of force during last year’s anti-government protests in Bangkok. Democrat Party member Barunaj Smutharak said the outcome reflected unity within the coalition government and calls by Thais for an end to deep social divisions marked by the protests. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the vote was a positive one for the government. “There weren’t any damaging allegations we were able to explain their concerns. I think the public were generally satisfied that the result of the vote today reflects public sentiment as to how the debate went, so I think all in all we’re pretty happy,” said Korn. But Kudeb Saikrajang, a member of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said while the final votes followed coalition lines, the nationally broadcast debate gave the opposition party an opportunity to present its policies ahead of elections scheduled for later this year. “The main purpose of this debate for the Puea Thai Party is to send a message to the electorate or the supporters of the Party,” said Kudeb. “So I think they have done a good job in debating even though the Democrats have good ground to defend themselves. Those who support the Puea Thai Party will keep on waiting for the election.” Kudeb says the opposition also hoped to win over middle class and urban voters. This was the third censure motion that Abhisit has faced down. The Thai leader hopes to dissolve parliament in early May with general elections set for July. His Democrat Party will again face a party backed by the former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament Saturday brought on by opposition lawmakers. The prime minister’s ruling coalition government will remain in office until elections later this year.
The speaker of the Thai parliament announced the results Saturday of voting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva easily maintaining the support of his coalition partners.
Abhisit received 249 votes from the 467-seat parliament after four days of often heated debate. The government faced opposition charges of excessive use of force during last year’s anti-government protests in Bangkok.
Democrat Party member Barunaj Smutharak said the outcome reflected unity within the coalition government and calls by Thais for an end to deep social divisions marked by the protests.
Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the vote was a positive one for the government. “There weren’t any damaging allegations we were able to explain their concerns. I think the public were generally satisfied that the result of the vote today reflects public sentiment as to how the debate went, so I think all in all we’re pretty happy,” said Korn.
But Kudeb Saikrajang, a member of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said while the final votes followed coalition lines, the nationally broadcast debate gave the opposition party an opportunity to present its policies ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.
“The main purpose of this debate for the Puea Thai Party is to send a message to the electorate or the supporters of the Party,” said Kudeb. “So I think they have done a good job in debating even though the Democrats have good ground to defend themselves. Those who support the Puea Thai Party will keep on waiting for the election.”
Kudeb says the opposition also hoped to win over middle class and urban voters.
This was the third censure motion that Abhisit has faced down. The Thai leader hopes to dissolve parliament in early May with general elections set for July. His Democrat Party will again face a party backed by the former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Asean
Deadly Floods and Landslides Strike Indonesia and Thailand – Vietnam Plus
At least seven people were killed, two others were injured and some were likely to be missing after flash floods and landslides hit the Indonesian eastern province of Maluku on the morning of August 25, according to the locality’s disaster management and mitigation office.
Heavy rainfall, which began on August 24, has triggered the disasters in Ternate city. Many local residents are in urgent need of support, authorities said.
Soldiers, police, local search and rescue personnel, disaster management staff, and volunteers are all involved in the ongoing rescue efforts, which include evacuating those trapped by the landslides and recovering materials from homes swept away by the floods.
Meanwhile in Thailand, local authorities reported that the death toll from a landslide in the popular resort province of Phuket on August 23 has risen to 13, including a Russian couple.
Source : Floods, landslides kill many in Indonesia, Thailand – Vietnam Plus
Asean
Tug of War in Southeast Asia: Can ASEAN-China Dialogue Shift the Scales Toward Peace? – An Analysis
The ASEAN-China dialogue is vital for regional stability, addressing economic cooperation and security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea, amidst significant geopolitical complexities and ongoing territorial disputes.
ASEAN-China Dialogue: A Path Towards Cooperation
The ASEAN-China dialogue plays a pivotal role in Southeast Asia’s diplomacy, fostering economic collaboration while addressing security challenges. Despite advances, particularly in managing tensions in the South China Sea, significant barriers remain to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. ASEAN’s capacity to maintain its unity and centrality is crucial amidst complex power dynamics involving China and other global players.
Navigating Tensions and Economic Relations
A pressing concern within this dialogue is the South China Sea territorial disputes, which involve multiple ASEAN states and China. The militarization of the area raises alarm among regional stakeholders, necessitating urgent negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) to manage conflicts. Additionally, the growing economic interdependence fostered by initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) strengthens ASEAN-China ties, yet it also raises concerns about potential political leverage influencing member states’ autonomy.
The Challenge of Regional Stability
While the ASEAN-China dialogue offers a framework for promoting peace, its effectiveness is conditioned by broader geopolitical contexts, including China’s rivalry with the United States. The success of this dialogue rests on sustaining a commitment to multilateralism and peaceful dispute resolution. As ASEAN adapts to these complex dynamics, it must reinforce its unity and cooperative strategies, ensuring the region’s stability amid evolving challenges.
Source : Tug Of War In Southeast Asia: Will ASEAN-China Dialogue Tip The Balance Towards Peace? – Analysis
Asean
Cambodia Invites Business Leaders to Join the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning
Cambodia invites businesspeople to the 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, promoting trade and investment with incentives like hotel coupons and networking opportunities in various sectors.
Cambodia Invites Participation in CAEXPO 2024
Cambodia is actively encouraging business leaders, investors, and service providers to participate in the upcoming 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), set to take place from September 24-28 in Nanning, China. According to a Ministry of Commerce announcement, CAEXPO serves as a vital platform for trade and investment collaborations between ASEAN nations and China.
To facilitate Cambodian participation, the Ministry invites interested individuals to apply as Trade Visitors by August 31, 2024. Participants will benefit from hotel coupons, dining vouchers, and shuttle services to the expo venue. Furthermore, attendees can engage in business matchmaking in sectors such as food processing, digital technology, and renewable energy products.
Kin Phea, from the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized the advancements in China-ASEAN relations, particularly concerning economic cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchanges. He noted that both sides have become each other’s largest trading partners, enhancing collaboration through the Belt and Road initiative, focusing on infrastructure and sustainable development.
Source : Cambodia encourages businesspeople to partake in 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning
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