Vietnam’s minority Chams cling to Muslim faith
The call to prayer from the minaret reaches out over tightly-packed alleys in a Ho Chi Minh City neighbourhood as men in white knitted skullcaps and colourful sarongs walk to their local mosque.
China lauds ‘friendly’ Myanmar as junta leader arrives
China on Tuesday hailed Myanmar as a “friendly neighbour” and warned the world not to meddle in its upcoming election, as the head of the country’s military junta arrived for a state visit.
Myanmar military ruler visits China, seeks support
Military-run Myanmar’s top leader Gen. Than Shwe arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a state visit to his country’s closest ally ahead of contentious national elections this fall.
Thai Rice May Gain About 10% on Demand, Apichart Says
Thai rice prices may gain about 10 percent after harvests were damaged in Pakistan and China, boosting demand for shipments from the world s largest exporter, according to the nation s Office of Agricultural Economics.
What does Myanmar’s Than Shwe want from Beijing?
When a military dictator comes calling, Beijing doesn’t like to give too many details away.
Indonesia’s new anti-terror chief seeks tougher laws
The new chief of Indonesia’s anti-terror agency complained Tuesday that courts were being too easy on terrorists and called for tougher laws to fight jihadist extremists.
Beyond batik: Indonesia promotes untapped textiles
Indonesia’s batiks have long been familiar on the global fashion scene, but what is little known is that the vast archipelago has as many traditional fabrics as it has islands.
Singapore prods locals to speak better English
“Borrow me $5 can?” may not be the most graceful way to ask for a few dollars, but it’s music to the ears of many Singaporeans.
Norwegian jailed in Cambodia on child sex charges
A Cambodian court on Tuesday jailed a 63-year-old Norwegian man for 18 months on charges of paying for sex with a teenage boy in Siem Reap, the country’s northwestern tourist hub.
Six killed as violence flares in Thai south
Six people have been killed and five wounded in Thailand’s restive Muslim south, police said on Tuesday, the latest upsurge in violence blamed on separatist militants.
Indonesian volcano unleashes violent eruption
An Indonesian volcano that returned to life after four centuries of inactivity threw an ash cloud thousands of metres into the air Tuesday in its most most violent eruption yet.
Steel blamed for Vietnam’s power woes
HANOI, Vietnam, Sept. 7 (UPI) — Steel production is partly to blame for Vietnam’s frequent power shortages and blackouts, says the national power utility. Vietnam – Asia – Hanoi – Travel and Tourism – Government
