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Two Firms Own Land Along Coastal Sea Fence, Sparking Concerns Over Ecosystem
Dissatisfaction with the leadership of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro has sparked protests from civil servants at the ministry's office building in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The Agrarian and Spatial Planning Ministry/National Land Agency (BPN) confirmed that two private companies own land on the shoreline facing a "mysterious" sea fence in Tangerang regency, Banten.
The ministry promised to investigate any potential links between the companies and the illegal barrier, which has raised concerns over the ecosystem. The issue has sparked fears of environmental damage and the impact on marine life.
Bangkok's Air Quality Plummets as PM2.5 Levels Exceed Safety Standards
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported a significant increase in toxic dust levels yesterday, with areas such as Nong Khaem and Lat Krabang affected. The high levels of air pollution have prompted health warnings and calls for improved measures to mitigate the effects.
Visa-Free Policy for Chinese Nationals Under Scrutiny
Thailand's Senate has called on the government to revise its visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, citing concerns over the potential for Thailand to become a hub for criminal activities. The issue is expected to be reviewed in response to growing numbers of visitors from China.
Laos and Vietnam Seek to Improve Energy and Mining Agenda
Representatives from Laos' Ministry of Energy and Mines and mining companies met in Vientiane to outline plans to improve their ongoing projects by 2025. The meeting aims to ensure the sectors remain critical to national development.
Lao-Russian Joint Exercise Removes 189 UXO Items in Huaphan
A joint exercise between Lao and Russian military bomb disposal experts has removed 189 unexploded ordnance (UXO) devices from 9.11 hectares of land in Huaphan province. The operation is part of efforts to clear explosives in the affected area.
Myanmar and Korea Sign Medical Cooperation Agreement
The Department of Medical Research in Myanmar and Korea's International Tuberculosis Research Centre signed an agreement to study infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and malaria. A regional symposium for 2025 on innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches was also held, drawing officials from across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Regional Efforts To Combat Narcotics
Myanmar hosted an online meeting with representatives from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to address regional drug problems. The gathering discussed strategies for eradicating narcotics in the region by 2025.
Ho Chi Minh City Urges Swift Action to Address Traffic Congestion
Vietnamese authorities have instructed officials to resolve traffic congestion in Ho Chi Minh City within 48 hours. The city has been grappling with traffic issues since January due to increased demand for transporting goods and rising road usage.
Singapore and US Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong congratulated United States President Donald Trump on his inauguration, noting the strong ties between Singapore and the US.