On Thursday (June 26), Thai and Cambodian leaders visited different sections of their disputed land border amid rising tensions linked to a territorial disagreement, as Thailand’s government faces increasing instability. The strained relations follow brief armed clashes late last month in a contested border area, resulting in the death of one Cambodian soldier. Since then, both countries have engaged in retaliatory actions, including troop deployments, Cambodia’s halt of fuel and gas imports from Thailand, and Thailand’s partial closure of several checkpoints along their 817-kilometer border.

The dispute has added pressure to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is struggling to revive a weak economy and maintain a fragile coalition in the face of mounting protests and an impending no-confidence vote in parliament. During her visit to the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, across from Cambodia’s Poipet, Paetongtarn was welcomed by supporters, some holding signs of encouragement like "Love You Prime Minister Paetongtarn." She stated her visit aimed to review efforts against transnational crime and assess the effects of strict border controls, which have halted all cross-border traffic, including tourists and trade.

“We’re here to understand how this policy affects people and to find ways the government can assist,” she told officials during a meeting. Earlier in the week, the Thai leader blamed Cambodia for the rise in illegal online scam networks—a claim denied by Cambodian officials. Meanwhile, across the border in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited troops and officials near Thailand’s Surin province. Video footage showed him arriving by helicopter, dressed in military uniform, and addressing local authorities.

Previously, Paetongtarn and Hun Sen enjoyed close relations, partly due to Hun Sen’s longstanding ties with Paetongtarn’s father, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, a leaked phone call in which Paetongtarn criticized a senior Thai military official—an act considered taboo in Thailand—has sparked backlash and intensified political challenges for her.

Although she has since apologized, the Bhumjaithai Party cited the call as its reason for exiting the ruling coalition last week. The party has also announced plans to push for a parliamentary no-confidence vote against Paetongtarn and her cabinet. Adding to her troubles, a group of senators has requested Thailand’s Constitutional Court and anti-corruption agency to investigate her conduct, which could result in her dismissal. Meanwhile, anti-government groups are preparing for mass protests beginning Saturday to demand her resignation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Starting next month, Vietnam will eliminate the death penalty for eight crimes, including embezzlement and attempts to overthrow the government, according to a statement from the National Assembly on Wednesday (June 25). This move will spare individuals such as real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, who was previously sentenced to death in a US$12-billion (S$15.3-billion) fraud case.

The National Assembly unanimously approved amendments to the Criminal Code that abolish capital punishment for certain offenses. According to the official Vietnam News Agency, the death penalty will also be removed for crimes such as damaging state property, producing counterfeit medicine, threatening peace, initiating aggressive wars, espionage, and drug possession.

Under the revised law, the harshest punishment for these crimes will now be life imprisonment. Anyone who had already received a death sentence for these offenses but has not yet been executed will have their sentence reduced to life in prison starting July 1. This includes Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, whose death sentence for embezzlement will now be converted. Lawyer Ngo Anh Tuan, who is not involved in Lan’s case, confirmed to Reuters that her sentence would be automatically commuted.

However, capital punishment will still apply to 10 crimes, including murder, treason, terrorism, child sexual abuse, and drug trafficking. Vietnam keeps execution statistics classified, and the number of death row inmates is unknown. Since 2011, the country has used lethal injection as its sole method of execution, having phased out firing squads.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

At least 20 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured after a suicide bomber targeted the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila area of Damascus, Syria’s capital, on Sunday, June 22, according to health officials and security sources. This marks the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Islamist-led rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December. The Syrian interior ministry reported that the attacker, identified as an Islamic State member, entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated an explosive vest.

A security official, requesting anonymity, noted that two individuals were involved in the attack, with one of them carrying out the suicide bombing. Another official confirmed this was the first successful church attack by Islamic State in Damascus since Assad’s fall, although there had been several previous attempts. The blast also left 52 people wounded, according to Syria's state news agency citing the health ministry. A livestream shared by Syria’s civil defense group, the White Helmets, revealed scenes of devastation inside the church, with bloodstained floors, shattered benches, and damaged masonry. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed leadership in January following Assad’s ouster, has pledged to safeguard minority groups.

Greece strongly condemned the attack. “We unequivocally denounce the vile terrorist suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus,” said the Greek foreign ministry, calling on Syrian transitional authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the protection of Christian and other religious communities. Despite losing territorial control and years of counterterrorism operations against it, Islamic State continues to exploit security vulnerabilities. The group has a history of targeting religious minorities, including a deadly 2016 bombing of Shiite pilgrims in Sayeda Zainab during Assad’s rule.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Indonesian police have confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the deadly shooting of an Australian national and the serious injury of another during a late-night attack at a villa in Bali. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday in the Badung regency of the resort island. According to Indonesian police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, one suspect was detained in the capital city, Jakarta, while the other was apprehended abroad. However, no further details were provided about the overseas arrest or the identities of the suspects.

The victims were identified as 32-year-old Zivan Radmanovic, who died at the scene, and 35-year-old Sanar Ghanim, who was critically wounded. The attack took place in a private villa, and state news agency Antara reported that both victims were Australian citizens. Initial investigations revealed that two individuals fled the scene on motorcycles shortly after the attack. Witnesses claimed the suspects spoke English with Australian accents, raising suspicions about their nationality and possible connection to the victims.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are continuing their investigation. Bali police are expected to hold a press conference on Wednesday to provide more information about the case, according to police spokesperson Ariasandy. The incident has drawn attention due to the involvement of foreign nationals in a violent crime on the popular tourist island. Indonesian authorities are coordinating with international agencies as the case develops.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Singapore-based agribusiness giant Wilmar International is once again under scrutiny as Indonesian prosecutors challenge a prior acquittal related to alleged irregularities in securing palm oil export permits. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the potential impact on the company with Aaron Choo, Senior Assistant Director for Special Projects and Sustainability at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Asia’s top security summit, the Shangri-La Dialogue, was marked this year by rising geopolitical tensions, key absences, and a series of discreet high-level conversations behind the scenes. Held annually in Singapore, the summit serves as a vital platform for defence officials from around the world to meet, exchange views, and build strategic relationships. However, this year's edition took on a particularly charged atmosphere amid ongoing rivalry between the United States and China.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

An Air India flight headed to Birmingham has reportedly crashed at the airport in Ahmedabad, a city in western India, according to television reports, though no details on casualties have been confirmed. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss the incident with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Aviation Consultant for Asia-Pacific at Frost & Sullivan.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Singapore and the Philippines plan to strengthen cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and civil service development. Could this lead to increased job creation and business opportunities for both nations? Daniel Martin and Justine Moss speak with Dr. Lim Tai Wei, Affiliation Professor and East Asia expert at Soka University, for insights.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters