- July 2006 in Southeast Asia
__NOTOC__ This page deals with events that took place in or are of interest to
Southeast Asia and/or events that involved its citizens.31 July 2006 (Monday)* A photojournalist and two left-wing activists are killed in three separate shootings, police say. The ninth journalist to be slain in the
Philippines this year, Vic Melendrez died outside his home inManila when three gunmen shot him. In the other shootings, a student leader inBicol and a community organiser inKalinga were shot by unidentified gunmen. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2147940.stm (BBC)]
* Thailand declares a bird-flu alert for the entire country, with 765 people under close observation for signs of the virus. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/08/01/headlines/headlines_30010082.php (The Nation)]
* flagicon|LaosThailand blamesLaos for the latest outbreak ofH5N1 , but offers to help its neighbor in fighting the outbreaks. [http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/BKK265814.htm (Reuters)]
*Venezuela n PresidentHugo Chávez visitsHanoi and offers to helpVietnam build anoil refinery . Details of how he would do so are not released. Chavez expresses his admiration forHo Chi Minh and plans to visit GeneralVo Nguyen Giap , the 94-year-old hero of Vietnam's wars againstFrance and theUnited States . [http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-07-31-voa16.cfm (VOA)]
* flagicon|Myanmar InBangkok , during the closing concert of their Asian tour, theBlack Eyed Peas announce the launch of theFreedom Campaign to bring awareness to the plight of imprisoned Burmese democracy leaderAung San Suu Kyi . [http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=111934 (Bangkok Post)]30 July 2006 (Sunday)* More than 300,000 egg-producing hens in Nakhon Phanom are culled after the
H5N1 virus is confirmed. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23709 (TNA)] [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/31/headlines/headlines_30009982.php (The Nation)]
* The body of a paramilitary soldier is found along a road in Narathiwat, while adurian merchant is fatally shot on Saturday night in Yala. Police suspect Muslim insurgents are behind the attacks but do not rule out personal conflicts as a motive. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/31/national/national_30009973.php (The Nation)]
* FourAsian elephant s from Kanachanaburi depart on a cargo flight fromU-Tapao International Airport . Eight elephants from Thailand are being sent to theTaronga Zoo andMelbourne Zoo inAustralia . The export of the animals had been protested by a conservation group. [http://www.manager.co.th/IHT/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000097446 (ThaiDay)] [http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/31Jul2006_news03.php (Bangkok Post)]
* In sidebar talks to theASEAN Regional Forum ,China ,Bangladesh andMyanmar agree to construct a highway fromKunming toChittagong throughMandalay . [http://english.people.com.cn/200607/31/eng20060731_288288.html (Xinhua)]29 July 2006 (Saturday)* A ceremonial
Thai Airways International passenger flight lands atSuvarnabhumi Airport in a test of the new airport that will replaceBangkok International Airport . Six airlines are participating in a trial run of new airport, using it as a base for domestic service before the airport's official opening on September 28. Officials declare the new airport safe, downplaying risks identified in an earlier report. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23684 (TNA)] [http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/30/headlines/headlines_30009925.php (The Nation)]
* An explosion thePertamina -PetroChina oil refinery inBojonegro ,Java injures nearly 150 people and causes 7,000 residents to be evacuated. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060729/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_oil_blast;_ylt=Ah1aC6Vlk0sFKUX63RsCuwmnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]28 July 2006 (Friday)* ::* Hundreds of anti-US protesters, angry about US inaction on
Israel 's bombardment ofLebanon , break through a police cordon and march to a convention center where US Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice is meeting with other foreign ministers. :* The ASEAN foreign ministers call for an immediate ceasefire in theMiddle East . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060728/ap_on_re_as/rice_protest;_ylt=Ar3.J8R8nSCYj9ngmqavqh2nxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)] :* Rice backs ASEAN's stance on engagingMyanmar and urging the military-governed country in a peaceful transition to democracy. "A statement like the one that ASEAN has made on Burma is an important revolution of the Asean position to one that I think is becoming more clear about the challenge that the international system faces in Burma," Rice says.:*North Korea n officials spurn appeals to join talks on its nuclear and missile programs, saying the US should drop financial sanctions before any negotiations occur. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060728/ap_on_re_as/nkorea_nuclear;_ylt=Au9lPs6hHUwR_DKiZTtjsJSnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)] :* Ministers sign a pact that will allow visa-free travel between the member nations. It goes into effect once it is ratified by all the countries.:* ThePhilippines assumes chairmanship of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations . [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/221820/1/.html (ChannelNews)] [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aRL90X_CCZaA&refer=home (Bloomberg)] [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060730/1/42fbw.html (AFP)]
*Malaysia and the US sign a "mutual legal assistance treaty" that allow officials in each country to collect relevant evidence in criminal matters. The treaty is signed by US Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice and Malaysian Foreign MinisterSyed Hamid Albar . [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060728/1/42f11.html (AFP)]
* Former Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad is attacked withpepper spray as he arrives at the airport inKota Bahru . Later, he says the attack was an attempt to silence his criticism of the current government of hand-picked successorAbdullah Ahmad Badawi . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060728/ap_on_re_as/malaysia_pepper_spray_attack;_ylt=AtX4pgCnp7P0K5wvjNblFLOnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
* More than 3,900 residents from five villages around the slopes aroundKarangetang inSiau ,North Sulawesi , are evacuated to safety shelters as thevolcano is put on top alert. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060728/1/42f1n.html (AFP)]
* A day ahead of test commercial flights with passengers atSuvarnabhumi Airport , theInternational Civil Aviation Organization is questioning the readiness of Bangkok's new international airport, identifying 29 high-risk areas, according to documents leaked to the press. "It's like a warning for us to know which areas need to be improved," the airport's general manager Somchai Sawasdeepon told the "Bangkok Post ". "None of the listed problems are new. The report comes out every month for us to evaluate progress, and alert us to emergency issues." Meanwhile, Labor Minister Somsak Thepsuthin causes a stir by triggering an alarm at a metal detector during final checks at the airport. The minister says he had intentionally hidden inside his shoes to test the security system. "I feel safe at the airport," he declares after the inspection. [http://www.bangkokpost.com/280706_News/28Jul2006_news01.php (Bangkok Post)] [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/29/headlines/headlines_30009883.php (The Nation)]
* An outbreak ofH5N1 kills more than 2,000chicken s on a farm inLaos , the government and the UN FAO say. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060728/1/42f1f.html (AFP)]27 July 2006 (Thursday)* at the ARF dinner, which traditionally features skits and songs by world leaders. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060727/ap_on_re_as/rice_piano;_ylt=AuW9ZubZ4V6XTDeXUdIYoJ2nxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5217742.stm (BBC)]
26 July 2006 (Wednesday)* Appeals for bail by three jailed former national election supervisors are denied by the Supreme Court of Thailand. The Criminal Court on Tuesday ruled four-year jail terms for Police General Vasana Puemlap, Prinya Nakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien, finding them guilty of misconduct in their handling of the April legislative election. They are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/27/headlines/headlines_30009686.php (The Nation)] [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23625 (TNA)]
* A magnitude 6.1earthquake shakes parts of North andWest Sumatra . No injuries are reported. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060727/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_earthquake;_ylt=An4HpZbhpzEXs6bUdt4MzmOnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]25 July 2006 (Tuesday)* flagicon|Thailand One of the two charismatic twin-brother leaders of a
Karen National Union splinter revolutionary group, Johnny Htoo, has surrendered, according to state media reports. Johhny and eight fellow members of the God's Army left a refugee camp inThailand and surrendered with weapons in two separate groups on July 17 and 19 at the coastal region military command in southeasternMyanmar , the reports say. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060725/ap_on_re_as/myanmar_god_s_army_3 (AP)]
* Princess Kamaria Sultan Abu Bakar, 64, is fatally stabbed in her home inKuantan by her 21-year-old son, Tunku Shahzan, while trying to defend her husband, Prince Ismal Sulaiman, during an argument. Shahzan, believed to be under the influence of drugs, died some hours later after the incident. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5212294.stm (BBC)] [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/221563/1/.html (ChannelNews)]24 July 2006 (Monday)* In the first cases of
H5N1 reported inThailand this year, samples taken from dead fighting cocks in Phichit are reported positive for the bird fluvirus . Agriculture MinisterSudarat Keyuraphan says the outbreak has been contained. Additionally, the import of all poultry is banned in Thailand. Meanwhile, Phitsanulok has reported a 5-year-old boy may be suffering from the virus and Uttaradit has three new suspected cases. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/24/headlines/headlines_30009449.php (The Nation)] [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23580 (TNA)]
* Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra files a civildefamation lawsuit against maverick politician and media tycoonSondhi Limthongkul and 11 others for defamation. Thaksin is seeking 1 billion baht in damages. The suit is in addition to one filed last month against the Democrat Party and its leaders for accusing him oftax evasion . Additionally, Thaksin is suing theCommunications Authority of Thailand for renting Sondhi satellite TV equipment. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060724/1/42a51.html (AFP)]
* Typhoon Kaemi lashes thePhilippines , shutting down schools, government offices and thePhilippine Stock Exchange inManila . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060724/ap_on_re_as/asia_typhoon (AP)]
* flagicon|East Timor East Timor formally applies for full membership in ASEAN. [http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=209980 (Bernama)]
* A teacher is fatally shot at the front of a classroom full of children by a gunman dressed as a student at a school in Narathiwat. Police say the attack on Prasarn Makchu, 48, is in revenge for the arrest of four suspected insurgents last week. [http://www.bangkokpost.com/250706_News/25Jul2006_news01.php (Bangkok Post)] [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23600 (TNA)]23 July 2006 (Sunday)* In
Bangkok city and district council elections, the Democrat Party wins 35 of 57 seats for city council and 176 out of 255 district seats. TheThai Rak Thai Party wins 18 seats on the Bangkok council while the remaining four seats go to independent candidates. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/24/headlines/headlines_30009435.php (The Nation)]
* KingBhumibol Adulyadej is moving about with the help of a walking aid, fewer than three days after undergoing surgery forspinal stenosis , the Royal Household says. Large crowds gather atSiriraj Hospital where the 78-year-old monarch is resting and hail "Long live the king" whenever a member of the royal family passes by the window. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/24/headlines/headlines_30009414.php (The Nation)]22 July 2006 (Saturday)21 July 2006 (Friday)*
Ta Mok , known as "The Butcher ofBattambang " for his brutality as military chief of theKhmer Rouge , dies, according to a statement from his lawyer,Benson Samay . He was believed to be 80.Youk Chhang , director of theDocumentation Center Cambodia , laments the former commander's death, saying it was a blow to the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060721/ap_on_re_as/obit_ta_mok;_ylt=As1sb0O4efDWxfG.6yS4mw6nxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
* A large group of over 2,000 gathered in front of a mosque near thePetronas Twin Towers inKuala Lumpur right afterFriday prayer . The group later marched to several embassies to demand international community to intervene in the conflict and condemn Israeli aggression with respect to the ongoing2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict . A larger group also assembled inKota Bahru to condemn the attack. [http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Saturday/National/20060722075603/Article/local1_html (New Straits Times)]20 July 2006 (Thursday)* King
Bhumibol Adulyadej undergoesspinal stenosis surgery atSiriraj Hospital . Doctors declare the operation satisfactory and say the 78-year-old monarch is recovering well after the surgery with no complications. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23491 (TNA)]
* The royal decree setting October 15 as the date for Thailand legislative election is signed by KingBhumibol Adulyadej , ending months of speculation over when the polls would be held, the government announced. "His Majesty the King has already signed the royal decree," Cabinet Secretary-General Rongpol Charoenphanthu told journalists. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23506 (TNA)] [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060721/1/4294v.html (AFP)]
* flagicon|Malaysia Indonesia is prepared to send a battalion of its military as peacekeepers under the United Nations for the2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict while Malaysia is mulling the idea. [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=209547 (Bernama)] [http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=209173 (Bernama)]19 July 2006 (Wednesday)* flagicon|Thailand
Singapore ans, Hongkongers and Thais rank the highest in the world for shopping twice week for something to do, anACNielsen survey says. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060719/1/427bq.html (AFP)]
* UN special envoy toEast Timor Ian Martin stresses that a "substantial" UN police presence is needed in the wake of the2006 East Timor crisis to create the conditions for credible parliamentary and presidential elections next year. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060719/1/427bw.html (AFP)]
* The 59th anniversary of theassassination of GeneralAung San is marked inYangon , but the military government barsAung San Suu Kyi from attending. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060719/1/426u6.html (AFP)]
* GeneralGeneroso Senga , thePhilippines ' top general, orders an investigation of 40 army and marine officers and 135 enlisted men in connection with last year's plot to oust PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060719/ap_on_re_as/philippines_coup_plot;_ylt=AtqqxvNga8T7rnhQMX9w0aWnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
* says. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060719/1/427bt.html (AFP)]
* A magnitude 6.0 earthquake causes tall buildings to sway inJakarta , panicking residents just days after atsunami struckJava , killing at least 525 people. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060719/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_earthquake;_ylt=Alif75dnO10i.0kT3VWJAf6nxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)] [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060719/1/426rr.html (AFP)]18 July 2006 (Tuesday)* Corpses are recovered from the Java earthquake, with the death toll at 341. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060718/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_tsunami_no_warning;_ylt=ArE28tNOFetMrw1kiDbkXXynxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
* SevenPapuan men go on trial for themurder of two American teachers who worked for a US-ownedgold mine in Papua province. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060718/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_us_teacher_slayings;_ylt=AsxCNo2teNwuckgSZuDDzqanxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
* flagicon|Malaysia flagicon|Thailand Air quality in parts ofMalaysia andThailand is deemed unhealthy because ofhaze from forest fires inIndonesia . [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060718/1/426a4.html (AFP)] [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23419 (TNA)]
* The Thai government extends emergency rule for three more months in provinces affected by theSouth Thailand insurgency . [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060718/1/4265w.html (AFP)]
* flagicon|Thailand Philippines PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo pledges to aidThai people inLebanon , saying she has instructed the Philippines embassy inBeirut to assume responsibility for Thai nationals as well as its own citizens and aid them in leaving Lebanon, where fighting withIsrael has flared up. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23424 (TNA)]
* Armando Pace, 56, a muckraking radiojournalist who reported on corruption and thedrug trade is fatally shot inDigos City . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060718/ap_on_re_as/philippines_slain_journalist;_ylt=Aj7PhPjaZPROw8oYcfUEaTGnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
*flagicon|East Timor Australian Prime MinisterJohn Howard visitsDili and meets with Prime MinisterJosé Ramos-Horta and PresidentXanana Gusmão , saying his country would soon scale back its peacekeeping operations in the2006 East Timor crisis . [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060718/1/425qp.html (AFP)]17 July 2006 (Monday)* A magnitude-7.2 earthquake sends a 6-foot-high
tsunami crashing into a beach resort onJava , killing at least 172 people and causing extensive damage to hotels, restaurants and homes. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060717/ap_on_re_as/indonesia_earthquake;_ylt=Apoo58K7HJeQZF8xBRDwL.is0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OTB1amhuBHNlYwNtdHM- (AP)] [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060718/1/425na.html (AFP)]
* KingBhumibol Adulyadej will undergomicrosurgery on Thursday atSiriraj Hospital to cure lumbar spine stenosis, the Royal Household Bureau announces. The problem was first diagnosed in 2003 and the 78-year-old monarch started receiving physical therapy for the ailment in 2005. Doctors wanted to wait until after his 60th anniversary celebrations to perform the surgery. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30008905 (The Nation)]16 July 2006 (Sunday)* A
Thai Airways International Boeing 747-400 that collided on Saturday with a parkedAir France Fokker jet atMadrid Barajas International Airport arrives atBangkok International Airport after repairs in Madrid. No injuries are reported in Saturday's accident, in which the Thai airliner's right wingtip struck the wing of the Air France jet. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23353 (TNA)]15 July 2006 (Saturday)* Former
Khmer Rouge military leader Ta Mok, expected to be a key defendant in theUnited Nations tribunal is in acoma , and family members are pleading for him to be allowed overseas for medical treatment. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060715/1/42487.html (AFP)]
* SultanHassanal Bolkiah ofBrunei celebrates his 60th birthday, and uses his his birthday speech to call for economic diversification. "Among the most important things is to ensure that the sources of oil and gas can continue to be enjoyed by the people," he says. "Along with that, economic diversification is also important for strengthening the country's survival, including an increase in foreign investment and a more eco-friendly policy." [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060715/1/4249o.html (AFP)]14 July 2006 (Friday)* President
Xanana Gusmão swears in a new government, proclaiming a close to the2006 East Timor crisis . "Today we close a cycle of profound crisis that has subjected our people to unpredictable and unjust sufferings and distress," Gusmão says. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060714/wl_asia_afp/timorpolitics_060714140732 (AFP)]
*Mayon Volcano erupts, a day after ejecting ash amid swarms of earthquakes. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060714/ap_on_re_as/philippines_volcano;_ylt=AmI1VFf0.MSZCtKp6665VI2nxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]
*flagicon|Thailand Suspected cases ofH5N1 are on the rise inThailand , but three patients who became ill after being in contact withchicken s inPhichit Province showed no sign of the bird-flu virus, health officials say. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/15/headlines/headlines_30008785.php (The Nation)]
*flagicon|Malaysia flagicon|ThailandMalaysia andThailand resolve to use their cooperative General Border Committee as a primary channel for issues related to problems on their shared border, such as theSouth Thailand insurgency , instead of officials making claims through the media. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23320 (TNA)]13 July 2006 (Thursday)* Japan announces a new
free trade agreement withMalaysia . ( [http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060713p2a00m0na018000c.html Mainichi Daily News] )
*flagicon|Cambodia Reality TV is to hitCambodia as theCambodian Television Network seeks cast members for "CTN Coffee Shop", in which 12 people will staff a cafe and live in the apartment above for three months. Each week, audience members and the participants themselves vote one person off the show. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060713/ennew_afp/afpentertainment_060713174958 (AFP)]
*flagicon|Cambodia Businesses inCambodia paid US$330 million in bribes to government officials in 2005, according to a report by the Economic Institute of Cambodia. [http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060713/cambodia_corruption.html?.v=1 (AP)]
* A tropical storm becomesTyphoon Bilis , hittingBaguio City and leaving at least nine people dead. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060713/ap_on_re_as/asia_storm;_ylt=AlM1aGWHBLpZ8WlYubz.oQWnxQ8F;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA-- (AP)]12 July 2006 (Wednesday)* Thai newspapers publish the letters between Thai Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra and US PresidentGeorge W. Bush . In his letter to the US president, Thaksin writes that his opponents are using various "extra-Constitutional tactics" and that "there has been a threat to democracy in Thailand since early this year." [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/13/headlines/headlines_30008539.php (The Nation)] [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/12/headlines/headlines_30008521.php (The Nation)]
*Khieu Samphan leaves his home inPailin , prompting fears that the formerKhmer Rouge head of state is fleeing to avoid possible prosecution in the UN-backed tribunal.
* The Bangkok South Criminal Court dismisses charges against former massage parlor tycoon andChart Thai Party senatorChuwit Kamolvisit , and 131 other defendants, in the 2003 illegal demolition of bars and shops on Chuwit's plot of land on Sukhumvit Soi 10 inKhlong Toei district,Bangkok . [http://www.manager.co.th/IHT/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000090236 (ThaiDay)] [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060712/ap_on_re_as/cambodia_khmer_rouge (AP)]
* Singapore launches aFour Million Smiles project in a public campaign to welcome delegates from theWorld Bank andInternational Monetary Fund in September.11 July 2006 (Tuesday)*
Indonesia 's parliament passes a draft law grantingAceh wide-rangingautonomy as part of a peace deal signed last year with the separatistFree Aceh Movement . [http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=16096 (ANTARA)] [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060711/1/421an.html (AFP)]
* Key witnesses in theKhmer Rouge tribunal have gone into hiding amid fears of inadequate protection for those testifying, say genocide researcher Youk Chhang, director of the Documentation Center of Cambodia. Among those in hiding are two former guards at the Tuol Sleng torture center. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060711/1/420us.html (AFP)]
*flagicon|Malaysia flagicon|Myanmar Ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum,Malaysia n foreign ministerSyed Hamid Albar saysMyanmar must democratize and free opposition leaderAung San Suu Kyi if it wants support fromASEAN in international gatherings. The upcoming ARF is expected to be attended by US Secretary of StateCondoleezza Rice , who shunned the gathering in 2005 in what was seen as a move to pressure ASEAN to address reforms in Myanmar. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060711/1/421aj.html (AFP)]10 July 2006 (Monday)*
Thailand 's Democrat Party urges the government to officially disclose the text of a letter sent by caretaker Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra to US PresidentGeorge W. Bush , seeking whether the letter mentions an "extra-constitutional charismatic figure" that Thaksin enigmatically mentioned in a recent radio address as someone he thinks is trying to overthrow his government. Foreign MinisterKantathi Suphamongkhon insisted the letter contained no such details but remained tight-lipped on the letter's entire contents. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23198 (TNA)] [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/11/headlines/headlines_30008454.php (The Nation)]
*flagicon|East TimorJosé Ramos-Horta is sworn in asPrime Minister of East Timor and begins his job collecting weapons from civilians in an effort to put an end to the2006 East Timor crisis . "Today is a very important day in the history of our country. We are moving forward in the process to restore peace and order in East Timor," Ramos-Horta says. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060711/1/420uu.html (AFP)]9 July 2006 (Sunday)* Police in
Chiang Mai arrest Hellfried Sartori, 67, a former physician andAustria n national known infamously as "Doctor Ozone" for his so-called "ozone treatments" he claims curecancer and other ailments. Police said Sartori may be responsible for the deaths of severalAustralia n cancer sufferers who flew to Chiang Mai to receive the treatment in their hotel rooms. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/11/headlines/headlines_30008444.php (The Nation)]8 July 2006 (Saturday)*
Thailand 's KingBhumibol Adulyadej fell and received a minor fracture to one of his rightrib s, the Royal Household Bureau announces. The 79-year-old monarch, celebrating his 60th year on the throne fell on June 24 while walking to exercise at Chitralada Palace, the bureau said. [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30008333 (The Nation)]
* After weeks of political unrest,José Ramos-Horta is appointed the new prime minister ofEast Timor by PresidentXanana Gusmão , replacingMarí Alkatiri . [http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1681879.htm (AP)]
* In his weekly radio address, Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra saysThailand remains free of avian influenza after more than 290 days and that the recent deaths of manychicken s andbird s was fromNewcastle disease and not the H5N1 virus. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23181 (TNA)]7 July 2006 (Friday)* Six fugitive soldiers linked to an alleged failed coup plot against Philippines President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are arrested inManila . [http://newsinfo.inq7.net/topstories/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=8644 (INQ7)]
*flagicon|Cambodia SEZ Company ofCambodia has agreed a joint venture with Zephyr Company ofJapan to jointly developPhnom Penh Special Economic Zone. [http://www.camnet.com.kh/akp/ (AKP)]
*flagicon|CambodiaCambodia has signed on agreement on gas and oil exploration in Cambodia 's offshore Block A with a foreign conglomerate including MOECE Company ofJapan , Chevron Company of theUSA and GS Caltex ofSouth Korea . [http://www.tvk.gov.kh/LocalNews_English.htm (TVK)]
* flagicon|Cambodia Officials agree to open a new immigration checkpoint inThailand 'sTrat Province , oppositeBattambang Province ,Cambodia . [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23157 (TNA)]
* In theSouth Thailand insurgency , the government closes a school inPattani Province after two teachers are shot and seriously wounded. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23158 (TNA)]
* flagicon|Myanmar A Thai man is missing and presumed dead in a flash flood along theMyanmar border inMae Hong Son Province . The rains may also pre-empt a rafting festival inPrachin Buri Province 's Na Di district, scheduled for July 9-15. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23127 (TNA)]
* Noxious black sludge oozing from around anoil well nearSurabaya ,East Java , has driven about 8,000 people from their homes. The Banjar Panji-1 exploration well is operated by Lapindo Brantas, a subsidiary of PT Energi Mega Persada. Australia's Santos Ltd. and PT Medco Energi International Tbk also hold shares in the odorous, mud-spewing well. [http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060707/3/2musr.html (Reuters)]
* "Today", aSingapore an state-owned newspaper, suspends the column of popularmrbrown (real name Lee Kin Mun) just a week after he had satirised post-election price hikes for taxi fares and electricity. [http://asia.news.yahoo.com/060707/3/2mupv.html (Reuters)]6 July 2006 (Thursday)* Prime Minister
Nguyễn Tấn Dũng fires Maj-Gen Cao Ngoc Oanh, head of the investigative police in the Public Security Ministry and accepts the resignation of Nguyen Van Lam, deputy head of the Government Office, in connection with thePMU 18 scandal . [http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060707/wl_asia_afp/vietnampoliticscorruption_060707071102 (AFP)]5 July 2006 (Wednesday)* Sixty-five
Muslim insurgents surrender to Thai authorities in Narathiwat. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23106 (TNA)]
* Nearly 200chicken s in Phichit are culled and buried in a bid to prevent the possible spread of theH5N1 virus. More than 1,000 chickens are dead from unknown causes and a child is hospitalised with a suspicious illness. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23095 (TNA)]
* flagicon|IndonesiaHaze allegedly caused by open burning inSumatra , Indonesia shrouds the skyline ofPenang , Malaysia. [http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206688 (Bernama)]4 July 2006 (Tuesday)* The
Bangkok Metro is partially shut down for three hours because brake problems keep two trains atKhlong Toei station, blocking part of the line. Additionally,Thailand 's cabinet approves a fare increase for the subway after the operator had already raised the fares. The government says Bangkok Metro must give a 30-day notification before an increase and that passengers should get refunds for the early increase. The cabinet-approved fare hike goes into effect next month. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23087 (TNA)] [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23078 (TNA)]
* TheWorld Health Organization reports that a 5-year-old boy who died recently inEast Java has tested positive for the bird flu virus. It's the 41st death from the H5N1 virus inIndonesia . [http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=15666 (ANTARA)]
* AJapan ese cargo ship foils a pirate attack in theStrait of Malacca offSumatra . Days before, pirates had raided two UN-chartered ships in the same area. TheInternational Maritime Bureau says there have now been six piracy incidents in the Strait in 2006. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060704/ap_on_re_as/malaysia_pirate_attacks (AP)]
* Malaysia calls an emergency meeting at theUnited Nations . It concerns the latest development in theIsraeli-Palestinian conflict . [http://bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206550 (Bernama)]3 July 2006 (Monday)* Clashes between the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front and pro-government militias have prompted at least 5,000 villagers to flee their homes inMaguindanao . [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news05_july04_2006 (Manila Standard)]
* flagicon|Laos flagicon|Myanmar flagicon|Thailand flagicon|Vietnam At a meeting inPakxe , foreign ministers of the five-memberACMECS group agree on a plan to fight cross-border transmission ofH5N1 and such other diseases asmalaria ,dengue fever , andHIV /AIDS . [http://www.bangkokpost.com/040706_News/04Jul2006_news08.php (Bangkok Post)]2 July 2006 (Sunday)*flagicon|Cambodia Foreign judges arrive in
Cambodia for theUnited Nations -backedKhmer Rouge tribunal. [http://sg.news.yahoo.com/060702/1/41us4.html (AFP)]
*flagicon|CambodiaCambodia wins Asian Nation Series Division 6 Tournament of Rugby. [http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_52210.shtml (Planet Rugby)]
* A mudslide destroys bungalows onKo Chang as heavy rains lash theGulf of Thailand . [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/03/headlines/headlines_30007867.php (The Nation)]
* flagicon|Malaysia flagicon|Thailand Haze pollution from forest fires onSumatra blankets Thailand'sSatun Province . The haze also covers parts of theMalaysia n states ofKedah andPerlis . Visibility is worst in the afternoons and is proving hazardous for ships at sea and highway traffic. [http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=23029 (TNA)] [http://www.bangkokpost.com/020706_News/02Jul2006_news05.php (Bangkok Post)]1 July 2006 (Saturday)*flagicon|Thailand
Thailand 's caretaker Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra resumes his weekly radio broadcast after a four-month break. He hints that the October 15 legislative election could be postponed if political developments demand the government stay in charge longer, and takes a potshot at an unnamed "charismatic figure". Broadcast journalists and other critics say the show is an improper use of government resources. [http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jul2006_news01.phphttp://www.bangkokpost.com/News/02Jul2006_news01.php (Bangkok Post)] [http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/07/02/headlines/headlines_30007799.php (The Nation)]News collections and sources
Helpful resources
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* - This has much of the same material organised in a hierarchical manner to help encourage in our news reporting.Brunei
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Borneo Bulletin [http://www.brunet.bn/news/bb/]
*The Brunei Times [http://www.bruneitimes.com.bn/]Cambodia
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Agence Khmer Presse (AKP) [http://www.camnet.com.kh/akp/]
*The Cambodia Daily [http://www.cambodiadaily.com/]
*Cambodia Politics [http://www.cambodiapolitics.org]
*Phnom Penh Post [http://www.phnompenhpost.com/]Indonesia
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ANTARA [http://www.antara.co.id/en/]
*The Jakarta Post [http://www.thejakartapost.com/headlines.asp]Laos
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Vientiane Times [http://www.vientianetimes.com/Headlines.html]Malaysia
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Bernama [http://www.bernama.com.my/]
*Daily Express [http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/] (mainly Sabah news)
*The Edge [http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/index.jsp]
*New Straits Times [http://www.nst.com.my/]
*Malaysiakini [http://www.malaysiakini.com/]
*The Malay Mail [http://www.mmail.com.my/]
*The Star [http://thestar.com.my/]Myanmar
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New Light of Myanmar (NLM) [http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/]
*The Myanmar Times [http://www.myanmar.com/myanmartimes/]
*The Irrawaddy [http://www.irrawaddy.org/]Philippines
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Philippines News Agency (PNA) [http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php]
* INQ7 (GMA Network) [http://www.INQ7.net]
* The Daily Tribune [http://www.tribune.net.ph/]
*Manila Bulletin [http://www.mb.com.ph/]
*Manila Standard [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com]
*Manila Times [http://www.manilatimes.net/]
*Philippine Daily Inquirer [http://www.inquirer.com.ph/]
*Philippine Star [http://www.philstar.com/]ingapore
*
Channel NewsAsia [http://www.channelnewsasia.com/]
*Straits Times [http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/]
*Business Times [http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/]
*The New Paper [http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/]
*Today [http://www.todayonline.com/]Thailand
*
Bangkok Post [http://www.bangkokpost.com]
* Business Day [http://www.biz-day.com/]
* The Nation [http://www.nationmultimedia.com]
*National News Bureau (NNB) [http://www.thaisnews.com/index.php]
*Thai News Agency (TNA) [http://etna.mcot.net/]
*International Herald Tribune /ThaiDay [http://www.ihtthaiday.com/IHT/Default.aspx]Vietnam
* "
Nhan Dan " [http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/]
* "Saigon Times " [http://www.saigontimes.com.vn/daily/]
* "Thanh Nien News " [http://www.thanhniennews.com/]
*VietnamNet [http://english.vietnamnet.vn/]
*Vietnam News Agency (VNA) [http://www.vnanet.vn/default.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2]
*Viet Nam News (VNN) [http://vietnamnews.vnanet.vn/default.php]
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