World

DPR Korea’s top leader passes away

Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong-Il, died of heart failure on Dec. 17 at the age of 69, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim Jong-Il,died of heart failure on Dec. 17 at the age of 69, the Korean CentralNews Agency (KCNA) reported.

KCNA said on Dec. 19 that Kim died at 8:00 am on a train due to a"great mental and physical strain" on during a "high intensity fieldinspection."

Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in August 2008 ./.
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama (Photo: cncbindonesia.com)

Indonesia’s customs warns of emerging smuggling “hotspot”

To prevent similar smuggling activities, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Customs and Excise is conducting strict surveillance along the coast. The areas under surveillance include Belawan, Tanjung Balai Asahan, Dumai, Jambi, and the Riau Islands.

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on December 11 delivers a policy speech at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Timor Leste PM: Admission into ASEAN – a dream comes true

Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that becoming a member of ASEAN is “a dream comes true" for the people of Timor Leste, affirming that joining ASEAN marked a significant turning point, helping Timor Leste move towards the future and integrate into the broader regional community.

Tourists visit Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Foreign arrivals to Thailand down nearly 10% year-on-year

For 2026, Thailand expects 34.9 million foreign visitors, a 4% increase, earning 1.63 trillion THB in revenue, up 8% year-on-year. Total tourism revenue, including domestic travel, is forecast at 2.79 trillion THB (88 billion USD).

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks before the Parliament in Bangkok on September 29 (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Thai PM dissolves parliament

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on December 12 signed a decree dissolving the House of Representatives, paving the way for a new general election.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia takes drastic measures to prevent illegal dumping

As of October, a total of 3,634 illegal dumping sites in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, and areas under Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had been shut down - the highest number recorded since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) took effect.

The joint military training exercise, Exercise Cooperation, is in its seventh iteration, and will centre on urban counter-terrorism operations. (Photo: Singapore's Ministry of Defence)

Singapore, China strengthen defence cooperation

Exercise Cooperation, a joint exercise between Singapore and China, is taking place from December 10 to 17, featuring a battalion-level field training exercise at Safti City for the first time.

Illustrative image (Photo: Getty Images)

Singapore sees alarming rise in domestic violence cases

Domestic violence in Singapore continued to rise in 2024, mainly due to increased child abuse and spousal violence, according to the Domestic Violence Trends Report released by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on December 10.

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesia speeds up reconstruction after severe floods, landslides

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has approved a relief package worth 60 million IDR (about 3,600 USD) for each damaged home. Coordinated efforts are underway to provide financial aid, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods, particularly for 25,000 ha of farmland in West Sumatra.

Illustrative image (Photo: asianewstoday.com)

Malaysian rare earth companies eligible for incentives

The Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said companies that carry out high-technology activities as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may also be considered for special incentives under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986.

The Singaporean authorities said on December 8 that they first caught the 16-year-old in possession of a regular e-vaporiser on September 4. (ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG)

Singapore takes tough measures against e-cigarettes

Etomidate abusers admitted to a DRC will undergo rehabilitation programmes to address their risk of re-offending. These may include psychology-based correctional programmes, family programmes, pro-social support programmes and religious counselling, reported by The Straits Times.

This aerial photo taken on Feb. 14, 2025, shows forest areas that surround a village in Sigi, Central Sulawesi province. (Illustrative photo: Antara News)

Indonesia seeks new oil and gas sources

Indonesia has 128 identified sedimentary basins, but only 20 are producing hydrocarbons. The remaining 108 basins - many located in eastern Indonesia - are believed to hold significant potential despite higher geological risks.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Philippines suspends pork imports from Spain due to ASF

Only frozen pork products produced on or before November 11 and loaded, in transit, or accepted at port by December 4, will be allowed entry into the Philippines. Shipments produced after November 11 will be returned to Spain.