DPRK agrees to suspend nuclear activities

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it will halt nuclear tests, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches at its Nyongbyon.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it will haltnuclear tests, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches at itsNyongbyon.

Pyongyang will also allow theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor the moratorium onuranium enrichment while productive dialogue continues, Xinhua newsagency said, citing the DPRK’s Korean Central News Agency as itssources.

In an initial response to this action, USState Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement thatPresident Barack Obama’s administration acclaims the Pyongyang ’sdecision, adding that the US agrees to meet DPRK to finalise the planto provide 240,000 tonnes of US food aid.

Previously, the US Special Envoy for DPRK Affairs Glyn Davies and FirstVice Foreign Minister of DPRK Kim Kye Gwan held talks in Beijing ,China on Feb. 23.

It was the first meeting between US and DPRK officials since the death of DPRK leader Kim Jong Il in December last year.

The talks were described as a discussion on nuclear disarmament and humanitarian relief.

Washington also aimed to take measures to resume six-party talksdialogue between China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, DPRK, Russia andthe US, which were expected to give priority to the discussion of issuesconcerning Pyongyang’s nuclear programme./.

See more

Foreign arrivals wait to go through the immigration process at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Thailand shortens visa-free stay to 30 days

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said the issue had been widely discussed among all related stakeholders in the past few weeks, and they all agreed in principle to reduce the period of stays from 60 days to 30 days for citizens from countries granted a visa exemption under the programme.

Malaysia warns against cryptocurrency investment scams (Photo: theedgemalaysia.com)

Malaysia warns against cryptocurrency investment scams

According to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, cryptocurrency scams have become a major commercial crime trend, often luring professionals and retirees with promises of high returns.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia warns of trade wars, tariffs

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and equitable growth, as well as its ambition to strengthen its position as a key hub for trade, investment, and technological innovation.

Thai Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan (Photo: moneyandbanking.co.th)

Thailand, EU accelerate FTA negotiations, aim for December completion

Thailand's exports to the EU totaled 24.2 billion USD, including computers, jewelry, air conditioners, rubber products, and automobiles, while imports from the EU amounted to 19.3 billion USD, mainly comprising machinery, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, chemicals, and electrical equipment.

Thailand expands curbs on illegal goods (Photo: BangkokPost)

Thailand expands curbs on illegal goods

Thai authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal goods and foreign owned proxy enterprises registered under Thai nationals’ names to protect consumers, ensure fair competition, and curb economic losses, estimated at over 16 billion THB ( 470.5 million USD).

A view of the Khao Yai National Park. (Photo: thaipbs.or.th)

Thailand considers allowing private management of some services in national parks

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on said on March 14 that he has visited many national parks in the past several months and discovered that their officials not only have to protect the forests and wildlife from poachers, but also have to provide services to visiting tourists, such as room rentals and food services.

In Bali, Indonesia (Photo: Jakarta Post)

Indonesia to convert waste into fuel, power in 30 big cities

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said each city can produce around 20 megawatts of electricity. The products obtained from waste processing will not be limited to electricity but also include fuel oil, which will be produced using pyrolysis technology.