Thailand to scrap pre-travel Covid-19 test to boost tourism
Travellers to Thailand will no longer have to take a Covid-19 test before boarding the plane, under plans announced Friday as part of efforts to reboot the kingdom's pandemic-battered tourism sector.
Read more
Russia strikes near Lviv airport as bombardment expands across Ukraine
Russian missiles struck near Lviv's airport in the far west of Ukraine early Friday, as Moscow expanded a countrywide aerial bombardment campaign that has intensified allegations of war crimes and deliberate targeting of civilians.
Read more
Beijing's vow to stabilise the market has worked... for now
An unexpected pledge by top Beijing officials this week to shore up the economy sent Asian stocks surging after days of jitters over China's coronavirus rebound, war in Ukraine and an uncertain property market.
Read moreAsian markets extend global rally, oil rebounds
Asian equities rose Friday to end the week on a strong note after a blockbuster rebound boosted by China's pledge of support for its markets, while unease over the Ukraine war helped oil extend a recovery.
Read more
Sri Lanka secures Indian lifeline as IMF signals help
Cash-strapped Sri Lanka has secured a billion-dollar credit line from India to buy urgently needed food and medicine, officials said Friday, as the IMF confirmed it would discuss a possible bailout.
Read more
From Syria to Ukraine border: refugee aids war victims
When 28-year-old Syrian Omar Alshakal saw the exodus of desperate people fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he knew first hand what they were going through -- and starting thinking of ways to help.
Read more
Hong Kong leader defends mainland medics against 'divisive comments'
Hong Kong's leader on Friday warned against making "divisive comments" about mainland medics helping battle the city's deadly Omicron-fuelled wave after questions of accountability were raised by the press.
Read more
Taliban welcomes UN's continued Afghanistan presence
The Taliban Friday welcomed a UN Security Council resolution formally extending the world body's presence in Afghanistan, although the government of the hardline Islamist group remains unrecognised by the international community.
Read more
The battle to keep Russia's internet free
Western powers have seized the yachts of Russian oligarchs and booted Russian banks out of the international system in response to the Ukraine invasion, but sanctions that limit access to the internet are proving highly divisive.
Read more
'We're family': meet Thailand's 'Chicano' community
The crowd roars in the tightly packed room as the broad-shouldered, tattooed men stop pummelling a young recruit and smother him with hugs -- completing his initiation into one of Thailand's "Chicano" gangs.
Read moreIn The News
