博客

In a significant development in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, the military has announced the capture of KK Park, one of the most infamous scam compounds located along the Thai-Myanmar border. Situated south of the border town of Myawaddy, KK Park has been a hub for online fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking for the past five years. Thousands of individuals, many from African countries, were lured with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be forced into orchestrating elaborate scams that defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars. The military, which has long been implicated in the scam industry, claims to have taken control of the complex as part of its broader strategy to reclaim territory lost to insurgent groups. This move comes as the junta prepares for a planned election in December, aiming to consolidate its control over key areas. The junta’s information ministry stated that its forces had ‘cleared’ KK Park, releasing over 2,000 workers and confiscating 30 Starlink satellite terminals, which were widely used by scam centers for online operations. The ministry blamed the Karen National Union (KNU) and volunteer people’s defence forces for illegally occupying the area. The KNU, an ethnic insurgent group controlling much of the region, had leased the land to Huanya International, a Hong Kong-listed company linked to Chinese underworld figure Wan Kuok Koi, also known as Broken Tooth. Despite the junta’s claims, sources suggest that scam operations may still be ongoing in parts of KK Park, and the military’s actions may be influenced by pressure from China, which has been urging the junta and Thai government to crack down on illegal activities run by Chinese syndicates. The capture of KK Park is part of a larger effort by the military to regain control of territory, including the strategic road linking Myawaddy to the rest of Myanmar. However, the junta still faces significant resistance, with opposition forces dismissing the upcoming election as a sham and vowing to block it in areas under their control.

City leaders from across the globe gathered in Jingdezhen, China’s renowned ‘porcelain capital,’ to celebrate ceramics as a timeless symbol of cultural unity and friendship. The 2025 Global Mayors Dialogue, held on October 19, highlighted the shared artistic heritage that transcends borders and fosters mutual understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world. Jingdezhen, located in Jiangxi province, served as the perfect backdrop for this international event, showcasing its centuries-old craftsmanship and innovation. Kagan Mehmet Usta, the mayor of Iznik, Turkiye, emphasized the deep cultural ties between Iznik and Jingdezhen, which were formalized as sister cities in 2021. He noted that this relationship symbolizes a shared artistic legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Nurbaev Niiazbek, deputy speaker of the City Council of Osh, Kyrgyzstan, praised ceramics as a universal language of peace, reflecting a nation’s aesthetics, craftsmanship, and philosophy. He announced plans to invite Jingdezhen experts to train local ceramic specialists and establish a dedicated pavilion for Jingdezhen porcelain at Silk Road trade fairs. Chen Kelong, mayor of Jingdezhen, highlighted the city’s commitment to cultural and trade cooperation, citing its international exchange activities and flagship stores in Dubai and Istanbul. The Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, running from October 19 to 22, further underscored the city’s global influence. Tourism in Jingdezhen has seen remarkable growth, with over 60 million visitors in 2024. Veronika Todorova, deputy mayor of Troyan, Bulgaria, expressed her admiration for Jingdezhen’s traditions and expressed eagerness for future collaborations. The event reinforced the role of ceramics as a bridge for cultural exchange and cooperation in the modern era.

The third Liangzhu Forum, held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, from October 18 to 20, 2025, brought together over 300 participants to discuss the urgent need for global cultural heritage protection. The event emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding among civilizations.

In a case that has deeply shaken South Korea, a 48-year-old elementary school teacher, Myeong Jae-wan, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of an eight-year-old girl, Kim Hae-neul. The incident occurred in February in the central city of Daejeon, where Myeong lured the young student into a classroom before fatally stabbing her. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty, emphasizing the victim’s family’s demand for severe punishment. However, the court ruled that while the risk of reoffending was high, it could not conclusively justify execution. Myeong, who claimed her judgment was impaired due to ongoing mental health treatment, expressed remorse through dozens of letters submitted to the court, though prosecutors noted her lack of remorse during the investigation. Prior to the attack, Myeong had taken a six-month leave for depression but was deemed fit to return to work by a doctor just 20 days later. Reports indicate she exhibited violent behavior in the days leading up to the stabbing, including an altercation with another teacher. On the day of the crime, Myeong purchased a weapon, intending to end her own life and that of a random child. She lured Kim into a media room, where the attack took place. Kim was reported missing after failing to board her school bus and was later found with fatal stab wounds. Myeong also sustained a neck injury, suspected to be self-inflicted. The court condemned Myeong’s actions, stating that as a teacher, she was entrusted with protecting her students but instead committed a heinous crime in a place meant to be safe. In addition to the life sentence, Myeong has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years. South Korean leaders have called for enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.