标签： Asia

Thailand has embarked on a solemn year-long funeral ceremony for its former Queen Sirikit, who passed away at the age of 93. Revered as the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ her birthday was celebrated as Thailand’s Mothers’ Day. The ceremony began on Sunday, with her remains being transported to Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where she will lie in state for a year before her cremation. The royal family holds a semi-divine status in Thailand, with their images adorning public spaces and private homes across the country. Digital billboards in Bangkok displayed towering black tributes, and citizens were urged to wear dark clothing and refrain from public celebrations. Queen Sirikit, the wife of Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn, was known for her dual role as a fashion icon and a compassionate maternal figure. Her influence extended beyond Thailand, with Western media drawing parallels to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul postponed his departure to an ASEAN summit to witness the funeral procession but later endorsed a peace deal with Cambodia. US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media. Sirikit’s legacy includes her glamorous public appearances in the 1960s and her dedication to visiting rural communities. Her health had declined in recent years, leading to her hospitalization since 2019. The nation mourns the loss of a beloved figure who played a pivotal role in Thailand’s history.

East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a 14-year wait. The historic moment was marked during the opening of the ASEAN annual summit in Kuala Lumpur, where East Timor’s flag was raised amidst applause from regional leaders. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao described the occasion as a ‘dream realised’ and a ‘new beginning’ that promises ‘immense opportunities’ for trade and investment. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of Asia’s poorest nations, with a fledgling economy valued at approximately $2 billion, a stark contrast to ASEAN’s collective GDP of $3.8 trillion. The country’s accession to ASEAN is seen as a symbolic victory for its leaders, including President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao, who played pivotal roles in the nation’s struggle for independence. Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, first proposed the idea of joining ASEAN in the 1970s, envisioning regional integration as a pathway to stability and growth. Despite its modest economic contribution, East Timor aims to leverage its unique experiences in conflict resolution to strengthen ASEAN’s mechanisms, particularly in addressing disputes over borders and the South China Sea. The country’s journey to ASEAN membership underscores its resilience and determination to forge a brighter future within the regional bloc.

The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit officially began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The event, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ marks a pivotal moment for regional cooperation and development. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the challenges posed by rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. He underscored ASEAN’s resilience, rooted in mutual respect and collective reasoning, which continues to unite its member states. A significant milestone of the summit was the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN, celebrated through the signing of a declaration. Over the next three days, leaders will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening regional integration, fostering economic growth, and enhancing connectivity within the ASEAN community. Established in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and now Timor-Leste.

The primary wreckage of a cargo plane that veered off a Hong Kong runway and plunged into the sea was successfully recovered on Sunday, marking a significant step in the aftermath of the tragic incident. The Boeing 747, operated by Turkey-based ACT Airlines and leased by Dubai’s Emirates, skidded during landing last Monday, colliding with a patrol car and sending both vehicles into the water. The crash claimed the lives of two workers in the patrol car, while the four crew members on the plane emerged unharmed.