These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
12 hurt in blaze at Johor chemical factory
A fire broke out at a chemical factory at Jalan Nibong 1 in the Tanjung Langsat Industrial area near Pasir Gudang on Sunday, injuring 12 workers.
The blaze, which began at 9.21am, destroyed several drums of solvent located on the premises of the Lotte Chemical Titan (M) Sdn Bhd factory, but did not affect the structure of the building.
Two of the injured workers were rushed to the Sultan Ismail Hospital, while four were sent to the Pasir Gudang Penawar Hospital. Six others received outpatient treatment at the latter facility, Bernama reported. All were treated for burns. – New Straits Times
Hundreds of thousands take part in massive Hong Kong march hours after pistol and bullets seized by police
Hundreds of thousands braved the chilly weather in Hong Kong to join a massive and largely peaceful march on Sunday afternoon (8 December) hours after police, in a crackdown on the main island, seized a gun and bullets which they believed were intended to be used during the demonstration.
Sunday’s march to mark Human Rights Day drew a crowd of 800,000, said the Civil Human Rights Front, the organiser behind the biggest protests in the city. – Straits Times
Myanmar leader departs for The Hague in ICJ case
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has left for The Hague, Netherlands, on Sunday, to defend Myanmar against Gambia’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for violating the Genocide Convention.
Gambia’s case stemmed from the Tatmadaw’s (military’s) massive crackdown in northern Rakhine State in 2017 that forced over 700,000 Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. The international community accused Myanmar of perpetrating systematic abuses against the Muslim minority, including murder, rape, arson, and other atrocities. – Myanmar Times
Thai Navy to 'monitor' Myanmar sub
The Royal Thai Navy is preparing to deal with what it calls a "new situation" after learning that Myanmar is going to send its attack submarine to the Andaman Sea for security missions.
The diesel-electric Kilo Class submarine, which Myanmar acquired from India, is scheduled to start operations from 24 December, spokesman and deputy chief-of-staff Prachachart Sirisawat said. – Bangkok Post
Millions of dollars to modernise Calmette
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday revealed the government and charity organisations have donated more than US$100 million to modernise Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh.
He said on Facebook charity organisations have donated about US$80 million, while the government donated about US$30 million. – Khmer Times