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.
UN rapporteur to monitor rights in visit to Kingdom
Rhona Smith, the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia, is to arrive in Phnom Penh on Monday to monitor the current situation in the Kingdom at the invitation of the government.
During an 11-day visit from April 29 to May 9, Smith is due to meet senior members of the government, representatives of civil society and members of the diplomatic community, the UNHRC said on Wednesday. – The Phnom Penh Post
Over 100 Indonesian election workers, police die of exhaustion
The death from exhaustion of more than 100 Indonesian election workers and police officers during the world’s largest one-day vote has triggered calls for a review of the simultaneous presidential and legislative polls.
More than 7 million workers were deployed as almost 245,000 candidates vied for about 20,000 posts, according to the General Elections Commission. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto said 139 officials were confirmed dead as of Wednesday, while the commission said more than 500 fell ill after the vote. – Bangkok Post
Why Jokowi lost provinces, won others in 2019 election
While most reputable pollsters show that Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is likely to win the 2019 presidential election, their early vote count results reveal that the incumbent is likely to suffer heavy losses in several provinces, but gain significant support in others.
According to quick counts by several pollsters, including by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Cyrus Network, Jokowi and his running mate, Ma’ruf Amin, had 54 to 56 percent of the vote against contender Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno’s 44 to 46 percent. – The Jakarta Post
Living in Panghsang: ‘It has become a little Chinese town’
There’s no doubt about China’s influence in the city. Chinese businesses are investing in Panghsang, and the signs on the shops are written in Chinese with poor translations in the Myanmar language.
Although it is hard for Myanmar citizens to enter Panghsang, Chinese people can come and go as they like, but Wa leaders deny that the region is a Chinese protectorate. – Myanmar Times
Regime 'not targeting FFP boss'
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Wednesday the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had no hand in the share-holding allegation against Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
He said the case against Mr Thanathorn, who faces the prospect of being disqualified as an MP, is being taken in line with the constitution, and the regime has no authority over the case, which is being handled by the EC. – Bangkok Post