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.
Analysts pour cold water on proposal to sue Indonesia at the ICJ
A proposal for Malaysia to sue Indonesia at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the annual trans-boundary haze is likely going to amount to nothing.
International affairs, legal and geopolitical experts feared that such legal action would also end up undermining bilateral relations between the two Asean neighbours, which were established in 1957.
Dr Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the ICJ operated differently from the normal court system. – New Straits Times
Japanese company launches first phase of cold-storage facility in Yangon
Japanese company Fukuda & Partners Co Ltd (F&P) has launched what it says is the first logistics facility with refrigerated and cold storage facilities in Yangon City.
F&P specialises in project management of architectural design and construction for logistics and commercial facilities. – Myanmar Times
Taiwan loses biggest Pacific ally as Solomons embraces China
Taiwan has lost its largest ally in the Pacific after the Solomon Islands on Tuesday confirmed it is switching diplomatic allegiance to China, and observers say other Pacific nations may soon follow.
The switch has geopolitical significance that will be felt as far away as Washington because the Solomon Islands are located directly between Australia and the U.S. and were the site of fierce battles during World War II. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Temple tigers died from prior diseases
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said on Monday that 86 tigers confiscated from a Kanchanaburi temple three years ago had since died of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and a respiratory disease caused by inbreeding.
DNP director-general, Thanya Netithammakul, told the media the tigers had viral infections even before being moved from Kanchanaburi's controversial Wat Phra Luang Ta Bua Yanasampanno into DNP care. – Bangkok Post
Sokha’s supporters slam Rainsy for insulting King
Supporters of Kem Sokha have slammed Sam Rainsy over defamatory comments he made against King Norodom Sihamoni.
According to a statement obtained yesterday from the former opposition CNRP, Mr Rainsy’s comments about the King are not in line with Mr Sokha’s stance.
“The Cambodian National Rescue Party adheres to a non-violence principle and seeks a positive transformation through a free and fair election,” the statement said. “Any strategy, plan or activity that opposes the by-laws and principles of CNRP, such as using violent means and insults, absolutely does not reflect the stance of Kem Sokha.” – Khmer Times