⚡ Power Shifts, Storms, and Sanctions — Southeast Asia’s Unsettled Week
From Manila’s protests to Bali’s floods, the region faced upheavals while global spotlights turned on Southeast Asia.
Your curated wrap-up from The Southeast Asia Desk.
🇵🇭 Protests Erupt in the Philippines Over Flood Funds
Anger boiled over in Manila as protesters accused officials of siphoning billions from flood control projects. Demonstrators targeted government offices and contractors’ properties, demanding accountability as flood risks worsen across the country. Read more
🇮🇩 Bali Flood Disaster Escalates, Dozens Dead
Torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Bali, leaving dozens dead and displacing thousands. The tragedy underscores Indonesia’s urgent need for resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness amid intensifying climate shocks. Read more
🇹🇭 Anutin Confirmed as Thailand’s New PM
After months of political uncertainty, Anutin Charnvirakul has secured Parliament’s support to become Thailand’s next prime minister. His leadership marks a new chapter but faces challenges of coalition management and public trust. Read more
🇺🇸 U.S. Sanctions Southeast Asia’s Billion-Dollar Scam Networks
Washington imposed sweeping sanctions on companies and individuals running cyber scam centers in Myanmar and Cambodia. The crackdown targets syndicates accused of trafficking workers and fueling a multibillion-dollar online fraud economy. Read more
🪨 Sulawesi’s Million-Year-Old Stone Tools Rewrite History
Archaeologists in Indonesia’s Sulawesi uncovered ancient stone tools dating back over a million years, pushing back timelines of early human activity in the region and challenging conventional migration theories. Read more
🎓 Global Classroom, No Passport Needed
The SIS Group of Schools and Cambridge International Education showcased how students in Indonesia can now access a global-standard curriculum without going abroad — reducing brain drain while boosting local opportunities. Read more
🎶 Weekend Brew: Singapore Grand Prix 2025 Races with Music & Lights
The Marina Bay street circuit gears up for this year’s Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, featuring headliners from G-Dragon to Putri Ariani. The event blends racing, nightlife, and global spectacle — cementing Singapore’s status as Southeast Asia’s biggest stage. Read more
✨ Stories to linger over, one dispatch at a time.
(QOB)