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China is urging neighboring countries to crack down on cyberscams following the abduction of a Chinese actor trafficked to Myanmar. Scammers in Southeast Asia exploit victims in fake relationships and bogus investments, with many being duped and enslaved themselves. China has arrested thousands involved in scams, but criticism remains as many crime lords are Chinese. The recent public outcry over the actor's kidnapping prompted a crisis meeting in Kunming, where officials pledged to combat the scam industry and human trafficking. The incident has sparked a nationwide sensation in China, leading to collective action and calls for more stringent measures against the proliferation of scams in the region. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Wan Kuok-koi, also known as Broken Tooth, a Chinese mobster linked to cyber fraud schemes known as "pig butchering." Despite being sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for corruption, Broken Tooth remains free and continues to travel around Asia. The article highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in pursuing individuals like Broken Tooth, who are involved in organized crime and cyber scams. The text also delves into Broken Tooth's background, his involvement in criminal activities, and his rebranding as a legitimate businessman. [Extracted from the article]

Erin West, a California prosecutor specializing in cybercrime, has successfully recovered stolen money from a new type of fraud called pig butchering. This fraud involves scammers building victims' trust and convincing them to invest in bogus schemes. West has become a magnet for victims of pig butchering scams and law enforcement officials grappling with the problem. Independent researchers estimate that millions of people worldwide have fallen victim to these scams, which siphon billions of dollars to transnational crime syndicates each year. West and her team have managed to recover around $3 million stolen from 26 Americans, but the problem requires a global effort to address it effectively. [Extracted from the article]

Thailand's political landscape has seen the return of the Shinawatra family to power, with Thaksin Shinawatra's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, being sworn in as prime minister. This comes after a youth-led progressive movement challenged the military and royal family's authority, leading them to support the Shinawatra clan. However, the question remains as to how long Paetongtarn will maintain their support, given the country's reliance on dynastic power and the potential for political instability. The rise of dynasties in Southeast Asia, such as in Cambodia and the Philippines, reflects a trend of trusted leadership brands winning elections. Thaksin himself rose to power by capitalizing on popular frustration with the Bangkok-based elite, but was eventually ousted in a military coup. Despite their return to power, the Shinawatras still face challenges and are under the influence of the palace. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Paetongtarn Shinawatra being elected as Thailand's next prime minister, making her the youngest leader in the country's history. Topics include the turbulent political events leading up to her election, her father Thaksin Shinawatra's controversial legacy, and the broader implications for Thailand's democracy.

A rocket strike on a soccer field in the village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights has caused a divide within the Druze community. The attack, which killed a dozen young people, has stirred anger and exposed a generational divide over how involved the community should be in regional conflicts. While older members of the community tend to be less fixated on avenging their suffering and more accepting of their destiny, younger people are expressing more anger and a desire for retaliation. The attack has also raised questions about the Druze community's relationship with Israel, as some residents are torn about their place in the country. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the issue of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, focusing on the border region between Thailand and Myanmar. It sheds light on the multibillion-dollar cyberfraud industry that relies on forced labor and torture, with victims being trafficked from around the world to sit at computers all day scamming strangers online. The scale of these operations is vast, with hundreds of buildings housing scam dens in the region. The article follows the story of a man named Billy from Ethiopia who was lured to Thailand with the promise of a job but ended up being trafficked and forced to work as a scammer. It also discusses the efforts of individuals and organizations to rescue and support trafficking victims, as well as the challenges faced by survivors after their escape. [Extracted from the article]

Truong My Lan, a property tycoon in Vietnam, has been sentenced to death for her involvement in a massive financial scandal. Lan was accused of buying a controlling share of a bank, filling its ranks with loyalists, and using it to secure billions of dollars in fraudulent loans for real estate deals. Her case has become one of the most high-profile in Vietnam's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which aims to attract foreign investment and cleanse the country's image. However, concerns have been raised about the campaign being used to target political rivals and the impact it has had on the civil service and business operations. [Extracted from the article]

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down in May after nearly two decades in office. His deputy, Lawrence Wong, will succeed him. Singapore, known for its stability and economic success, has become a crucial hub for regional trade and finance. Wong is viewed as a safe choice and is expected to uphold the status quo. However, support for the ruling party has been slowly eroding among younger voters who prioritize issues such as the cost of living and personal freedoms. [Extracted from the article]

Hundreds of young Rohingya children are embarking on dangerous journeys by sea to escape the refugee camps in Bangladesh. These children, who have spent most of their lives in the world's largest refugee settlement, face a lack of education and job opportunities. Many of them are making the journey alone or with someone other than their parents. The UNHCR has documented at least 250 "unaccompanied or separated" minors in the last three months of 2023. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar, have faced persecution and were stripped of their citizenship. The situation in the camps is dire, with rising crime and limited access to education and healthcare. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. The Philippine convoy, consisting of two small supply boats escorted by two coast guard ships, was surrounded by a large fleet of Chinese ships. The Chinese ships used aggressive tactics, including water cannons, to try to force the Philippine boats apart. The Philippines has been conducting resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, a reef where they maintain a military outpost, and these missions have become increasingly dangerous due to Chinese interference. The article highlights the Philippines' efforts to document and publicize China's actions and strengthen security ties with other countries. The United States has pledged to support the Philippines in the event of an armed attack. China claims much of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that its claims have no legal basis. Second Thomas Shoal is strategically important to the Philippines, and China has accused the Philippines of using resupply missions to build a more permanent base there. The article concludes by noting that while the confrontation was challenging, one of the supply boats successfully delivered its cargo, making it a "very successful mission." [Extracted from the article]

Members of the Russian-language rock band Bi-2, known for their opposition to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, were detained in Thailand over alleged immigration violations. Concerns were raised about the safety of antiwar artists and dissidents living outside Russia. The band members, who have multiple passports, including Russian, Israeli, and Australian citizenship, were later sent to Israel. Human-rights activists warned that they would be in serious danger if sent back to Russia, where the Kremlin has used repressive measures to control the war narrative. The detention of Bi-2 highlights the vulnerability of antiwar artists and dissidents abroad. [Extracted from the article]

Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Kim Aris, reflects on his experiences growing up with his mother, who has been a political prisoner in Myanmar for much of his life. Aris describes his mother as a caring and loving figure who made sacrifices for her country. He expresses concern about never seeing her again, as she is currently serving a long sentence following a coup in 2021. Aris has launched a fund called Freedom Tattoo to raise awareness and support grassroots organizations in Myanmar. [Extracted from the article]

Rebel groups in Myanmar have been making significant gains, capturing military outposts, bases, and towns, leading experts to question whether they can pressure the military junta into negotiations. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, a trio of rebel groups, claims to have taken over more than 200 military outposts and bases, as well as six towns near the Chinese border, since launching an offensive in October. The rebels have been using drones to their advantage, and the Myanmar military has responded with indiscriminate attacks against civilians. While the military remains larger and better-equipped, its territorial losses and damage to infrastructure indicate its weakness. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese carmakers, such as BYD and Great Wall Motor, are making significant investments in Thailand's auto manufacturing industry to dominate the global electric-vehicle (EV) market. These companies are attracted to Thailand's skilled workforce, experience in the international car market, and its status as an export hub. Japanese carmakers are also starting to pivot towards EV production in Thailand. The Thai government is offering subsidies and tax cuts to encourage EV production and aims to have zero-emission vehicles account for 30% of all domestically produced units by 2030. [Extracted from the article]

Forest City embodies Country Garden's strategy of churning out megaprojects in places with high potential and low land costs, a model that fueled its growth when China's property market was booming. Keywords: Building Construction; Residential Building Construction; Real Estate Services/Transactions; Construction; Real Estate/Construction; Real Estate; Asia Pacific; Asia; BRICS Countries; China EN Building Construction Residential Building Construction Real Estate Services/Transactions Construction Real Estate/Construction Real Estate Asia Pacific Asia BRICS Countries China N.PAG N.PAG 1 09/11/23 20230908 NES 230908 China's Country Garden had big ambitions for its luxury Malaysian high rises, but the development is regarded as a "ghost city" nearly a decade after construction began ISKANDAR PUTERI, Malaysia - On the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia, a cluster of high rises built to house tens of thousands of people in luxury condominiums overlooks the sea. Building Construction, Residential Building Construction, Real Estate Services/Transactions, Construction, Real Estate/Construction, Real Estate, Asia Pacific, Asia, BRICS Countries, China. [Extracted from the article]