This Week in Asia /

Health & Environment

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Coronavirus pandemic
Climate change
Wellness
Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building after the tremors of a strong earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday affected Bangkok. Photo: Reuters
Thailand

Developing | Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Bangkok, swaying buildings

Startled residents poured out of high-rise condominiums and water splashed out of swimming pools in the Thai capital.

South Korea

South Korean mayor sparks outrage by blaming female workers for wildfire woes

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SCMP Highlights

Chiang Kai-shek’s great grandson, Coldplay ticketing mess: 7 highlights

Thailand

Thailand offers rewards for reporting e-cigarette use as vaping concerns rise

Thailand’s new initiative aims to curb vaping and protect public health, with fines and jail terms for offenders.

Thailand has launched an initiative offering cash rewards for reporting e-cigarette use. Photo: Shutterstock
Thailand has launched an initiative offering cash rewards for reporting e-cigarette use. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Norovirus cases in Japan hit decade high amid ‘unseasonal’ outbreak

The spread of norovirus nationwide has prompted health warnings about hygiene and food safety.

Thailand

Thai tourist gems Chiang Mai and Bangkok among world’s worst for air quality

With both Thai cities listed among the 10 worst in air quality worldwide, emergency measures and regional cooperation are under way to address the crisis.

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South Korea

As South Korea burns, officials suspect human error to blame for wildfires

At least 24 people have died and a 1,300-year-old temple has been destroyed. Investigators say tomb clearing or welding may be the culprit.

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A wildfire is seen near a stone lantern on a family tomb in Andong, South Korea, on Wednesday morning. Photo: AFP
A wildfire is seen near a stone lantern on a family tomb in Andong, South Korea, on Wednesday morning. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysian minister’s claim of ‘Yolo’ mindset driving HIV cases draws ridicule

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni says the ‘you only live once’ mindset encourages individuals ‘to try something new’.

Japan

What happens if Mount Fuji erupts? Japan lays out ‘major disaster’ action plan

An eruption of the iconic mountain could release 10 times the amount of debris generated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

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Laos

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice

In some poorer areas, stunting is even more prevalent. Experts say a lack of dietary diversity is a big part of the problem.

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Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
Singapore

AI chatbots throw Singapore’s young people a mental health lifeline

Nearly one-third of young people in Singapore report mental health struggles. They’re turning to chatbots like Wysa for emotional support.

Artificial intelligence chatbots have become a first line of defence for a generation struggling with their mental health. Photo: Shutterstock
Artificial intelligence chatbots have become a first line of defence for a generation struggling with their mental health. Photo: Shutterstock
Singapore

Cosmetic cravings: Asia’s Gen Z risk it all to keep their youthful looks

Young Southeast Asians are running a gauntlet of bootleg botox, fake fillers and clandestine clinics in their quest to defy ageing.

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Singapore

Is Singapore still smiling after a drop in the world happiness report?

Singapore remains Southeast Asia’s happiest nation despite its lowest global ranking in a decade, with strong GDP but weak social support affecting citizens.

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Indonesia

Can Jakarta’s ‘cat island’ boost tourism and solve its stray cat problem?

Jakarta’s innovative “cat island” plan aims to solve its stray cat crisis, promote tourism and establish a safe feline haven.

Cats are fed at a shelter in Bogor, West Java province, Indonesia, in December 2019. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Indonesia denies marijuana farm cover-up after video of cannabis crops emerges

Indonesia denied claims that officials grew cannabis near Mount Semeru following the release of drone footage, asserting the marijuana farm was raided in 2024.

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Drone footage shows a man carrying cannabis crops during a police raid on 10 hectares of marijuana plantation in Aceh, Indonesia in March 2019. Photo: AFP
Drone footage shows a man carrying cannabis crops during a police raid on 10 hectares of marijuana plantation in Aceh, Indonesia in March 2019. Photo: AFP
Thailand

British woman trapped in toilet dies in Thai dive boat fire

A crew member was reportedly filling diving tanks with oxygen when the equipment malfunctioned and fire engulfed the boat.

South Korea

Vietnamese woman gives birth in South Korean ambulance amid doctor shortage

South Korea is facing a 13-month-long medical crisis after doctors walked out over a plan to increase admission quotas at medical schools.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s clean energy transition in doubt after US withdrawal from JETP

Despite Jakarta’s ambitious net-zero goals, analysts say the country has limited political will to fulfil its climate commitments on its own.

A fisherman looking at the Suralaya coal-fired power plant in Cilegon in Indonesia’s Banten province. Photo: AFP
A fisherman looking at the Suralaya coal-fired power plant in Cilegon in Indonesia’s Banten province. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korean medical schools threaten to expel striking students

The government proposed increasing the medical school admission quota to address a doctor shortage, but students argue poor working conditions are the real issue.

Indonesia

Is Jakarta prepared for climate change and more frequent floods?

Extreme weather and poor urban planning have exacerbated Jakarta’s annual flooding, displacing residents and highlighting critical infrastructure failures.

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Singapore

Singapore bans Malaysian coffee brand for containing erectile dysfunction drug

The Singapore Food Agency warned consumers not to consume Kopi Penumbuk, citing potential health risks including heart attack and stroke.

Singapore has ordered the recall of a Malaysian coffee product due to the presence of a drug used for treating erectile dysfunction. Photo: Lazada
Malaysia

Malaysia mandates safety tests after Chinese woman loses leg in ceiling collapse

The accident could have been caused by the age of the building in Sabah’s Kota Kinabbalu and structural weakness in the ceiling, authorities say.

Handout photo from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department showing the collapsed ceiling of the Malaysian restaurant. Photo: JBPM Sabah
Handout photo from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department showing the collapsed ceiling of the Malaysian restaurant. Photo: JBPM Sabah
Japan

Fears mount in Japan of a massive 2011-style earthquake on disaster anniversary

Scientists warn seismic energy accumulating under the Chishima Trench off Hokkaido has the potential to trigger a magnitude-8.8 earthquake.

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Malaysia

Should there be an age limit for climbers on Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu?

Industry player says the state’s natural attractions are ‘too special to only be marketed to hardcore adventurers’.

Indonesia

Set sail for convenience: Bali eyes water taxis to tackle traffic woes

The Indonesian island’s ambitious maritime plans don’t stop at water taxis, either – seaplane services could soon be on the way as well.

Traffic on the road in Bali, Indonesia, in 2023. Photo: Shutterstock
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