Rescuers work on a cite of an explosion at a firework factory in Suphan Buri province, Thailand on Jan 17, 2024. The Thai government’s disaster relief agency says an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has killed at least 20 people. - AP
Malaysia
* King and Queen promote unity, ikan patin in royal edition of TV3's Buletin Utama
* Son of former Malaysian PM summoned by MACC for corruption probe
* Dr M defends racially-charged remarks, says ready to meet National Unity Minister
* PM, ministers attend retreat in Cyberjaya
* Customs foil attempt to smuggle in 6.13KG of cocaine through KLIA
* 14 Chinese nationals among 17 held for running an online gambling syndicate
* Beware fake Michelle Yeoh news on scam site impersonating The Star
* Indonesian man fails to get death sentence commuted to life imprisonment for murdering daughters
* Three Malaysian women make it to Forbes' 50 Over 50 list
* Local artistes Noh Salleh, Insomniacks and more to perform in Petaling Jaya on Jan 21
* Man, woman found dead in locked storeroom at condo site in KK
* Penang undersea tunnel case: Guan Eng's defence team receives key witness statement from prosecution
* Don’t ever refuse to take a police report, KL top cop warns his men
* Penang cops uncover online gambling syndicate raking in RM2.5mil profits
* Two cops charged in rape and extortion case
* 'Mentega Terbang' director, producer claim trial to charge of hurting religious feelings
* Commercial crime cases in Johor amount to RM287mil in 2023, says cop
* Drugs worth RM1.2mil seized in Johor, cops arrest three
Singapore
* More S’pore professionals seeking to change jobs despite cooling labour market: LinkedIn
* Singapore’s exports fall 1.5% in December as electronics slump continues
* Man in SG who drugged wife and had her raped by five men fails in appeal against sentence
* Serial cheat who duped victims into giving her over S$100k jailed 35 months
* Man in SG fined record S$48,000 for registering SIM cards for customers without consent and selling them
* Elderly victim avoids losing S$1.5mil to investment scam after police, bank intervene
Thailand
* Around 20 killed in explosion at Thai firework factory, no survivors found
* Thaksin can now spend rest of jail term at home: Corrections Dept
* Thai court acquits protesters who occupied Bangkok airports in 2008
* Three Facebook posts lands anti-lese majeste lawyer with another four years in jail
* Pop icon Bruno Mars to perform in Bangkok in March
* Thailand to delay launch of massive handout scheme beyond May
* Storms and strong wind likely to affect Thailand’s north
Indonesia
* Bali slaying, stuffing of mum in suitcase: Heather Mack to be sentenced Jan 17
* Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts three times in an hour
* Logistics prep in full swing a month before Indonesia elections
* Indonesia to inspect all smelters after deadly nickel blast
* Two Malaysians admit to being accessories in Bali bombing
* Bank Indonesia keeps rates unchanged to keep rupiah stable
Philippines
* Manila currently holds the ‘world’s worst traffic in metro area’ title
* Philippines to ramp up US military ties amid ‘aggressive’ China
* Plane tickets in Philippines to get cheaper in February
* Philippines bans poultry imports from California, Ohio to prevent bird flu spread
* Philippines defence minister calls out China official for 'gutter-level talk'
Vietnam
* Vietnam Airlines, Singapore unveil tourism partnership initiative
* Vietnam's business confidence recovers: report
* Vietnam Airlines named among top 10 most punctual airlines in Asia Pacific
Cambodia
* Cambodia, France sign six notable investment MoUs
* Cambodia exports bicycles worth nearly US$417mil in 2023
Myanmar
* Myanmar's export earnings exceed US$10bil in over 9 months of FY 2023-24
* Myanmar invites tourists to Shan State for enchanting cherry blossom festival
Laos
* Six seriously injured in landmine explosion in southern Laos
Brunei
* Brunei among cheapest tax-free countries for relocation
* Car theft ‘guided by TikTok live’ leads to jail
Aseanplus
* China posts some of its worst growth in decades as recovery stalls
* US-bound Japanese plane returns to Tokyo after man allegedly bites cabin attendant
* Top Chinese diplomat says support of Pacific nations with policing should not alarm Australia
* China's population drops for second year, with record low birth rate
* Japan Airlines names former cabin attendant as first female president
* Scientists clone first rhesus monkey using new method
* Japan’s salarymen turn to cheaper options as rise in food prices bite
* China says threats of force over Taiwan not aimed at most Taiwanese
* Cool mama: China mother, 40, teaches herself to rap, writes songs then sings to her kids, attracts thousands online
* US users rush in as China opens its top quantum computer Origin Wukong to the world, state media reports
* Ex-New Zealand lawmaker Golriz Ghahraman charged with shoplifting
HK singer George Lam's ex-wife opens up about divorce: 'A permanent pain'
* TV host Dee Hsu shares rare photo of family of five as eldest daughter turns 18
* 'Abang Adik' star Wu Kang-jen beats Tony Leung to Hong Kong Film Critics Society's Best Actor award
* Markets fall on dimming rate cut hopes, China's torpid growth
