By Denis D. Gray Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) — When a military coup last year ended months of political turmoil and violence in Thailand, even some democracy advocates welcomed the junta’s promise to restore stability and return “happiness to the people.” But 15 months later, a deadly bomb that ripped through a venerated shrine in […]
Singapore turns 50, celebrates success amid challenges
By Annabelle Liang Associated Press SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore threw a big party Aug. 9 for its 50th anniversary of independence and unrivaled economic success in a region struggling with poverty and political instability, even as the city-state began feeling the pinch of a midlife crisis. As fighter jets screamed through the sky and nationalist […]