By Zachariah Bryan Northwest Asian Weekly When University of Washington (UW) President Michael Young met with representatives of the Asian and Pacific Islander community, he brought good news.
Thai military to ‘return happiness’ with World Cup
By Thanyarat Doksone Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) – Thailand’s military junta, which promised to “return happiness to the people” after last month’s coup, asked regulatory officials to find a way to allow the country’s many soccer fans to watch the entire World Cup for free.
With martial law, Thai gov’t nearly powerless
By Todd Pitman Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) – The question to Thailand’s army chief was a basic one. After he declared martial law this week, would he be consulting the government? His response encapsulated the increasingly surreal nature of this Southeast Asian country’s political crisis.
Court forces out Thai leader, but crisis continues
By Thanyarat Doksone Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) – A court ousted Thailand’s prime minister on May 7 for abuse of power, accomplishing what anti-government demonstrators have sought to do for the past six months and further widening the country’s sharp political divide.
WHO declares India polio-free
By Manik Banergee Associated Press SHAHPARA, India (AP) – The scourge of polio ends in India with a lively 4-year-old girl, Rukhsar Khatoon, who became ill as a baby after her parents forgot to get her vaccinated.
J-Pop inspired clothing designer moves studio to Sassafras in Belltown
By Shin Yu Pai Northwest Asian Weekly Malia Peoples, the designer best known as Lady Konnyaku, recently moved her
Senior community plans to study Asian culture
By Marino Saito Northwest Asian Weekly Staying engaged physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually is good for one’s health at any age. This is especially important after retirement.
US ups security aid to SE Asia, criticizes China
By Matthew Lee and Matthew Pennington Associated Press HANOI, Vietnam (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry offered harsh words for China and new maritime security assistance for Southeast Asia on Dec. 16 to bolster countries facing growing Chinese assertiveness in a region where the two world powers are jockeying for influence.
Japan gives Myanmar $504M loan, forgives past debt
By Aye Aye Win The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Japan’s government on May 26 extended its first loan to Myanmar in 26 years and canceled the remainder of the Southeast Asian country’s debt, as Tokyo looks to re-establish strong economic ties with the former pariah nation.
Myanmar president frees prisoners ahead of visit to US
By Aye Aye Win The Associated Press YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Myanmar’s president pardoned at least 20 political prisoners on May 17, just ahead of a historic state visit to the United States that will highlight the two sides’ improved relations brought about by the former pariah nation’s democratic reforms.