BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH -- Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday, saying that Thailand has repatriated 18 detained Cambodian soldiers to Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Cambodia's Defense Ministry's Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata confirmed on the same day the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers that Thailand had captured since late July. (Thailand-Cambodia-Soldiers)
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SINGAPORE -- Singapore recorded stronger-than-expected economic growth of 4.8 percent in 2025 despite global headwinds, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday in his New Year message for 2026.
"Global economic growth turned out to be more resilient than anticipated," Wong said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, adding that Singapore benefited from an AI-related surge in demand for semiconductors and electronics. (Singapore-Economy)
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PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia will launch the fifth generation (5G) mobile services, starting from Jan. 1, 2026 onwards, said a press release from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications on Wednesday.
The press release said three major mobile phone operators, namely Cellcard (CamGSM), Metfone (Viettel Cambodia), and Smart (Smart Axiata), have built telecommunications antenna stations and installed 5G network equipment at those locations. (Cambodia-5G Services)
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KABUL -- The Afghan government has provided financial and other forms of support to more than 600,000 orphans, widows, and people with disabilities across the country over the past year, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Wednesday.
A monthly allowance of 2,000 Afghanis has been allocated to each orphan and widow. The total budget for this initiative over the year amounted to approximately 12.5 billion afghanis (nearly 190 million U.S. dollars), Mujahid said on X. (Afghanistan-Vulnerable Citizens-Aid) ■
