28/12/2025

theSun on Sunday DEC 28, 2025

WORLD 7

Thailand, Cambodia sign truce BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia agreed yesterday to halt weeks of fierce border clashes, the worst fighting in years between the Southeast Asian countries that has included fighter jets sorties, exchange of rocket fire and artillery barrages. “Both sides agree to maintain troop deployments without further halt a previous round of fighting. For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points ߑ along their 817km land border – a dispute that has occasionally exploded into skirmishes and fighting. ‘Both militaries to maintain direct communication’

The latest ceasefire would be monitored by an Asean observer team and co-ordinated directly by both countries, Natthaphon said. “At the same time, at the policy level, there will be direct communication between the minister of defence and chief of the armed forces of both sides,” he told reporters. In their joint statement, the ministers agreed on the return of people displaced from affected border areas, while also underlining that neither side would use any force against civilians. Thailand will also return 18 Cambodian soldiers in its custody since the July clashes if the ceasefire is fully maintained for 72 hours, according ߑ to the agreement. The pact, however, made clear that it will not affect any border demarcation activities, leaving the task of resolving disputed areas along the frontier to

HONG KONG: Scores of residents flocked to a cramped shop in Hong Kong’s old district to bid farewell to the city’s “king of umbrellas”, who is retiring. Established in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty, the Sun Rise Company was founded by the Yau family in Guangzhou. Proprietor Yau Yiu-wai, 73, announced earlier this month that his 183-year-old family business would close its doors soon. The family-run shop has been passed down through five generations, but due to shifting consumer habits towards online shopping and his advancing age, it has to stop operations. “We’ve upheld our family’s reputation, and this legacy has come down to me ... It truly pains me to end it. I’m sorry to my ancestors,” Yau said After enduring wartime turmoil, the shop relocated to Hong Kong, eventually finding its place in Sham Shui Po district. News of the closure spread across social media, with one user calling it “another loss of a wonderful community business”. “He genuinely cared about selling customers a good, practical umbrella,” student Niki Lum said. Resident Peter Tam, 60, said witnessing the disappearance of these classic shops felt like the end of an era. “It’s such a pity ... These are all pieces of history,” he said. “And we ourselves are becoming history too.” While most retailers rely on customers replacing damaged umbrellas with new movement,” their defence ministers said in a joint statement on the ceasefire, to take effect at noon (1pm in Malaysia). “Any ߑ reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation,” according to the statement released on social media by Cambodia’s Defence Ministry. The agreement, signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, ended 20 days of fighting that has killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides. The clashes were re-ignited in early December after a breakdown in a ceasefire that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had helped broker to

Seiha (left) and Nattaphon exchanging documents at a border checkpoint in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province. – AKP HANDOUT/AFPPIC

Election brings hope to Myanmar PHNOM PENH: Myanmar kicks off its three-phase general election today, with the government promising it will mark a “turning a new page for Myanmar”. The military-led government, headed by the State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, is holding the general election almost five years after the nation last went to the polls. “The election has certainly brought hope and energy to people who have suffered for too long. “An election that strives for popular participation should be cherished, not condemned,” The Global New Light of Myanmar said in a two-page article yesterday. The Union Election Commission announced on Friday that Phase 1 will be held today in 102 townships, followed by Phase 2 on Jan 11 in 100 townships. Phase 3 of the election will take place on Jan 25 in 63 townships across respective regions and states, the commission said on its website. On Friday, the government said it would lift the curfew in 44 townships in the Yangon Region due to improved stability and security. Several international observers from Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Vietnam and Russia have arrived in Yangon to monitor the election. More than 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties will contest for about 950 seats in three legislatures – the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (Parliament), according to state media. Voters will cast their votes using electronic voting machines to curb vote counting irregularities and practise electoral transparency. Women make up 18% of total registered candidates. – Bernama Sornjaidee told reporters. “I want to stress that the Thai people and the Cambodian people are not in conflict with ߑ each other.” – Reuters

existing bilateral mechanisms. “War and clashes don’t make the two countries or the two people happy,” Thailand’s Air Chief Marshal Prapas

‘King of umbrellas’ calls it a day

Yau ... learn to be eco-friendly. – AFPPIC

him remain in Hong Kong practising this “barely profitable” umbrella trade. “I’m getting old. You have to forgive me, I just can’t carry on any more,” he said, adding he had suffered a stroke several years ago. “The most important thing for you is to stay smart ... and learn to be eco-friendly.” – AFP

ones, Yau said he aims for durability. “This is for environmental protection. It’s a social responsibility.” Those who brought umbrellas for repair included couples hoping to mend their relationships and married couples who had used umbrellas as tokens of affection. Yau said fewer than five repairmen like

Indonesia to disburse US$2m in disaster aid for teaching staff JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will distribute Rp32.8 billion (around US$2.1 million) in disaster allowances for educators and non teaching education personnel in East Java and three disaster-hit provinces in Sumatra, reported Antara news agency. Minister Abdul Mu’ti said the funds will be disbursed in stages until February to ensure educational activities continue. “It is crucial to ensure that children continue learning,” he said. He said the government is committed to providing financial support to affected teachers in recognition of their dedication. Education Secretary-General Suharti

described the initiative as evidence of the government’s concern for 16,467 education workers affected by disasters. “We hope this aid will help boost morale among disaster victims and demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting communities during the recovery period,” she said. – Bernama