PHUKETWAN recognises the importance of Asean with the Economic Community approaching and marks what's happening around the region with a new column, Asean Today.



AP An AirAsia Airbus A320 that crashed last month with 162 people on board was climbing at an abnormally high rate, then plunged and suddenly disappeared from radar, Indonesia's transport minister said. An excessively rapid ascent is likely to cause an airplane to go into an aerodynamic stall.

reuters Indonesia's transport minister proposed a number of changes to improve aviation safety standards at a parliamentary hearing, just over three weeks after an AirAsia passenger jet crashed killing all 162 people on board.



nytimes.com Chem Mao, 55, is among more than 200 villagers in this rice farming community in western Cambodia who tested positive for HIV last month. The Cambodian authorities say that an unlicensed doctor who reused syringes and other medical equipment spread the infection.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/world/asia/farming-village-in-cambodia-grieves-as-hundreds-learn-they-have-hiv.html?_r=0



bbc.com Malaysia has cut its annual growth forecast after a sharp fall in oil prices caused the government to revise down its budget plans. Asia's biggest oil producer now expects its economy grow by 4.5-5.5 percent this year, down from a previous estimate of 5-6 percent.

news.com.au After an incomprehensibly tragic 2014, Malaysia Airlines is starting this year on a more positive note thanks to its partnership with rising tennis star Nick Kyrgios. Weeks after announcing the young Aussie as its ambassador, the airline has wasted no time in launching an airfare sale on the back of his early success at the Australian Open.



worldbulletin.net More than a hundred rights groups called on UN members to highlight the case of Laotian civil society leader Sombath Somphone, missing for two years. Somphone, a well-known figure involved in rural development, has not been seen since he was arrested by police in the capital Vientiane in December 2012.



amnesty.org The release of peaceful activist Dr Tun Aung, jailed simply for trying to prevent communal violence, is a positive step, but authorities in Burma (Myanmar) should also free the dozens of other prisoners of conscience still behind bars, Amnesty International said.



straitstimes.com Rolexes flew off the shelves over the weekend after the Swiss franc's surprise appreciation last Thursday sent Singapore's luxury watch enthusiasts on a buying spree before retailers adjust their price tags.

qz.com Singapore is considering a partial ban on public drinking. According to a bill introduced in parliament, those caught drinking in public between 10.30pm and 7am would be subject to fines of up to S$1000 and up to three months in jail for repeat offenses.



vietnamnet.vn Border police have reportedly seized hundreds of kilos of worms illegally brought from China to Vietnam in recent days. The uncontrolled development of exotic creatures could harm Vietnam???s farms and the environment.



xinhua Eleven people were killed and four others were injured as a concrete wall of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in northern Philippines of Bulacan, a local official said.