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Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Cambodia border clash heaps pressure on embattled Thai PM
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended as Thailand's Prime Minister following a leaked phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. Follow our live coverage here. Thailand's military conflict with Cambodia is inflaming nationalist tensions at home and threatening embattled leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who had already been suspended as prime minister for her handling of the border dispute. Hours after Thai fighter jets struck Cambodian military positions and Phnom Penh hit civilian areas in the deadliest clashes in over a decade, Thai nationalist groups announced plans for an anti-government rally in Bangkok on July 27. Tweets supporting the Thai army and air force are trending on X and Facebook in Thailand. Ms Paetongtarn is already in a precarious position over her handling of the border issue, thanks to the leak of a June 15 call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen in which the 38-year-old was sympathetic to her neighbour and critical of the powerful Thai military. That led to complaints to the Constitutional Court, which suspended her as prime minister. 'Heightened military tensions reaffirm expectations that the Constitutional Court will likely rule that Paetongtarn be removed from office,' said Peter Mumford, Southeast Asia Practice Head at Eurasia Group. 'If snap elections take place in Thailand later this year or next year, conservative parties will hope to ride a wave of nationalist sentiment, with populist Pheu Thai on the backfoot,' he added. Thailand's Pheu Thai-led coalition has been on the brink after the defection of a key party last month left it with a slender majority. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HDB resale price growth moderates in Q2, more flats sold Singapore Etomidate found in blood samples of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Sport 'We can match Malaysia or do even better', say Singapore's divers Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Singapore Prison officer accused of taking bribes to smuggle nude photos, prescription drugs to inmate Ms Paetongtarn herself only took power after a court removed her predecessor, while her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 coup. 'The continuation of this government has gravely undermined and endangered the country's security in all dimensions – including national honour, national interests, and public assets – and has resulted in a complete loss of trust and public order,' protest leader Pichit Chaimongkol said at a briefing on July 24. Thai-Cambodian tensions have been running high since a May exchange of fire that killed a Cambodian soldier , and the countries have disputed their roughly 800km border for decades. The Thai army on July 25 asked people to stay away from border areas, saying fighting continues. In 2003, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was destroyed in riots by Cambodians angered by a Thai celebrity who suggested that the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex was Thai, while clashes from 2008 to 2011 killed more than two dozen people on both sides of the border. Much of the argument stems from different maps based on the text of Franco-Siamese treaties of the early 1900s that laid out boundaries between Thailand and Cambodia, which was then part of French Indochina. The latest crisis comes at a challenging time for both countries, with the US threatening to impose stiff tariffs from Aug 1. While neighbouring Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam have secured trade agreements with the Trump administration, export-dependent Thailand does not yet have a deal. Thursday's fighting killed at least 14 people and injured dozens in Thailand, which launched airstrikes against at least three Cambodian military bases. The Thai army has been allowed a relatively free hand in conducting its operations. The government's actions on the Cambodia issue risk lending more legitimacy to the military and boosting its popularity in Thai politics, said Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political science lecturer at Ubon Ratchathani University. 'Pheu Thai's inability to lead the government effectively is leading to popularity for the military,' Dr Titipol said. Thai politics has been dominated by a longstanding power struggle between populist, pro-democracy forces and a pro-military establishment made up of wealthy elites and royalist bureaucrats. Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, the nation has seen roughly a dozen coups and about 20 constitutions. At least four governments backed by the influential Shinawatra clan have been dismissed either through coups or court orders. Ms Paetongtarn and Mr Thaksin, who's the de facto leader of Pheu Thai, have both expressed support for the Thai military. Still, during his long, post-coup exile from Thailand, Mr Thaksin was named an economic adviser to then-Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, angering the military-backed authorities in Bangkok at the time. Their relationship has since deteriorated, with Thaksin taking to X to criticise the former Cambodian leader, whose son is the current prime minister. While countries have offered to mediate in the conflict, 'we probably need to let the Thai military do its job and teach Hun Sen a lesson about his cunning ways first,' Mr Thaksin said. 'I am not surprised by Thaksin's attitude toward me,' Mr Hun Sen tweeted in turn, criticizing his 'warlike' tone and accusing him of multiple betrayals. He also mentioned a mass killing of Thai Muslims that occurred during Mr Thaksin's premiership in 2004, which was widely condemned by human rights groups. Ms Paetongtarn, who attends cabinet as the culture minister, is facing a Thai Constitutional Court probe of alleged ethical violations in her handling of the border dispute. She has until July 31 to submit her defense. 'The border skirmish will strengthen conservatives and there will be speculation that, alongside domestic political developments, it could trigger a military coup - though this does not currently seem on the cards,' Mr Mumford said. 'The odds of a coup will rise if the security and political environment worsens further.' BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies while on sabbatical
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE - Lee Hui Li, managing director of Microsoft Singapore, has died, shortly after going on sabbatical from her role in May. Her age could not be independently verified. An obituary seen by The Business Times stated that Ms Lee passed away on July 24. The wake will be held at the Church of St Ignatius on King's Road from July 25, with the funeral scheduled for July 28, the obituary read. 'Hui Li was a visionary leader whose impact on Microsoft and the broader technology landscape in Singapore was profound. Throughout her career, Hui Li was known not only for her strategic brilliance, but for her warmth, authenticity, and unwavering belief in the potential of others and of Singapore,' a Microsoft spokesperson told The Business Times. 'She mentored countless leaders, built inclusive teams, and inspired all of us to lead with purpose. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Hui Li's family, friends, and colleagues,' the spokesperson said. Ms Lee was appointed managing director of Microsoft Singapore in March 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile. She had announced a sabbatical in May, without disclosing a reason. She had shared on her LinkedIn page two months ago that she would be starting a new position. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HDB resale price growth moderates in Q2, more flats sold Singapore Etomidate found in blood samples of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Singapore Prison officer accused of taking bribes to smuggle nude photos, prescription drugs to inmate Sport 'We can match Malaysia or do even better', say Singapore's divers Before taking on the top Singapore role, Ms Lee was general manager of Asia-Pacific enterprise commercial at Microsoft from July 2021 to March 2022, where she led regional sales and industry teams. Her career spanned 27 years and included senior roles at IBM, Symantec, Dell, HP and EY, according to her profile. Ms Lee was based in Singapore and held a degree in economics from the National University of Singapore. In a December 2024 interview with BT, Ms Lee outlined Microsoft's plans to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption in Singapore through customised, industry-specific solutions for large organisations. In a separate interview in April that year, she reflected on her experiences as a female, Asian leader in the male-dominated tech sector. She spoke of her commitment to building a workplace rooted in diversity and inclusivity, and to fostering an environment where differing perspectives are encouraged to challenge groupthink. THE BUSINESS TIMES
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wallabies confident with return of leaders Valetini and Skelton, says captain
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn Internationals - Ireland v Australia - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - November 30, 2024 Australia's Rob Valetini in action as he is tackled by Ireland's Bundee Aki REUTERS/Lorraine O'sullivan/File Photo MELBOURNE - The return of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton has given the Wallabies a boost of confidence before their bid to win the second test against the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne on Saturday and square the series, captain Harry Wilson said. Loose forward Valetini and lock Skelton will add weight and power to Australia's starting 15 after calf injuries forced the pair to miss the 27-19 defeat by the Lions in the Brisbane opener. "You get a lot of confidence when you have two people with their experience and their presence coming to your side," Wilson told reporters at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. "It always does give you a lot of confidence and they're two real leaders in the group and having them back in such a big match is really exciting for us. "I think Bobby loves playing for Australia, so he's missed two games this year, which he hasn't missed many over the last five or six years, so he's really excited," added Wilson of Melbourne native Valetini. "He's had a really good week's prep, his body's looking good and I know he loves playing here in Melbourne, so he'll be fired up." Despite the tight scoreline in Brisbane, Australia were well beaten by the Lions in the collisions while affording their ball-carriers too much time and space in the first hour, making the hosts' bench-led comeback too little, too late. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HDB resale price growth moderates in Q2, more flats sold Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Asia Cambodia and Thailand are willing to consider ceasefire: Malaysian PM Anwar Singapore Prison officer accused of taking bribes to smuggle nude photos, prescription drugs to inmate Sport 'We can match Malaysia or do even better', say Singapore's divers Business MAS' measures spark cautious optimism for Singapore stock market revival: Analysts With wet weather expected, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has named six forwards on his bench, which Wilson said would give the starting pack freedom to go hard early. "We want to impose ourselves physically," said Wilson. "We want to back our skills and we just want to go out there and start fast, which (with) a 6-2 bench means another person gets to go off the field. "So, more reason to go out there, start fast, throw your body around, knowing there's some quality bench players that come in and finish." The third and final test in the series takes place in Sydney on August 2. REUTERS
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Over 100,000 Thai civilians flee amid clashes with Cambodia as death toll rises to 14
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Evacuees rest as they take shelter in a gymnasium on the grounds of Surindra Rajabhat University in the Thai border province of Surin on July 25, 2025. BANGKOK - More than 100,000 people have fled the bloodiest border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in a decade, Bangkok said on July 25, as the death toll rose and international powers urged a halt to hostilities. A long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on July 24, with the UN Security Council set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis on July 25. The Thai interior ministry said more than 100,000 people from four border provinces had been moved to nearly 300 temporary shelters, while the kingdom's health ministry announced that the death toll had risen to 14 – 13 civilians and one soldier. Cambodian newspaper Khmer Times reported that as of 6am local time on July 25 (5am Singapore time), both countries' troops were still fighting, with shelling continuing in several areas in the early hours of the morning. 'Cambodian forces have conducted sustained bombardment utilising heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems,' Thailand's military said in a July 25 statement . 'Thai forces have responded with appropriate supporting fire in accordance with the tactical situation.' In the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20km from the border, AFP journalists reported hearing distant artillery fire on July 25 morning. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HDB resale price growth moderates in Q2, more flats sold Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Asia Cambodia and Thailand are willing to consider ceasefire: Malaysian PM Anwar Singapore Prison officer accused of taking bribes to smuggle nude photos, prescription drugs to inmate Sport 'We can match Malaysia or do even better', say Singapore's divers Business MAS' measures spark cautious optimism for Singapore stock market revival: Analysts As the guns started up, some families packed their children and belongings into vehicles and sped away. 'I live very close to the border. We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6am,' Pro Bak, 41, told AFP. He was taking his wife and children to a Buddhist temple to seek refuge. 'I don't know when we could return home,' he said. AFP journalists also saw soldiers rushing to man rocket launchers and speeding off towards the frontier. Debris is pictured on the ground at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, which sustained damage after being hit by Cambodian artillery, in the Thai border province of Surin on July 24, 2025. PHOTO: AFP Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet urged citizens in a July 24 Facebook post to uphold 'morality and dignity' and avoid any actions that could harm the Thai Embassy, Thai companies, or Thai nationals residing in Cambodia, reported Thai newspaper The Nation. 'For Cambodian citizens who are living, working, or studying in Thailand and may be facing pressure from discrimination and wish to return to Cambodia, please come back to our country,' he said, adding that those who require assistance can contact the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Bangkok or the Consulate-General of Cambodia in Sa Kaeo Province in Thailand. Calls for calm The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours – both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists – over their shared 800km frontier. Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. A UN court ruling in 2013 put to rest the matter for over a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash. Fighting on July 24 was focused on six locations, according to the Thai army, including around two ancient temples. Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand, while the Thais scrambled F-16 jets to hit military targets across the border, with ground troops on both sides, backed up by tanks, battling for control of territory. Both countries blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket. July 24's clashes came hours after Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy after five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by a landmine. Diplomatic sources told AFP that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on July 25 over the clashes. The meeting, requested by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, will be held behind closed-doors at 1900 GMT (July 26, 3am Singapore time), the sources said. Cambodia downgraded ties to 'the lowest level' on July 24, pulling out all but one of its diplomats and expelling their Thai equivalents from Phnom Penh. The United States urged an 'immediate' end to the conflict, while Cambodia's former colonial ruler France made a similar call. The EU and China – a close ally of Phnom Penh – said they were 'deeply concerned' about the clashes, calling for dialogue. 'The United States urges an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and a peaceful resolution of the conflict,' State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told journalists. Britain's foreign ministry on July 24 advised against all but essential travel to parts of Cambodia and Thailand. AFP, REUTERS, THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Economists split on Singapore monetary policy after surprise growth
Find out what's new on ST website and app. MAS already eased monetary policy twice this year in January and April on growth concerns due to US tariffs. SINGAPORE - Economists are split on whether Singapore's central bank will loosen monetary policy or leave settings unchanged in its scheduled review next week as the economy remains resilient despite weakening global growth. Of 12 analysts Reuters polled, six expect the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to loosen its currency-based monetary policy at the review on July 30 to counter an expected negative output gap in the economy. The other six expect no change in policy. MAS already eased monetary policy twice this year in January and April on growth concerns due to US tariffs after holding settings since a tightening in October 2022. The economy, however, is posting better-than-expected results due to frontloading activity. Singapore avoided a technical recession after the economy grew 1.4 per cent quarter on quarter in the second quarter of 2025, according to preliminary government data released last week. But authorities in Singapore have warned that growth is likely to slow in the second half of 2025 as frontloading activity tapers off amid global trade uncertainties. In April, the government reduced its GDP forecast to 0 per cent to 2 per cent from 1 per cent to 3 per cent. Instead of using interest rates, MAS manages monetary policy by letting the local dollar rise or fall against the currencies of Singapore's main trading partners within an undisclosed trading band, known as the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate, or S$Neer. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business GIC posts 3.8% annualised return over 20 years despite economic uncertainties Business GIC's focus on long-term value aims to avoid permanent loss amid intensifying economic changes Opinion No idle punt: Why Singapore called out cyber saboteur UNC3886 by name Asia Cambodia and Thailand are willing to consider ceasefire: Malaysian PM Anwar Asia Deadly Thai-Cambodian dispute puts Asean's relevance on the line Sport 'We can match Malaysia or do even better', say Singapore's divers Business MAS' measures spark cautious optimism for Singapore stock market revival: Analysts World Trump and Fed chief Powell bicker during tense central bank visit It adjusts policy via three levers: the slope, mid-point and width of the policy band. Maybank economists expect MAS to maintain policy given the improved economic outlook. The analysts also upgraded their forecast for 2025 GDP to 3.2 per cent from 2.4 per cent. OCBC analyst Christopher Wong also expects MAS to hold policy. 'Having implemented two consecutive easings in the first half of 2025 by reducing the policy slope, a pause at this juncture will allow policymakers to evaluate the effects of earlier easing measures and await greater clarity on tariff-related uncertainties,' he said. However, Barclays analysts think MAS will flatten the S$Neer slope. 'MAS knows better than to celebrate any upside surprises to second quarter GDP too early: frontloading implies an eventual payback – which is likely to manifest in second half of 2025 – while the more pernicious effects of uncertainty on investment will likely also take time to show up,' they said. Central banks globally are taking a wait-and-see approach. The US Federal Reserve is expected to hold its benchmark rate steady at its July meeting, while the European Central Bank left rates unchanged on July 24 after eight consecutive interest rate cuts. REUTERS
