State prosecutors in Thailand said Tuesday they have revived an investigation into whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra almost nine years ago violated the law against defaming the monarch, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Thai Prosecutors Say Former Prime Minister Thaksin Is Being Investigated for Royal Defamation

Illegal Transport of Siamese Rosewood Logs Foiled by Savannakhet Authorities
Savannakhet authorities successfully intercepted a red and white bus full of Siamese rosewood logs on 5 February potentially to be smuggled to Vietnam.
President Welcomes Four New Ambassadors to Laos
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith extended a warm welcome to four newly appointed ambassadors in a diplomatic ceremony on 5 February in Vientiane.
Tensions Run High in New Zealand Ahead of National Day Over Government’s Relationship With Maori

WAITANGI, New Zealand (AP) — In a fiery exchange at the birthplace of modern New Zealand, Indigenous leaders on Monday strongly criticized the government’s approach to Maori, ahead of the country’s national day.
Laos Grapples with Persistent 24.4 Percent Inflation Rate in January
Laos continues to face economic challenges as its inflation rate remains at a staggering 24.4 percent in January, mirroring the December figure, according to a report by the Lao Statistics Bureau.
Bokeo International Airport Launch Overshadowed by Sudden Flight Cancellations
Amidst the much-anticipated inauguration of Bokeo International Airport on 5 February, excitement was dampened by the sudden announcement of the indefinite termination of Bokeo-Vientiane flights by Lao Airlines.
Laos Exceeds Agricultural Export Target, Trade Deficit Remains

Over the past year, Laos earned an estimated USD 1.4 billion from agricultural exports, exceeding targets set by the government by 20.18 percent.
Bird Flu Outbreak Detected in Vientiane Market
The Department of Livestock and Fisheries, under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, officially confirmed an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu at Danxang market in Xaythany district, Vientiane, on 2 February.