Asia Thailand Thousands reached Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital to pay tribute to Princess Chulabhorn, who died on 11 June, reflecting the people's recognition of the princess’s contributions to medical research, education, public service and justice reform projects
Africa Botswana The possibility of Botswana buying a bigger stake in De Beers mining company is being discussed: it would fulfil the country’s dream of controlling the diamond industry from mine to market and the company’s valuation could be at its cheapest ever
Africa Comoros Over 2.000 people were checked in five days as part of the identity and residence verification operation launched by the Ministry of the Interior: the result is 23 illegal immigrants, eight deportations, and 150 citizens ordered to obtain an identity card
Europe Croatia The acceptance of all shipments of commercial goods bound to the United States, regardless of their value, will be suspended starting 26 August, Croatian Post has announced, except for letters and gifts from and to private individuals under $100 in value
Europe Belgium Three Brussels athletes kitesurfed across the Channel reaching England in less than 5 hours and raising €12.500 for charity; while praising the initiative for its intention, Mobility Ministry stressed sailing without permit is illegal and dangerous
Africa Ivory Coast The Independent Electoral Commission is keeping its doors open with full service schedule over this weekend to favor the reception of candidacy files for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for 25 October
Africa Uganda In Murchison Falls national park a revolutionary approach is making oil exploration compatible with wildlife needs, with latest technologies minimizing noise, light, vibrations, environment impact
Asia Afghanistan Youth in remote areas of Zabul area demand access to modern education as a key to their future; some teachers have started a few courses in English, with computers, and students are highly motivated; access to education in general remains a key issue
Asia Kyrgyzstan Mandatory tips, a 5-15% ever more often charged separately in restaurant, will be banned in Kyrgyzstan; the practice, authorities affirm, raises concerns in terms of tax regulation, consumer protection, and business transparency
Africa Mauritius Local potato harvest is underway and from 25 August through December, sales will be limited to the National Wholesale Market, while imports will have to go exclusively through the Agricultural Marketing Board AMB in Moka
Europe Serbia Unrest escalated across Serbia, with ruling party supporters clashing violently with student-led protesters and trying to attack journalists, while in Valjevo demonstrators set fire to a ruling Progressive Party office and attacked City Hall
Europe Portugal Eduardo Serra, the most international of Portuguese cinematographers, reportedly died at 81 on 19 August; as a director of photography he collected two Oscar nominations, collaborated with Leconte, Chabrol and worked on the final two Harry Potter films
Europe Ireland Over 65.000 students received their high school final results; Leaving Cert 2025 highest grade, H1 with a maximum of 625 points, has been achieved by 2,6% less students in what looks to be the first year of normality after post-pandemic adjusted figures
Oceania Tuvalu PM Feletei Teo may pull Tuvalu out of the region’s top political meeting next month, after host nation Solomon Islands, a Beijing ally, told parliament that non-Pacific dialogue partners, attending the forum since 1989, wouldn't be invited