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Thailand’s parliament has passed an amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code, allowing same-sex couples to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.

The legislation, which received strong public support, will now go to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for assent. Once published in the royal gazette, it will take effect 120 days later.

Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill replaces gender-specific terms like “men” and “women” with gender-neutral language, ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ couples, including inheritance and adoption rights. The minimum marriage age for same-sex couples will be 18 years old. This historic step marks a victory for activists, civil society organizations, and lawmakers who have tirelessly fought for marriage equality in Thailand.

The 2024 South Korean doctors’ strike is an ongoing strike, which began on February 20, 2024. Doctors in South Korea expressed dissatisfaction with the announcement of new government policies significantly increasing the medical student quotas.

Despite the government’s insistence, thousands of interns and resident doctors have resigned and gone on strike to protest this plan. The strike has severely impacted South Korea’s healthcare system, with over half of the medical professors at Seoul National University Hospital participating in an indefinite strike.

The Korea Medical Association continues to support the strike, urging authorities to reconsider the policy of expanding medical student admissions. This prolonged strike has put the South Korean healthcare system in a difficult situation.

While some healthcare workers believe that increasing medical school enrollment will only marginally help address doctor shortages in rural areas, nearly 80% of the public opposes the strike according to a recent Nownsurvey poll. Violating the government’s return-to-work order could result in license revocation or other legal consequences for doctors. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed disappointment over the strike by physicians.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan attended the G7 Summit in Italy, where on June 14 local time, he held bilateral talks with several world leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra

Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as reported by Asahi Shimbun and Jiji Press.
Modi's visit marked his first overseas trip since re-election and his first meeting with Kishida post-re-election. There were indications that Modi intended to visit Japan later this year. Kishida emphasized the desire to "further diversify and deepen bilateral relations," and both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation. Reports highlight India's significant role among Global South countries—emerging and developing nations.

Additionally, Kishida engaged in bilateral discussions with Italian host Giorgia Meloni, agreeing to initiate negotiations on the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) to allow mutual provision of food and fuel for training purposes between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military. Kishida and Meloni also announced an "action plan" to enhance cooperation across seven sectors including diplomacy, national defense, and economic security, with plans for annual strategic dialogues between their foreign ministries.

On the same day, Kishida met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed to cooperate in security and maritime surveillance activities and confirmed plans to strengthen economic cooperation in sectors such as Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.

Canada will assume the G7 presidency in 2025. During their meeting, Kishida and Trudeau discussed the importance of sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine, pledging coordination on these issues.

Following the U.S. decision to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the European Union (EU) announced on the 12th that it will impose provisional anti-subsidy duties on Chinese imports of EVs starting July 4th, with rates up to 38%, in response to China's excessive subsidy policies. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that it will take all necessary measures to defend the rights of Chinese enterprises.

The European Commission began an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EV imports last October. On the 12th, it announced the preliminary results, finding that Chinese government subsidies cover the entire EV industry chain. To protect local industry competitiveness, the EU will impose provisional anti-subsidy duties on BYD, Geely, and SAIC at rates of 17.4%, 20%, and 38.1%, respectively, starting July 4th. The anti-subsidy investigation will continue until November 2nd, and if confirmed, the high tariff rates will remain in effect for five years.

Regarding Western automakers like Tesla and BMW exporting cars from China to Europe, they are classified as cooperating companies in the investigation. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed concern about the subsequent developments, accusing the EU's decision of lacking factual and legal basis and calling it a "protectionist act." The Ministry stated that it will take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises. Germany, Sweden, and Hungary also worry that this move could provoke retaliation from China, but overturning the EU decision would require support from at least 11 other member states.

Recently, multiple regions in Japan have experienced outbreaks of a rare and deadly bacterial infection known as "flesh-eating bacteria" (Necrotizing Fasciitis). This epidemic has been rampant in Japan, setting a record for the highest number of cases for the same period in history, with nearly a thousand people infected. This situation has also caused considerable alarm among the Taiwanese population.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, the mortality rate after infection with this bacterium is as high as 50%, leading to widespread national concern and panic. The term "flesh-eating bacteria" refers to Group A Streptococcus, a common bacterium that can cause necrotizing fasciitis and even trigger "Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)," which can lead to organ failure and death, hence the nickname "flesh-eating bacteria." Doctors indicate that when a skin wound is infected with Group A Streptococcus, tissue necrosis can easily occur, making the wound appear as though "a chunk has been eaten away." Group A Streptococcus is related to Streptococcus pneumoniae, and among children under the age of 15 with throat inflammation symptoms, about one-third are infected with Group A Streptococcus, making it one of the most common bacterial infections in children.

Since early June this year, major hospitals across Japan have been receiving numerous patients infected with the "flesh-eating bacteria." This bacterial infection rapidly destroys the patient's skin, fat, and muscle tissues, with the disease progressing very quickly. Without timely treatment, it can lead to death within a few days. Currently, the infection cases are concentrated in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, with the risk of spreading to other regions.

In response to this epidemic, the Japanese Ministry of Health has swiftly implemented several emergency measures, including enhancing public health awareness, improving medical response capabilities, and strengthening monitoring and reporting.

Medical experts emphasize that early detection and prompt treatment are key to reducing the mortality rate of "flesh-eating bacteria." They recommend that anyone exhibiting symptoms such as high fever, severe pain, skin redness, or the appearance of purple patches should seek medical attention immediately. Patients with existing wounds or post-surgery wounds should be especially vigilant to avoid infection risks.

The outbreak of the "flesh-eating bacteria" epidemic poses a significant challenge to Japan, but with the joint efforts of the government and the entire nation, it is believed that this crisis can be overcome. The Japanese Ministry of Health urges all citizens to remain calm, actively cooperate with preventive measures, and work together to get through this difficult time.

The results of India’s 18th Lok Sabha elections are out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading the ruling coalition, has retained a majority but fell short of expectations. Out of a total of 543 seats, the BJP won 240 seats, 63 less than the previous term; while the opposition Congress party secured 99 seats, an increase of 47 seats. The ruling coalition’s total seats are far below Modi’s pre-election call of 400 seats, and the BJP itself did not reach a majority, which will necessitate seeking cooperation with other smaller parties in the future.

The Election Commission of India did not specifically tally the total number of seats for the ruling and opposition coalitions due to the involvement of numerous parties and their variable political orientations, resulting in differing statistical data from various media outlets. However, according to data from News18 TV, the BJP-led ruling coalition won a total of 292 seats, the Congress-led opposition coalition obtained 234 seats, and other independent third parties secured 17 seats.

Modi won in his constituency, the holy city of Varanasi, with 612,970 votes, leading his opponent by 150,000 votes. India adopts a parliamentary system, where cabinet members must be members of either the Upper or Lower House, with the prime minister typically coming from the Lower House. It is generally expected that Modi will continue to serve as prime minister.

The CNN reported that Shibuya, one of the busiest tourist spots in Tokyo, has announced that starting from October this year, it will prohibit drinking alcohol on the streets and in public places from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. This measure aims to reduce incidents related to alcohol consumption.

In a statement last October, the Shibuya district expressed concern about the damage caused by overtourism, including street drinking, disputes with local residents, and the littering of empty cans and bottles, resulting in property damage. The district mayor, Ken Hasebe, revealed that authorities have strengthened patrols since last year. However, some citizens felt that existing regulations did not adequately restrict street drinking. As a result, the district office decided to introduce new legislation, encouraging people to consume alcohol indoors at restaurants.

Local residents are likely not surprised by the nighttime alcohol ban. Last autumn, Shibuya prohibited Halloween events within the district, including drinking outside bars and restaurants due to alcohol-related disturbances. Hasebe disclosed that local businesses supported the ban at that time and actively promoted its implementation.

The alcohol ban will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., covering major public places and streets in Shibuya. During this time, anyone carrying or consuming alcoholic beverages within the restricted area will be prohibited. Violators may face fines or other legal penalties.

District officials emphasize that this measure is an important step in addressing alcohol-related disturbances. In recent years, as Shibuya’s reputation as Tokyo’s nightlife hub has grown, issues such as nighttime alcohol-related incidents, violence, and noise disturbances have increased. These problems not only affect the quality of life for local residents but also inconvenience tourists visiting the area.

Additionally, the Shibuya district government plans to install multiple signs reminding the public to comply with the new regulations. They will also establish a 24-hour hotline for citizens and tourists to report relevant issues.

While the alcohol ban has garnered widespread attention and support, it has also sparked some controversy. Some individuals are concerned that it may impact Shibuya’s nighttime economy, particularly businesses such as bars and nightclubs. In response, the district government states that it will evaluate the effectiveness of the ban after implementation and make adjustments based on actual circumstances. The primary intention of this ban is to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. The government hopes for understanding and cooperation from everyone. Moving forward, they will continue monitoring the implementation of the ban and strive to improve related measures, providing a better living and recreational environment for residents and tourists.