By Huldah Shado

Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, mother of King Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died at 93, the royal palace announced on Friday.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described her death as “a great loss to the nation,” and postponed his trip to a regional summit in her honour.

Queen Sirikit, admired for her elegance and compassion, was often hailed as a global style icon and a symbol of national unity during her 66-year marriage to King Bhumibol, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch.

The palace said King Vajiralongkorn has declared a one-year mourning period. By Saturday, television anchors appeared in black, and national flags were lowered to half-mast.

Former diplomat Pavin Chachavalpongpun noted that her death marks the end of an era, closing a chapter of modern Thai history defined by grace, tradition, and enduring royal reverence.

By Huldah Shado

Hundreds of women in Australia’s Defence Forces have filed a class action lawsuit against the government, alleging decades of sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination.

The suit, lodged at the Federal Court in Sydney by JGA Saddler law firm, covers alleged abuses between November 2003 and May 2025.

It automatically includes all women who served during that period unless they opt out.

Lead lawyer Josh Aylward said the case exposes a “deep-rooted culture of abuse” within the military that has persisted despite years of promised reforms.

“For many women, the threat of sexual violence in their workplace is greater than that of war,” he said.

One complainant alleged she was assaulted by four servicemen after an on-base party, later facing retaliation for reporting the attack.

The Defence Department said it was aware of the case and reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for sexual violence,” while acknowledging more work is needed to reform military culture.

The class action follows multiple government inquiries that, according to JGA Saddler, “have failed to bring meaningful change.”

By Huldah Shado

Japan on Tuesday made history as Sanae Takaichi became the country’s first female prime minister, following a last-minute coalition deal that secured her path to power.

Known for her conservative views and tough stance on China, Takaichi, 64, was elected by Japan’s lower house and later endorsed by the upper house after forming a new alliance with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).

The former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), leader takes office amid political turbulence after the LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito, withdrew its support last week.

The new pact with JIP now gives her government a working majority.

Takaichi pledged to strengthen Japan’s economy and ensure a responsible future for the next generation.

An admirer of Margaret Thatcher, she has been praised for her resilience but criticized for her traditional stance on family and imperial succession laws.

Her appointment marks a historic milestone for Japan and signals a potential shift in the country’s political and gender landscape.