Southeast Asia is witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases due to the spread of new variants, prompting health authorities to urge increased vigilance.
Thailand Reports Spike in Cases
In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control reported 28,294 new COVID-19 cases in the first two days of June, including one death and hundreds requiring hospitalization. On Tuesday alone, 18,102 new cases were confirmed.
Indonesia Calls for Enhanced Surveillance
Indonesia’s Health Ministry has urged healthcare facilities to remain alert as cases rise, driven by a more transmissible but less lethal Omicron subvariant. The country reported a slight increase in confirmed cases compared to the previous week, with the positivity rate falling to 2.05 percent from a peak of 3.62 percent.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin met with President Prabowo Subianto to discuss the situation. “Cases are indeed increasing, but the rise is caused by variants that are relatively less deadly,” he told reporters.
Delhi Records COVID-19 Deaths
In India’s capital, Delhi, two COVID-19 deaths were recorded this week, bringing the total number of deaths in the city since the beginning of the year to seven.
Stampede in Bengaluru Claims Lives
At least 11 people lost their lives on Wednesday in a stampede outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru, India. Fans had gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team’s first Indian Premier League title after their victory over the Punjab Kings.
Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reported that most of the deceased were young, with 47 others injured in the incident.
Japan Imposes Fines to Protect Workers from Heat
Japan has enacted legislation to fine employers who fail to take adequate precautions against extreme temperatures, following 30 workplace deaths and around 1,200 heat-related injuries last year. The revised law, effective from Sunday, primarily affects construction and manufacturing sectors.
Businesses now face penalties of up to ¥500,000 ($3,475) if their measures are deemed insufficient. The legislation requires employers to implement protocols to quickly identify and assist workers showing symptoms of heatstroke.
Vietnam Ends Two-Child Policy as Birth Rate Declines
Vietnam has abolished its long-standing two-child policy in an effort to reverse declining birth rates and address the challenges of an aging population. The National Assembly passed amendments removing the family size limitation.
The country’s birth rate was 2.11 children per woman in 2021, just above the replacement rate. Since then, it has steadily decreased to 1.91 in 2024.
Taklimakan Rally Crowns Champions in Xinjiang
The 2025 Taklimakan Rally concluded in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday. Martin Michek claimed victory in the motorcycle category, while Liu Yangui triumphed in the car category. In the inaugural New Energy Vehicle (NEV) category, Yao Weiqiang of the Great Wall Tank Hi4 Team took first place.
Launched in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has grown into Asia’s longest, largest, and most competitive off-road race, showcasing the dynamic and modern development of Xinjiang.
