Thai PM cancels APEC attendance over passing of Queen Mother Sirikit

IANS | October 25, 2025 3:29 PM

Bangkok, Oct 25 (IANS) After concluding the Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told the media that Thailand has entered a national mourning period following the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit, and he has cancelled his trip to South Korea to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

US keen to finalise trade deal with S. Korea as soon as possible

IANS | October 25, 2025 9:28 AM

Washington, Oct 25 (IANS) The United States is keen to "nail down" a trade deal with South Korea as soon as Seoul is willing to take "appropriate" commitments, a senior U.S. official said, as the two countries strive to bridge differences over how to implement Korea's $350 billion investment pledge under the framework deal.