Burma: Human rights groups say Burmese authorities have detained more than one thousand people in a violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations.
The Thai-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says at least a thousand Buddhist monks and 300 other protesters were rounded up last week. The group, which closely monitors political detainees in Burma, says the monks were forcibly defrocked.
The Asian Human Rights Commission in Hong Kong similarly says Burmese security forces seized an estimated 700 monks and 500 lay civilians, and took them to unknown locations.
The monks were at the forefront of widespread demonstrations calling for freedom and democracy in military-ruled Burma. Security forces opened fire on the protesters last week after the movement swelled to 100-thousand people in Rangoon.
The government says 10 people were killed, but witnesses and diplomats say the death toll likely is much higher.
Burma Sidebar: Japan: Japan's chief government spokesman says Tokyo is considering taking strong measures against Burma after a Japanese journalist was killed in Rangoon.
Nobutaka Machimura did not tell reporters today (Monday) what measures Japan is considering.
Japan has sent its deputy foreign minister (Mitohi Yabunaka) to Burma to question the government about the death of video journalist Kenji Nagai during a crackdown on democracy activists.
A video of the incident appears to show a Burmese soldier shooting Nagai from about a meter away. The video, filmed from a distance, shows Nagai falling to the ground while holding a video camera.
Japan's Kyodo news agency says Japan will request the return of Nagai's camera, which was missing from the belongings returned by Burmese authorities.
Thailand Pol: Thailand's military-backed prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, is considering a Cabinet reshuffle after the resignation of several ministers.
Mr. Surayud is holding a meeting in Bangkok today (Monday) to discuss possible changes in his government.
Three ministers resigned late last month after Thailand's anti-corruption commission found they held more than five percent of shares in a private company - a violation of the constitution.
The ministers joined the government after military leaders seized power in a coup last year and threw out the country's 1997 constitution. A new constitution that took effect last month caps the amount of company shares ministers can hold.
Coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin will join Mr. Surayud's new Cabinet. Sonthi retired as Thailand's army chief Sunday, and officials say he will take the post of deputy prime minister for national security.
Thailand Unrest: Thai police say a series of attacks in the southern province of Narathiwat has killed at least one soldier and wounded 14 other people.
Police say at least eight bombs exploded in coordinated attacks across the province today (Monday). They say the bombs were detonated remotely by mobile phones and were placed by the roadside, in a market, a motorcycle shop and a public gathering ground.
Two soldiers and a Buddhist monk were among the 14 people wounded.
China – Philippines Pol: The Philippines' has resigned following allegations he offered bribes to secure a contract for a Chinese telecommunications firm.
Benjamin Abalos denied wrongdoing today (Monday) as he announced his resignation. He said he will continue to fight the bribery charges and clear his family's name. With his resignation, Abalos avoids possible impeachment by the Philippines House of Representatives.
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