TOKYO -- The Japanese government on Monday designated five airports and 11 seaports to be upgraded for possible use by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the Japan Coast Guard, local media reported.

The plan was approved by related government ministers and starts in the current fiscal year through next March, with a 37 billion yen (244 million U.S. dollars) budget earmarked for the first year, Kyodo News reported, citing the Cabinet Secretariat. (Japan-Defense-Facility Upgrade)

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BANGKOK -- Thailand's economic growth is projected at 2.8 percent in 2024, down from 3.2 percent expected in December last year due to dimmer export and public investment prospects, the World Bank said on Monday.

According to the bank's East Asia and Pacific April 2024 Economic Update, the country's growth was hampered as the manufacturing sector suffered from weak external demand and public investment slowed owing to a delayed fiscal budget.

The Thai economy grew 1.9 percent in 2023 and contracted 0.6 percent in the final quarter of last year compared to the third quarter. (Thailand-WB-Economic Outlook)

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KUALA LUMPUR -- The World Bank on Monday maintained Malaysia's 2024 growth forecast at 4.3 percent, with domestic demand continuing to be the main driver of growth.

The World Bank said in its latest report that the growth is forecasted to increase from 3.7 percent in 2023 on the expectation of a likely recovery in global growth and the easing of global financial conditions.

It also said domestic demand will continue to anchor growth. (Malaysia-Economy-2024 Forecast)

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PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia's economic growth will improve to 5.8 percent in 2024, up from 5.4 percent in 2023, a World Bank's senior economist said on Monday.

The Southeast Asian country's growth is traditionally driven by garment export, tourism, agriculture, as well as construction and real estate. (Cambodia-GDP)

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NEW DELHI -- At least five people were killed and over 100 others injured after a tornado hit India's eastern state of West Bengal, officials said Monday.

The tornado hit several parts of Jalpaiguri district on Sunday. It damaged many houses and uprooted trees in Jalpaiguri town and many areas of the neighboring Mainaguri. (India-West Bengal-Tornado)

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TOKYO -- Central Tokyo logged a record-high temperature for March at 28.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The summer-like heat was recorded at 1:32 p.m. local time in Chiyoda Ward at the heart of the Japanese capital, marking the highest reading for March since data began being collected in 1876, the JMA said. (Japan-Weather) Enditem

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