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Thailand’s same-sex unions, Filipinos in Iceland, Singapore’s hawkers: 7 Asia highlights

From Thailand legalising same-sex marriage to a forgotten war in Myanmar, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

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LGBTQ couple Vorawan “Beaut” Ramwan and Anticha “An” Sangcha pose for photos after receiving official marriage certificates in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Reuters
We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. ‘I do’ … at last: LGBTQ couples in Thailand marry as same-sex unions legalised

Hundreds of LGBTQ couples married in Thailand this past week as the country became the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions, with advocates saying the kingdom now has a wider leadership role to play in gender issues as America retreats from its own equality laws.

2. From tropics to tundra: why Filipinos are flocking to Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo: Getty Images
Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo: Getty Images

It is a migration story that defies expectations. More than 10,000km separate the lush, tropical islands of the Philippines from Iceland, a nation of glaciers, geysers, and volcanic landscapes. Yet this North Atlantic nation has become an unlikely beacon of opportunity for Filipinos seeking higher wages, stability – and a gateway to Europe.

3. Japanese mum hopes Trump will get Kim to release her daughter after 48 years

Megumi Yokota, then 13, pictured at an undisclosed location in North Korea after her abduction from Japan. Photo: AP
Megumi Yokota, then 13, pictured at an undisclosed location in North Korea after her abduction from Japan. Photo: AP
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