What you need to know
Asia Morning Update: A quick roundup of the most important news from around the region.
Thailand:
Thai police said on Sunday (March 19) they had uncovered a plot to assassinate the country's prime minister after seizing a weapons cache belonging to fugitive anti-junta activist. – Straits Times
Police believe the huge cache of mostly military weapons retrieved on Saturday were intended to be used against authorities who had laid siege to Wat Phra Dhammakaya, including a plot to kill Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. – Bangkok Post
Tibet:
A 24-year-old Tibetan man set himself on fire Saturday in a protest against Chinese rule in the Himalayan region, the first reported self-immolation of 2017, sources told RFA's Tibetan Service. – Radio Free Asia (U.S.)
Indonesia:
Indonesia's ride-hailing services have officially expressed concerns over an upcoming rule on online transport services, arguing it will discourage transport innovation by limiting fleet and income growth. – Jakarta Globe
South Korea, China:
Popular K-pop stars held successful concerts in East Asian nations over the weekend, in a positive sign that the region can fill the hole left in the wake of a diplomatic row between Seoul and Beijing over a US anti-missile system. – The Korea Times
Japan:
A prominent leader of the anti-U.S. military base movement in Okinawa was released on bail Saturday after spending five months in jail over minor offenses. – Japan Times
India:
Critics worry Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s selection of a controversial Hindu nationalist politician to head India’s most-populous state could mark a swing toward contentious religious politics. – Wall Street Journal
Philippines:
The Philippines said on Friday it would strengthen its military facilities on islands and shoals in the disputed South China Sea and announced initial plans to build a new port and pave an existing rough airstrip. – Reuters
Taiwan:
The Presidential Office’s committee for Aboriginal historic and transitional justice issues, which is due to hold its first meeting today, has not sufficiently researched the issues it is to discuss, an Aboriginal rights campaigners said yesterday. – Taipei Times
Taiwan’s indigenous people are on the cusp of winning hard-won land and rights, but not everyone is celebrating. – The News Lens
Myanmar:
Assassins and schemers behind the killing of prominent lawyer U Ko Ni are still at large one-and-a-half months after the crime was committed. – The Irrawaddy
Editor: Edward White