Asia & Philippines news

The day's most relevant stories from the Philippines and Asia's major countries. Links to original sources.

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologySep 3, 2026

Apple delays iPhone 18 Pro Max preorders to September 12

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and a new iPhone Ultra at an event on September 9, but preorders may not open until September 12, three days later than usual. Apple typically opens preorders the Friday after its keynote, which this year would be S

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 31, 2026

TH-AI Passport goes live for 5 million Thais

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society opened the TH-AI Passport platform to registered users today (August 31), starting at 9am, following a pre-registration period that ran from August 19. The scheme provides eligible users with free access to premium AI tools on th

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 29, 2026

Thailand’s AI passport hits 1.3 million sign-ups before it even launches

Thailand’s government AI programme has drawn 1.3 million sign-ups in under a fortnight, and it has not formally launched yet. The TH-AI Passport opens officially on Sunday, August 31, after a pre-registration window that began on August 19. The scheme gives Thai users a single po

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 25, 2026

Thailand performs its first robotic telesurgery, linking Bangkok and Korat hospitals

Thailand carried out its first robotic telesurgery on August 24. Surgeons in Bangkok operated on a patient more than 250 kilometres away in Nakhon Ratchasima. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat presided over the opening at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, the Government Public

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 20, 2026

Google plans to move all Pixel production out of China by 2027

Google is reportedly preparing to end production of its Pixel phones, watches and wireless earbuds in China by 2027. The work would shift to Vietnam and India instead. The plan was first reported by Nikkei Asia, which said Google has told suppliers of the timeline. Google itself

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 19, 2026

Thailand’s AI Passport is now open: free access to 30 AI tools for Thai nationals

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has launched the TH-AI Passport, a government programme that gives Thai nationals free access to a centralised AI platform called AiPASS. The AI Passport registration opened on August 19, 2026, and the platform will go live offic

🇹🇭 ThailandTechnologyAug 14, 2026

Thailand talks child safety with Roblox, eyes Digital ID checks

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) yesterday, August 13, held online talks with the gaming platform Roblox on improving child safety and proposed linking the country’s national Digital ID to user accounts to verify identity and age. Digital Economy and Socie

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