Asia Weekly

October 06 headlines from around Asia

Thailand

Exit polls from an election race for Bangkok's governor indicate that Democrat Party candidate Apirak Kosayodhin should be set to continue a second term. One poll showed that Kosayodhin won 44 percent, while another showed that he took 52.08 percent of the vote. Kosayodhin has promised to restore the city's image after six weeks of anti-government protests.

China

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook China's northwestern province of Xinjiang, near the border with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. There are currently no reported casualties.

North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il made a public appearance at university soccer game at the weekend, reports state-run media. The news follows rumors that the dictator may have been incapacitated after a stroke. North Korean officials continue to deny any reports of Kim's ill health.

Philippines

The last of 16 miners trapped for close to two weeks has been rescued and immediately arrested. Joseph Anayasan jumped bail and disappeared in 2002 after charges of theft and robbery. He was one of 10 miners rescued after typhoon Hagupit flooded a mine, trapping 16 miners underground for close to two weeks.