In Japan, authorities extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas in an effort to contain the ongoing surge in infections.

Meanwhile, protests continue in Thailand, calling for the prime minister to step down over the government’s handling of the pandemic.

Songpon “Yajai” Sonthiorak: “We demand the prime minister’s resignation as over the past two years the government has proved that they can’t solve the COVID-19 situation.”

Police have deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons during recent demonstrations, which are building on the anti-government and anti-monarchy protests that ignited in 2020.