Former Bolivian president Luis Arce has been reportedly detained by police amid a backdrop of political turmoil in Bolivia, while U.S. forces have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Concurrently, half a million people have been evacuated from the Thailand-Cambodia border due to renewed clashes, and discussions around U.S. social media regulations for tourists have stirred international debate.

Bolivia's Political Crisis
Luis Arce, who served as Bolivia's president until November 2022, was reportedly apprehended by police on Wednesday in La Paz. His former presidency minister, María Nela Prada Tejada, claimed he was "illegally kidnapped," while Vice President Edmand Lara confirmed the detention, stating it was in compliance with a prosecutorial resolution. The arrest is linked to an investigation into the Indigenous fund case, which was closed in 2015 after a corruption scandal. Under the new administration of President Rodrigo Paz Pereira, investigations into the previous government have intensified, leading to multiple arrests, including former MAS deputy Lidia Patty.

U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker
In a significant escalation of U.S. actions against Venezuela, U.S. forces seized a large oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, which was reportedly transporting sanctioned oil linked to foreign terrorist organizations. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the operation, stating it was part of a broader campaign against Nicolás Maduro's regime, which has faced increasing pressure from the U.S. since August. Maduro has responded defiantly, urging citizens to resist U.S. influence. This seizure follows a series of military maneuvers in the region, raising tensions further.

Evacuations Amid Border Clashes
In Southeast Asia, over half a million people have fled their homes along the Thailand-Cambodia border due to violent clashes that have resulted in at least 15 deaths. The conflict has reignited over colonial-era territorial disputes, with both nations blaming each other for the escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to intervene diplomatically, promising to call leaders from both countries to facilitate a ceasefire. The Thai military has imposed a curfew in affected areas, while civilians seek refuge in shelters.

U.S. Social Media Regulations
The Trump administration's proposal requiring tourists to disclose five years of social media activity has sparked criticism and debate. Australian officials have expressed concern that such measures are excessive for a democracy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the U.S. right to set its own rules for visitors, while also acknowledging global interest in regulating social media. This development highlights the ongoing discussions regarding privacy and security in international travel.

Wrap-up
The political landscape in Latin America and Southeast Asia is increasingly volatile, with significant implications for international relations. The detention of Luis Arce, the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, the humanitarian crisis at the Thailand-Cambodia border, and the U.S. social media regulations for tourists reflect a complex interplay of power, governance, and civil rights.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team