Asia briefs: Alibaba runs sperm bank promotion

Alibaba runs sperm bank promotion

BEIJING • Alibaba Group recently ran an unusual promotion on its group buying site - sperm banks.

From July 15 to 17, its Juhuasuan website listed Chinese sperm banks which offered subsidies of as much as 5,000 yuan (S$1,100) to donors. Within the three days, more than 22,000 men had signed up to donate, the firm said in a statement.

BLOOMBERG


Reshuffle of Thai economic portfolios?

BANGKOK • A Cabinet reshuffle may be imminent in Thailand, especially of economic portfolios.

Thai newspapers reported that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seemed upset when asked if he would summon deputy premier Pridiyathorn Devakula, in charge of economic affairs, for talks after he apparently made remarks about the PM's lack of knowledge on the economy during a meeting with the Thai Bankers' Association last week. The DPM dismissed the report as groundless, asserting that he said no such thing, reported The Nation.


Sri Lanka vows justice for war victims

COLOMBO • Sri Lanka's ruling party pledged justice yesterday for thousands of victims of the island's separatist war as it released its manifesto ahead of next month's general election.

The United National Party promised to work with the UN to ensure accountability for war crimes committed during the conflict that ended in 2009.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


Maldives okays foreign ownership of land

COLOMBO • Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen yesterday approved a law allowing foreign ownership of land, triggering concern over a possible land grab by China.

The new law would allow foreigners who invest over US$1 billion (S$1.37 billion) to own land in perpetuity, provided 70 per cent of it is reclaimed from the Indian Ocean.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 24, 2015, with the headline Asia briefs: Alibaba runs sperm bank promotion. Subscribe