News
![Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/thai_protests_afp_280808.jpg "Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]")
Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]
Thai's Opposition calls on Parliament to solve political crisis
20:37:22, 28 August 2008
Thailand's main opposition party has called on parliament to urgently find a solution to the current political crisis.
ASEAN makes trade deals with India, Australia, NZ
20:37:22, 28 August 2008
Australia has hailed its new Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand and ASEAN, saying it's one of the most comprehensive and significant deals for world trade that Australia has agreed to.
Obama arrives at US Democratic Convention
20:37:22, 28 August 2008
Barack Obama has made an unexpected appearance at the Democratic National Convention where party members are celebrating his historic Presidential nomination.
Philippines to ask UK to help peace deal
20:37:19, 28 August 2008
The Philippines will ask the United Kingdom to help handle the volatile peace talks with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF.
Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]
Thai's Opposition calls on Parliament to solve political crisis
20:37:22, 28 August 2008
Thailand's main opposition party has called on parliament to urgently find a solution to the current political crisis.
Thai protesters vow to stay in Government House compound
18:08:01, 28 August 2008
Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej says he will not to use force to remove thousands of protesters camped out at the government compound.
China lights Paralympic torch at Temple of Heaven
18:08:00, 28 August 2008
China has lit the 2008 Paralympic torch in a ceremony at Beijing's ancient Temple of Heaven, marking the start of a domestic relay for the September the 6th Games.
Indian security stages hostage rescue in Kashmir
16:46:55, 28 August 2008
Indian security forces have rescued five hostages held by suspected militants in the troubled Kashmir region.
Fiji diplomat labels Pacific Forum 'bullies'
18:08:01, 28 August 2008
Fiji's acting High Commissioner, Kamlesh Arya, to Australia has accused the Pacific Forum countries of being bullies and ganging up against Fiji following the decision to threaten to suspend the island nation from the Pacific body.
Reports PNG nickel mine disrupted
16:46:54, 28 August 2008
Police reinforcements have been sent to protect the Chinese-backed Ramu Nickel Mine in Papua New Guinea's Madang Province.
Solomons DPP preparing charges for RAMSI member over road accident
15:11:29, 28 August 2008
In Solomon Islands, the Attorney General's office says there's enough evidence to charge a Samoan member of the Regional Assistance Mission, known as RAMSI, over the death of local woman in a recent road accident.
NZ finance minister warns of economic challenge
15:11:28, 28 August 2008
New Zealand's Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the country is confronting its most challenging economic conditions for two decades.
Tasers for NZ police
15:11:28, 28 August 2008
Police in New Zealand are about to get taser stun guns.
ASEAN makes trade deals with India, Australia, NZ
20:37:22, 28 August 2008
Australia has hailed its new Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand and ASEAN, saying it's one of the most comprehensive and significant deals for world trade that Australia has agreed to.
Slavery convictions upheld for Australian brothel owner
15:11:28, 28 August 2008
Australia's High Court has upheld the slavery convictions of a brothel owner in the south eastern Australian city of Melbourne and overturned the orders of the Victorian Court of Appeal for a new trial.
Woodside threatens cutback to West Australian gas project
12:02:20, 28 August 2008
There's doubt over the future of another West Australian gas project with Australia's oil and gas exploration company Woodside threatening to cut back spending on a gas resource off the Kimberley.
Australian FM to discuss Georgia with Russian ambassador
10:48:32, 28 August 2008
Australia's foreign minister, Stephen Smith, will meet the Russian ambassador on Thursday to discuss the Federation's decision to recognise Georgia's breakaway regions as independent countries.
One dies in mid-air collision over Australian city
04:20:34, 28 August 2008
A man killed in the mid-air collision of two light planes in south-east Australia this afternoon was a student pilot from overseas on his first solo flight.
Women golfers forced to learn English
16:29:22, 28 August 2008
The Ladies Professional Golf Association in the United States is forcing foreign players to learn English or be suspended from its prestigous tour.
Socceroos coach expects to top Asian qualifiers
16:29:22, 28 August 2008
Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek says he will be disappointed if the team fails to finish on top of its World Cup Asian qualifying group.
Sharks retain sponsor after player fallout
16:29:22, 28 August 2008
Accountancy firm PKF has agreed to stay on as the sleeve sponsor of Cronulla Sharks.
English demands on LPGA circuit
21:39:31, 27 August 2008
Foreign golfers who play on the LPGA tour will have to learn English or face being suspended.
New foreigner slot opens in Japan soccer
21:39:31, 27 August 2008
The board of directors of Japan's soccer J-League has agreed to introduce a new non-Japanese spot for an Asian player on each club starting next season.
![Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/gallery/thai_protests_afp_280808.jpg "Riot police had been ordered to break up the demonstration, but the prime minister now says he will not use force to remove them. [AFP]")
![At least two million people are homeless after the banks of the Kosi river in Bihar broke its banks last week. [Reuters]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/gallery/india_floods_rtr_280808.jpg "At least two million people are homeless after the banks of the Kosi river in Bihar broke its banks last week. [Reuters]")
![Thousands of anti-government protesters blocked streets around key government buildings in the Thai capital. [AFP]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/gallery/thai_protests_afp_260808.jpg "Thousands of anti-government protesters blocked streets around key government buildings in the Thai capital. [AFP]")
![Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim and wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail cast votes in Permatang Pauh. [Reuters]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/gallery/mal_anwar_wan_rtr_260808.jpg "Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim and wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail cast votes in Permatang Pauh. [Reuters]")
![Michelle Obama, with children Sasha and Malia, says Barack's 'unusual name' should not stop him from entering the White House. [Reuters]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/gallery/us_mrs_obama_rtr_260808.jpg "Michelle Obama, with children Sasha and Malia, says Barack's 'unusual name' should not stop him from entering the White House. [Reuters]")
Features
![U.S. destroyers remove the crew from the fatally-damaged HMAS Canberra on August 9, 1942. [US Naval Historical Center, Photo 80-G-13488]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/thumbnail/aus_canberra_ship_usna.jpg "U.S. destroyers remove the crew from the fatally-damaged HMAS Canberra on August 9, 1942. [US Naval Historical Center, Photo 80-G-13488]")
The Sinking of HMAS Canberra
11 August 2008
August 9 marks the anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Canberra, the Australian heavy cruiser which participated in the amphibious landings on Guadalcanal which marked the turning point of World War II in the Pacific.
![Beijing National Stadium, also known as the 'Bird's Nest' will play host to the Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as the main track and field events.[Getty Images]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/thumbnail/china_stadium_getty_feat.jpg "Beijing National Stadium, also known as the 'Bird's Nest' will play host to the Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as the main track and field events.[Getty Images]")
The Road to Beijing 2008
6 August 2008
Beijing hosts the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, from August 8-24.
![Prime Minister Hun Sen after casting his vote in the 2008 Cambodian elections. [Radio Australia]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/thumbnail/camb_hunsen_ra_280708.jpg "Prime Minister Hun Sen after casting his vote in the 2008 Cambodian elections. [Radio Australia]")
Cambodia Votes 2008
28 July 2008
As Cambodia headed to the polls, Radio Australia's Connect Asia looked at the players and their challenges, including special reports from the Cambodian capital for the launch of the 2008 campaign.
Languages
You can listen to Radio Australia's language service in Chinese, Indonesian, French, Khmer, Tok Pisin & Vietnamese.
Learn English
Learn what you need to know to communicate in English using our
specialist series.
English for Study
This 26-part series will help you prepare to study and live in Australia. As you follow the journeys of four international students in the city of Melbourne, you’ll learn important aspects of Australian culture and academic life.
