May 2019 Current Events: World News

Updated September 25, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

US News | Science & Technology News | Disaster News

The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for May 2019:

  1. North Korea Tests Short-Range Missiles
  2. New King Crowned in Thailand
  3. Over 20 People Die in Gaza
  4. Key Elections in South Africa
  5. North Korea Launches More Missiles
  6. Four Killed in Catholic Parade
  7. Non-Emergency Staff Pulled from Iraq
  8. Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Taiwan
  9. Indonesia President Reelected
  10. Many Die on Mount Everest
  11. Civil Unrest in Indonesia
  12. South Africa Makes History
  13. Honduras US Embassy Fire

North Korea Tests Short-Range Missiles

North Korea Missile

On May 3, South Korea reported that North Korea has been testing short-range missiles. The US still needs to confirm the report. (BBC)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Koji Sasahara

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New King Crowned in Thailand

Thailand King

On May 4, the first day of the ceremony to crown King Vajiralongkorn in Thailand began. Vajiralongkorn took the throne after his father’s death in 2016. He also married his now wife in a surprise announcement days ago. (BBC)

Photo Source: Thai TV Pool via AP

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Over 20 People Die in Gaza

Gaza Attacks

On May 5, twenty-three people died after a fight erupted between Gaza and Israel militants the day before. Rocket missiles and airstrikes are still occurring. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Khalil Hamra

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Key Elections in South Africa

South Africa Election

On May 8, millions of South Africans headed to the polls to vote after over two decades of democracy. The voters have 48 parties to choose from, and the election remains an important one. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

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North Korea Launches More Missiles

North Korea Missiles

On May 9, the US Defense Department announced that North Korea did launch multiple ballistic missiles. The missiles went about 185 miles before landing in the ocean. President Trump stated he is still open to talks with the country. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

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Four Killed in Catholic Parade

Burkina Faso Attack

On May 13, four people were killed during a Catholic parade in Burkina Faso. Four men attacked the statue of the Virgin Mary. They allowed the children to leave before killing the adults and destroying the statue. (CNN)

Photo Source: Philippe Wojazer/Pool Photo via AP

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Non-Emergency Staff Pulled from Iraq

Iraq Prime Minister

On May 14, the US pulled all staff considered non-emergent from Iraq. The decision comes after the threat level and tensions have progressed with neighboring Iran. Many other armies have followed suit. (BBC)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

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Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Taiwan

Taiwan Same Sex Marriage

On May 17, in an Asian country first, Taiwan voted to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill will go into effect on May 24. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying

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Indonesia President Reelected

Indonesia President

On May 21, President Joko Widedo, of Indonesia, was reelected for his second term. Joko won nearly 56% of the votes, a ten percent difference from his top competitor. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

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Many Die on Mount Everest

Mount Everest

On May 25, the eighth person was killed trying to climb Mount Everest. It is suspected that many of the deaths are caused by weakness and exhaustion due to the delays on the mountain because there is overcrowding. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha

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Civil Unrest in Indonesia

Indonesia Unrest

On May 27, Indonesian authorities arrested at least six people who were plotting to kill state officials during the civil unrest. So far, 900 people have been injured and 8 killed during the protests for the past two nights. (Reuters)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

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South Africa Makes History

South Africa Election

On May 30, South Africa made history after it was revealed that more than half its cabinet members are women. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ben Curtis

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Honduras US Embassy Fire

Honduras Protests

On May 31, after protesters lit fires in front of the US Embassy in Honduras, the front entrance was left damaged. It took all morning for the fire to be put out, but no injuries have been reported. (CNN)

Photo Source: AP Photo/Elmer Martinez

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