COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka signed a trade pact with Thailand on 3 January in a bid to boost trade and investment as the Indian Ocean island nation is struggling to recover from its worst economic crisis that hit two years ago.
Debt-Stricken Sri Lanka Signs a Free Trade Pact With Thailand

Bodybuilding, E-Sports Included in 2025 Lao National Games
Bodybuilding and e-sports are set to feature at the Lao National Games in 2025. The decision comes in the wake of Laos’ upcoming hosting of the 18th ASEAN Bodybuilding Championship later this year.
Out of Options, Rohingya Are Fleeing Myanmar, Bangladesh by Boat Despite Soaring Death Toll

SYDNEY (AP) — Across a treacherous stretch of water, the Rohingya came by the thousands, then died by the hundreds. And though they know the dangers of fleeing by boat, many of this persecuted people say they will not stop — because the world has left them with no other choice.
BCEL Launches New Payment App for Tourists During Visit Laos Year 2024
Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL) has unveiled the EZyKip application in a bid to streamline currency exchange for tourists visiting Laos during Visit Laos Year 2024.
‘ASEAN Drive Tourism Initiative’ Gets Nod from Five Nations
Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia have greenlighted the “ASEAN Drive Tourism” initiative, which will allow tourists to travel across these countries as a single tourism destination.
Lao Airlines Introduces New Regional Routes
To enhance accessibility to Laos, Lao Airlines unveiled new international routes between Savannakhet and Bangkok, Vientiane and Phnom Penh, and Vientiane and Danang.
Thailand Enhances Measures Against Forest Fires, Encroachment Increases in Laos
Thailand has implemented proactive measures to combat and prevent forest fires particularly in the north as shown by a 79 percent decrease in hot spots, the Nation Thailand reported.
Rock Band Critical of Putin is Detained in Thailand, Fears Deportation to Russia

BANGKOK (AP) — Members of a rock band that has been critical of Moscow’s war in Ukraine remained locked up Tuesday in a Thai immigration jail, fearful that they could be deported to Russia as a reported plan to let them fly to safety in Israel was apparently suspended.