BANGKOK (AP) — A fire broke out in dorms at a boarding school for elementary students in central Henan province, and 13 students died in the blaze, Chinese state media reported Saturday.
13 Students Reported Killed in Elementary School Dorm Fire in China, Henan Province

Japan Becomes Fifth Country to Land Spacecraft on Moon

TOKYO (AP) — Japan became the fifth country in history to reach the moon when one of its spacecraft without astronauts successfully landed on the lunar surface early Saturday.
Laos People’s Army Celebrates 75th Anniversary: Grand Celebrations Honor History, Achievements
Laos is currently immersed in a series of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Laos People’s Army, with the official celebration day being January 20. Various dignitaries, including the president, prime minister, and ministers, attend ceremonies emphasizing the army’s substantial role in shaping Laos into an independent nation.
Thai Prime Minister Propels ‘Four Countries, One Destination’ Tourism Initiative
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented an ambitious vision for Southeast Asian nations to function as one tourist destination during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on 17 January.
‘Battery of Southeast Asia’ Plans Move Forward as Laos Enhances Trade Capacity With Cambodia
Laos and Cambodia have reiterated their commitment to enhancing energy trade between the two countries, following the establishment of a 500-kilovolt transmission line in the southern Champasack province of Laos to the border with Cambodia.
Thai Court of Appeals Hands an Activist a Record 50-Year Prison Term for Insulting the Monarchy
BANGKOK (AP) — A court of appeals in Thailand has handed a political activist a record sentence for the criminal offense of insulting the monarchy, giving him a 50-year prison term after finding him guilty of 25 violations of the law, a lawyers’ group said Thursday.
ASEAN Nears 35 Percent Renewable Energy Target
Solar and wind energy capacity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region witnessed a 20 percent increase in 2023, reaching a total of over 28 gigawatts (GW).
Australian Media Names Laos the Top Budget-Friendly Paradise
An Australian media outlet picked Laos as one of the “best places to visit” this year, complimenting the country’s authentically laid-back attitude and low-cost lifestyle.