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APP Group Highlights the Role of Cleanliness in Sustaining Singapore’s Hawker Culture

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, June 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — APP Group highlights that cleanliness remains one of the key factors sustaining hawker centres as trusted public dining spaces in Singapore. More than just places to eat, hawker centres are part of the country’s social fabric, bringing together people from different backgrounds through affordable meals and local flavors.

The continued relevance of hawker culture is also reflected in strong public confidence. Data from Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) shows customer and vendor satisfaction levels at hawker centres exceed 80%, while stall occupancy rates remain as high as 96%. High cleanliness standards and consistent operational management are seen as important factors helping hawker centres stay relevant amid Singapore’s fast-evolving urban lifestyle.

As dining habits continue to evolve, hygiene expectations are also becoming more practical and personal. Statista data shows that the use of products such as tissue continues to rise alongside increasing out-of-home dining activities and demand for practical hygiene solutions.

For APP Group, this reflects how sustainability is becoming increasingly connected to everyday consumer experiences. In high-traffic dining environments such as hawker centres, products like tissue and food packaging are no longer viewed as operational necessities, but also as part of the hygiene and environmental standards consumers expect.

To support this ecosystem, APP Group provides sustainable tissue and paper-based packaging solutions designed to balance functionality, hygiene, and environmental responsibility. These efforts are part of Regenesis, APP Group’s sustainability platform focused on forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and responsible sourcing practices across its value chain.

“Through Regenesis, we want sustainability to become part of the everyday ecosystem that supports communities and businesses alike. Even small daily experiences, including dining environments, can contribute to broader environmental responsibility,” added Elim Sritaba, APP Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

For Singapore, sustainability is becoming part of how hawker culture continues to evolve. From cleaner dining habits to more environmentally conscious choices, the future of hawker centres depends not only on preserving tradition, but also on maintaining the standards that keep these spaces trusted by millions every week.

About APP Group

APP is a leading Indonesia-based pulp, paper, and forestry company supplying tissue, packaging, and paper products to more than 150 countries. Operating in Indonesia and China, APP integrates responsible sourcing and sustainability into its business strategy through its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030. The company also introduced Regenesis, its platform to advance long-term environmental and social commitments.

 

MOKiN Introduces Safe Swap Programme in Malaysia to Encourage Safer Charging Habits

By
Advertorial Desk
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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – MOKiN Malaysia, managed by Unipro Global Sdn Bhd, has launched its Safe Swap Programme, an initiative aimed at encouraging consumers to replace old or damaged charging accessories that may pose potential safety risks during daily use.

The programme is anchored by MOKiN’s TrueGround™ technology, a SIRIM-certified anti-leakage charging solution designed to help reduce electrical leakage risks during charging. As the world’s first Class-1 Anti-Leakage charger, MOKiN introduces an added layer of electrical safety protection that addresses a risk often overlooked in conventional charging products, which typically prioritise charging speed and power output.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over electrical safety in Malaysian households. According to the Fire and Rescue Department, electrical-related issues accounted for 68% of building fire cases recorded between January and September 2024, with more than 3,000 residential fire incidents linked to electrical sources such as faulty wiring, damaged electrical equipment and overloaded circuits.

“Charging has become such a routine part of daily life that many people no longer pay attention to warning signs like overheating, exposed cables or tingling sensations during charging,” said Terry Lee Hup Boon, Founder of UNIPRO GLOBAL SDN BHD.

“Many consumers tend to focus on charging speed and convenience, but electrical safety is just as important. Our anti-leakage charging technology was developed to help address safety risks that are often overlooked in everyday charging, and through the Safe Swap Programme, we hope to encourage greater awareness of safer charging practices.”

Through the Safe Swap Programme, consumers can trade in old or damaged chargers from any brand and receive a complimentary MOKiN 20W charger, while stocks last.Consumers can participate in Safe Swap activations at the following events from 1 to 30 June 2026:

  • Switch World Event, Gurney Plaza, Penang (4-7 June 2026)
  • UR Festival Fair, Sunway Square, Selangor (11-14 June 2026)

In partnership with consumer electronics retailer Gajeto, MOKiN will also be running a free trade-in campaign at selected Gajeto outlets throughout the month of June, giving consumers additional opportunities to learn more about safer charging solutions and explore MOKiN’s range of anti-leakage charging products. Customers can bring any old charger, regardless of brand, and swap in for a brand-new MOKiN 20W charger at no cost, with no purchase required, while stocks last. Participating Gajeto locations include:

  • Gajeto IOI City Mall (6-7 June 2026)
  • Gajeto The Exchange 106 (13-14 June 2026)
  • Gajeto 1 Utama (20-21 June 2026)
  • Gajeto Setia City Mall (27-28 June 2026)

Consumers may also choose to upgrade to selected higher-watt charging models ranging from 33W to 140W at promotional prices throughout the campaign period.

The Safe Swap Programme reflects MOKiN’s ongoing effort to encourage safer charging habits and greater awareness around the condition of charging accessories used daily by consumers. Consumers are encouraged to bring in old, damaged or ageing chargers during the campaign period, particularly accessories showing signs such as overheating, exposed cables, loose connections or inconsistent charging performance. All traded-in chargers collected through the programme will be removed from circulation as part of the initiative.

Complimentary MOKiN 20W chargers are available on a first come, first served basis while stocks last. For more information, visit www.mokin.my.
Hashtag: #mokinmalaysia #trueground #mokin #mokinmy #safeswap



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Unipro Global Sdn Bhd

Malaysia’s dedicated distributor for the world’s leading consumer electronics accessories brands such as MOKiN, AUKEY, ESR, and Nakamichi. Based in Kuala Lumpur. We bring premium tech accessories to Malaysian consumers. At Unipro Global Sdn Bhd, we believe that quality tech accessories should be accessible to every Malaysian. We work closely with our brand partners to ensure the right products reach the right customers — at the right price.

Focus Graphite Secures Up to C$1.38 Million Under Natural Resource Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund

By
Advertorial Desk
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NRCan Funding of Up to C$1.38 Million Through Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund Will Advance Road and Power Infrastructure Planning for the Lac Knife Graphite Project in Quebec


Ottawa, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – June 3, 2026 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that it has executed a non-repayable Contribution Agreement (the “Agreement“) with Natural Resources Canada (“NRCan“) under the Government of Canada’s newly established First and Last Mile Fund (“FLMF“), formerly the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, securing up to $1,378,700 in non-dilutive federal funding (the “Funding“) to advance critical transportation and energy infrastructure planning under the Project Titled Lac Knife Graphite Mine Access Road and Hydro Connection (the “Project“) for the Company’s flagship Lac Knife Graphite Project (“Lac Knife“) in northeastern Quebec.

The Funding will support engineering, environmental, permitting, community engagement and feasibility activities required to advance the planned all-season access road and Hydro-Quebec grid connection toward a construction-ready, shovel-ready stage. Once completed, these pre-development activities are expected to materially de-risk future infrastructure development and significantly advance Lac Knife’s pathway toward future construction, development financing, strategic partnerships and operation.

The Funding forms part of the Government of Canada’s recently announced C$3.6 billion Critical Minerals Investment Package, unveiled at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention by the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. A cornerstone of the package is the C$1.5 billion FLMF, established to advance enabling infrastructure that moves strategic critical mineral projects toward construction readiness while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting Canada’s economic, defence and national security objectives.

“We are honoured to receive this support from the Government of Canada, which recognizes the strategic importance of the Lac Knife project to the North American critical minerals supply chain,” said Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite. “As we advance toward permitting and development, this funding is a strong endorsement of Focus Graphite’s role in helping build a secure domestic supply of high-grade graphite. We are also fortunate to have existing road and power infrastructure, providing a significant advantage as we move closer to production.”

Lac Knife hosts one of North America’s highest-grade natural graphite deposits and represents a strategically important source of natural graphite for North American and allied supply chains. Natural graphite is a foundational material for lithium-ion batteries, advanced manufacturing, energy storage systems, and a growing range of defence and dual-use technologies, making secure domestic supply increasingly important to Canada and its allies.

“The objective is simple: advance Lac Knife, reduce risk and preserve shareholder capital,” said Jason Latkowcer, Vice President of Corporate Development of Focus Graphite. “Around the world, governments and industry are moving quickly to secure critical mineral supply chains. We’ve heard that message directly from allies and strategic stakeholders. There isn’t time to waste. This funding helps move Lac Knife from planning toward execution. Early technical work has already identified opportunities to improve access, and we expect further optimization as engineering and infrastructure planning advances. This is another tangible step toward building a strategic graphite asset for Canada and its allies.”

A key component of the program includes collaboration with Indigenous communities, including the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (“ITUM“). The Project includes the establishment of joint technical and steering committees, Indigenous workforce participation initiatives, skills development programs, community consultation activities and support for Indigenous participation in the future development and operation of the planned infrastructure. These activities align with the objectives of the First and Last Mile Fund to advance Indigenous leadership, engagement and participation throughout the development of strategic critical mineral infrastructure.

“The development of Lac Knife is a perfect example of Canada’s new mining era: a strategic project, developed to benefit local economies, sustainably, and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, along with advancing Canada’s role as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “By investing in the infrastructure and early work needed to advance this high-grade graphite project, we are reducing risk, accelerating development, and helping to build a secure, end-to-end supply chain-from mine to market. This is how we strengthen economic and supply chain security for decades to come.”

The infrastructure initiative is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits to Canada and Quebec. The proposed access road will establish reliable year-round access to the Lac Knife site, while the future transmission connection will support the electrification of mining operations through Quebec’s hydroelectric grid, reducing reliance on diesel-powered infrastructure and strengthening the sustainability, resilience and security of Canada’s critical minerals supply chain. The planned infrastructure is expected to support future production, improve regional access and contribute to long-term economic development opportunities across Quebec’s North Shore region.

Federal Funding Details

Under the executed Agreement, NRCan will provide up to C$1,378,700 in non-repayable funding, representing approximately 50% of total eligible Project costs. Focus Graphite will contribute an equivalent amount toward the Project. The Agreement represents another important step in advancing Lac Knife and reinforces Canada’s commitment to developing secure domestic critical mineral supply chains from extraction through processing and delivery into North American and allied markets.

Funding will support the full work program outlined in the Agreement, including feasibility and engineering studies, environmental baseline work, geotechnical and LiDAR surveys, stakeholder engagement, regulatory and permitting activities and detailed infrastructure design. These activities are expected to culminate in finalized engineering plans, environmental assessments, community approvals and permit applications required to support future construction decisions.

The Project is scheduled to continue through March 2028.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.
Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.

Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals – reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
X: https://x.com/focusgraphite

Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “projected,” “estimated,” and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things: the anticipated receipt and use of funding under the Contribution Agreement with Natural Resources Canada; the completion of the activities contemplated under the Lac Knife Graphite Mine Access Road and Hydro Connection Project; the advancement of the Lac Knife Graphite Project toward construction-ready and shovel-ready status; the completion of engineering, environmental, permitting, stakeholder engagement and feasibility activities; the anticipated benefits of the planned access road and Hydro-Québec grid connection; the Company’s ability to secure required approvals, permits and community support; the timing and completion of the Project work program; the potential for future development financing, government funding, strategic partnerships and offtake arrangements; the future development, construction and operation of the Lac Knife Project; the role of Lac Knife in supporting domestic and allied critical mineral supply chains; and the Company’s ability to pursue additional non-dilutive funding opportunities and execute its long-term development strategy.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Lao Buddhist Organization Tightens Social Media Guidelines

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture used for illustration purpose only. (Photo by Go Laos Tours)

The Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization has issued new nationwide guidelines governing how monks use social media, highlighting growing concerns about online conduct as digital platforms become increasingly embedded in religious life.

The notice, issued on 2 June, also applies to other religious practitioners including novices, white-robed male devotees, and white-robed female devotees across the country. While it does not prohibit the use of social media platforms, it outlines a series of restrictions intended to preserve religious discipline and the public image of Buddhism.

Under the new rules, religious practitioners are prohibited from promoting superstitions, making claims of supernatural powers for personal gain, posting inappropriate photos or videos, livestreaming commercial activities, or engaging in online discussions that could create social or religious divisions.

The notice also bans the use of offensive language and warns that violations could result in disciplinary action under Buddhist regulations.

Authorities said the guidelines are to encourage the responsible use of technology while preventing behavior considered inconsistent with monastic discipline.

Misuse of Social Media 

The move comes as religious institutions across Southeast Asia evolve along with opportunities and challenges presented by social media.

Recent events in Thailand have highlighted how digital technology and online chatting is creating new challenges for Buddhist institutions. In 2025, Thai authorities investigated a major scandal involving several senior monks after police uncovered thousands of photos, videos, and online communications allegedly used in a blackmail scheme. The case led to the dismissal of several monks and prompted Thailand’s Sangha Supreme Council to review monastic regulations. 

Similar discussions have also emerged in Cambodia, where a growing number of monks have built large followings on TikTok and other social media platforms.

In Cambodia, the rise of so-called “TikTok monks” back in 2023 has sparked debate within the Buddhist community over monks posting dance videos, joining viral social media trends, and creating entertainment-focused content. 

Some monks have gained large online followings through dancing, lip-syncing, and other popular formats, prompting concerns among religious authorities that social media may encourage behavior seen as inconsistent with traditional monastic values.

Webdorks Launches Claude Design-Assisted Prototyping for Website and MVP Development

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – Webdorks Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based web design and development agency, has leveraged Claude Design-assisted prototyping within selected website and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) development projects since May 2026.

The approach is intended to help businesses visualize concepts, explore design directions, review user journeys, and refine core requirements before progressing into full-scale UI/UX design and development.

Claude Design, launched by Anthropic in April 2026, allows users to collaborate with Claude to create visual work such as designs, interactive prototypes, wireframes, mockups, presentations, and marketing materials. The tool enables teams to describe an idea, generate an initial version, and refine the concept through further instructions and edits.

Since its launch, tools such as Claude Design have made it significantly easier to turn early ideas into interactive prototypes. This creates new opportunities for businesses to review concepts more quickly before committing substantial time and budget to a full build.

However, Webdorks believes that early-stage prototyping and production deployment should remain distinct phases, particularly for corporate websites and digital products that support business-critical functions.

“Claude Design has made it much faster to visualize an idea and explore different directions,” said Alex Choong, Founder of Webdorks Pte Ltd. “The distinction is that an interactive prototype is not necessarily a production-ready website or application. For higher-stakes corporate projects, the final product still needs proper planning, design review, development, testing, security considerations, and ongoing support.”

Using AI at the Initial Prototyping Stage

Webdorks is incorporating Claude Design into the initial prototyping phase of suitable website and MVP projects. Depending on the project requirements, the prototype may be used to demonstrate selected screens, page structures, feature concepts, interactions, or user journeys.

For corporate website projects, this may include exploring the homepage direction, content hierarchy, lead-generation flow, service pages, or selected interactive elements.

For MVP projects, this may include illustrating how users navigate a customer portal, internal dashboard, booking system, membership platform, marketplace, workflow automation tool, or Software-as-a-Service product.

The initial prototype provides stakeholders with a clearer reference point for discussion. It can help businesses identify gaps earlier, compare alternative approaches, and refine requirements before the project enters the more resource-intensive design and development stages.

“Previously, businesses often had to rely heavily on written descriptions, static references, or wireframes during the early stage,” Choong added. “AI-assisted prototyping makes discussions more visual and practical. Clients can react to something tangible, which helps us identify what should be retained, changed, or removed before the full build begins.”

Prototype First, Production Build Second

Webdorks does not position AI-generated prototypes as a substitute for structured production development.

Corporate websites and digital products may need to support requirements such as brand consistency, responsive behaviour across devices, content management systems, third-party integrations, analytics, customer data, payment gateways, user access controls, internal workflows, performance optimization, quality assurance, security testing, and future scalability.

These requirements become more important when a digital product is customer-facing, revenue-generating, operationally critical, or connected to internal business processes.

For this reason, Webdorks uses AI-assisted prototypes primarily as an early validation tool. Once the direction is confirmed, suitable projects proceed through a structured workflow that may include discovery, UI/UX refinement, technical planning, custom development, integrations, testing, deployment, and post-launch support.

“AI is changing the speed of the first draft,” Choong said. “The role of an agency is to turn that first draft into a digital product that is aligned with the business, tested properly, and built for real-world use.”

Supporting Faster Validation for Businesses

The introduction of Claude Design-assisted prototyping is part of Webdorks’ broader approach to helping businesses launch digital projects in stages.

Instead of building every feature immediately, businesses can begin by clarifying the objective, visualizing the core user journey, and validating the most important requirements. This may be followed by a lean MVP, a more comprehensive version with selected integrations, or a full custom build based on the project’s complexity and commercial requirements.

The approach is intended to support businesses exploring new digital initiatives while reducing avoidable rework during later stages of the project.

“AI tools and agencies solve different problems,” Choong said. “AI makes early exploration more accessible. For the foreseeable future, agencies will remain important when businesses need to translate an idea into a structured, scalable, and maintainable platform.”

Hashtag: #Webdorks #ClaudeDesign #ArtificialIntelligence #WebDesign #WebDevelopment #MVPDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #CorporateWebsites #Webagency




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Webdorks Pte Ltd

Webdorks Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based web design and development agency specialising in corporate websites, e-commerce development, UI/UX design, custom web applications, MVP prototyping, and scalable digital solutions for SMEs and regional brands across Southeast Asia.

Finnish Diver Scraps Flight Home to Continue Lao Cave Rescue

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Finnish diver Mikko Paasi remains in Laos as the Xaysomboun cave rescue enters its fifteenth day, continuing search efforts for two missing villagers.

Finnish cave diver Mikko Paasi has decided to stay in Laos to search for two people still trapped in a flooded cave in Xaysomboun Province, northern Laos.

Paasi, 39, a recipient of a Finnish presidential lifesaving medal and a veteran of the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand, said his goodbyes to the rescue team on 2 June and was prepared to fly home.

But he showed up at the cave site on 3 June morning surprising the rest of the team, a video posted on Facebook by Thai rescuer Manat K Artmongkron showed.

Paasi “scrapped his ticket” and told his family he would not leave until the two missing villagers were found, Manat wrote on the post.

He arrived in Xaysomboun on 25 May alongside Thai cave diver Norrased “Ben” Palasing, with Thai instructor Parasu Komaradat providing remote guidance as authorities began pumping water and preparing diving operations. 

Their mission was to find seven villagers trapped since 20 May, when flash flooding sealed the entrance of a cave in Long Chaeng district. The operation proved grueling, with teams navigating narrow, submerged passages while heavy rain, unstable rock formations and rising water levels repeatedly slowed progress.

As the operation intensified, international specialists joined. 

Malaysian cave and mine diving expert Lee Kian Lie arrived on 28 May, followed by divers from Australia, Indonesia, France, Japan and Thailand.

Rescue teams located five survivors on 27 May. The first was brought out alive on the evening of 29 May, and four more followed the next day, completing the extraction of all five on the eleventh day of operations.

Two villagers remain inside and have not been located.

Golden Triangle SEZ Authorities Report No Scam Operations During Latest Inspection

By
Laotian Times
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A picture of police Command and Security Department inspected buildings across four sectors, covering 48 neighborhoods in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone on 29 May 2026. (Photo by Lao Security News)

Authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone said they found no evidence of telecommunications fraud operations during an inspection on 29 May, state media reported on 3 June.

Officers from the zone’s Police Command and Security Department inspected buildings across four sectors, covering 48 neighborhoods.

According to authorities, officers found no groups involved in telecom fraud or online scam activities. They reported only a small number of Myanmar nationals living with their families as building caretakers, while some Chinese nationals were staying in hotels and apartments.

Officials said weekly inspections will continue. If credible information points to telecom fraud or related criminal activity, authorities said they will investigate and prosecute those involved under Lao law.

The latest inspection follows a 30 April visit by Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany, who called for stronger enforcement, improved capacity, and continued training to prevent scam networks from re-establishing.

The inspection comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Golden Triangle SEZ in recent years as Laos and neighboring countries have stepped up efforts to combat online scam networks and other forms of transnational crime.

In February, authorities reported that tax revenue in the zone fell nearly 49 percent in 2025 after 551 businesses ceased operations. Total tax revenue dropped to LAK 32.27 billion (USD 1.5 million), down from LAK 127.73 billion (USD 6 million) the previous year.

Officials attributed the decline to business closures, delayed business surveys, and tax collection challenges. More than 1,200 businesses renewed their registrations during the year, while authorities issued 165 new taxpayer identification numbers.

Since 2023, authorities have arrested nearly 2,800 suspects from 27 nationalities in connection with telecommunications fraud and related crimes in the zone.

Officials have since announced plans to strengthen oversight, improve tax compliance, and expand monitoring of business activities within the zone as part of broader efforts to improve governance and transparency.

Laos, Thailand Sign New Cross-Border Fuel Supply Deal

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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On 2 May, Laos and Thailand signed a cross-border fuel supply agreement in Vientiane, securing a stable petroleum supply and strengthening regional energy cooperation.

Laos has secured a formal petroleum supply agreement with Thailand’s state-backed PTT Group, reinforcing fuel security amid uncertainty in regional energy markets.

The Lao State Fuel Company signed the cross-border agreement with PTT Group in Vientiane on 2 June, with senior officials from both countries attending the ceremony.

The deal aims to ensure a stable and standardized fuel supply while strengthening energy cooperation between Laos and Thailand.

It also formalizes a critical supply relationship for Laos, which has no operational oil refinery and relies on imported refined petroleum. A domestic refinery remains under development.

Thailand supplies more than 97 percent of Laos’ refined fuel imports and remains the country’s largest trading partner. In 2025, Laos imported more than USD 4.4 billion worth of Thai goods, with diesel accounting for nearly a quarter of that total.

The agreement comes after the Strait of Hormuz crisis tested Laos’ dependence on imported fuel. Following the waterway’s closure in March, Thailand suspended most refined oil exports to protect domestic reserves, exempting only Laos and Myanmar.

During the crisis, Laos remained Thailand’s largest fuel export destination, receiving around 5.29 million liters per day, even as volumes dropped 25 percent from pre-crisis levels.

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