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Laos Undertakes Major Government Reshuffle Amid Structural Reforms

The 9th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly

The Lao government has carried out a sweeping reshuffle, replacing or reassigning nine ministers along with the Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR. 

Thai Political Crisis: What We Know

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C) gestures at a press conference next to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (L), Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa (2nd R), Armed Forces Commander Pana Klaewplodthuk (3rd R), Chief of the Defence Forces Songwit Noonpackdee (R), and Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Kitrat Phanphet (centre L) at Government House in Bangkok on June 19, 2025. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on June 19 apologised for her leaked phone call with Cambodia's ex-leader, which prompted a political crisis that threatens to collapse her government. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

By Damon WAKE/AFP – Thailand’s government is on the brink of collapse after a key coalition partner quit, leaving the kingdom facing yet another of its regular bouts of political instability.

Here’s what we know about the latest crisis rocking Thai politics:

What’s happening?

Thailand’s coalition government, headed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is in danger of collapsing after the second-biggest party in the alliance quit.

The conservative Bhumjaithai party said late Wednesday it was pulling out because of a leaked phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

The loss of Bhumjaithai’s 69 MPs leaves Paetongtarn with barely enough votes for a majority in parliament, and if any other coalition partner leaves, her government will almost certainly crumble.

Paetongtarn apologized for the call, saying she was trying to stabilize a volatile border dispute with Cambodia and did not expect the recording to become public.

What happened in this phone call? 

Paetongtarn spoke to Hun Sen on Sunday about a festering border dispute that last month broke into military clashes that left a Cambodian soldier dead.

A nine-minute portion of the call appeared online, followed hours later by the full 17-minute recording, posted by Hun Sen himself, who stepped down as Cambodian leader in 2023 but still wields great influence and is regarded as a wily political operator.

In the recording Paetongtarn addresses the veteran leader as “uncle”.

This is not unusual in Thai culture when a younger person is talking to someone much older, but it has led to accusations that Paetongtarn was being too familiar or too deferential, and that as prime minister she should have been more assertive.

Far more damaging was the fact she refers to the Thai army commander northeast as her “opponent”, sparking fury in Thailand’s highly vocal nationalist, pro-military quarters.

Thailand’s armed forces have a long history of intervening in politics and leaders are usually careful not to cross them.

The relationship between the military and the Shinawatra family is particularly sensitive, as the army has already ousted Paetongtarn’s father Thaksin Shinawatra and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra as prime minister.

Paetongtarn made her apology on 19 June at a press conference alongside army commanders in a public show of unity.

The army issued a statement saying it backed “democratic principles” and urged Thais to unite to defend the “paramount imperative” of national sovereignty.

What else is behind the crisis?

Pressure has been building on Paetongtarn’s government for months, the economy is struggling, little has been done to head off US President Donald Trump’s threatened trade tariffs, and relations with key political partners have fractured.

Growing tensions within the coalition erupted into open warfare in the past week as Pheu Thai tried to take the interior minister job away from Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul.

Critics say Paetongtarn, a political novice when she took office in August 2024, has been exposed as lacking experience and leadership ability, not least by the border crisis with Cambodia.

But the coalition Pheu Thai stitched together to take power was always an uneasy alliance, relying on conservative pro-military parties that have bitterly opposed Thaksin, his family and political parties for years.

While Thaksin, 75, remains popular with the rural voters whose lives he transformed in the early 2000s, he is loathed by the powerful Thai elites who see him as corrupt, nepotistic and a threat to social order.

His return from exile in 2023 and subsequent regular public appearances have done little to allay conservative fears that he is the one really pulling the strings of government.

What comes next?

Two key coalition parties will meet later on 19 June to discuss the crisis. If, as expected, one or both pull out, Paetongtarn’s government will almost certainly fall.

If this happens, she could dissolve parliament and call an election, which would have to take place within 60 days.

Alternatively, she could resign as prime minister and let other parties get together to try to form a new coalition.

The difficulty with this option is that there is no obvious alignment of parties available that would command a majority.

And as ever in a country that has seen a dozen coups in the past century, the threat of another military intervention hovers in the shadows.


© Agence France-Presse

Cushman & Wakefield Greater China Wins Three Best Five-Star Awards at 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, has again been recognized at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, scoring three best Five Star Awards plus one “Award Winner” for outstanding achievements in the Greater China commercial real estate market, highlighting the firm’s leading industry position and exceptional service offerings.

  • Best Property Agency/Consultancy China — Five Star Award
  • Best Property Agency/Consultancy Marketing, Hong Kong (Habour East, Hong Kong, Capital Markets) — Five Star Award
  • Best Real Estate Agency Marketing, China (The Center, Shanghai, Project & Occupier Services) — Five Star Award
  • Lettings/Rentals Agency China — Award Winner

KK Chiu, Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “I am delighted that we have won such high acclaim for our performance excellence. This recognition from the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards again demonstrates our teams’ market-leading capabilities and strong commitment to our clients in the Greater China real estate market.”

In the Best Property Agency/Consultancy Marketing award category, Cushman & Wakefield’s Capital Markets team facilitated leading Chinese sports brand Li Ning Company Ltd’s acquisition of the Harbour East office tower, in Hong Kong’s North Point district, from Henderson Land. The property has been renamed the Hong Kong Li-Ning Building. With this transaction the Capital Markets team transitioned Li Ning from leasing to ownership status, enabling the brand to establish a new Hong Kong headquarters location.

Francis Li, Vice President, Greater China, Head of Capital Markets, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “We are extremely proud that our Capital Markets team’s performance and commitment to problem-solving through the Habour East acquisition project has been recognized at the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Our team’s knowledge of the rapidly changing market, coupled with deep connections with local investors, developers, and institutional investors, has enabled us to complete total transaction volume of nearly HK$40 billion in the past five years, serving our clients with unrivalled excellence.”

In the Best Real Estate Agency Marketing, China, award category, Cushman & Wakefield’s Project & Occupier Services team took on a significant role in marketing The Center, a prestigious Grade A office property in downtown Shanghai and one of the most iconic projects from Hutchinson Whampoa Limited. As the main asset management service provider, the team fully leveraged the property’s comprehensive renovation combined with its 20th anniversary milestone. The team implemented an array of marketing approaches, generating a fresh new image for The Center and bringing the project into the top-tier of preferred locations for leading consulting firms, financial institutions and multinational corporations.

Jonathan Wei, President of Project & Occupier Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, commented, “Congratulations to the team for this top honor at the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards. Our team focuses on providing comprehensive and diversified real estate brokerage services to corporate clients, developers, governments, real estate investment funds and institutions. With our extensive resources and in-depth market insights, we will continue to play an integral role in driving high-quality brokerage and letting services”

Besides Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield India has also won recognition from the 2025 Asia Pacific Property Awards, securing two wins:

  • Best Property Agency / Consultancy, India — Five Star Award
  • Best Real Estate Agency Single Office, India — Five Star Award

Established in 1993, the Asia Pacific Property Awards (APPA) is part of the global International Property Awards, which celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. The Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts who evaluate design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

First Equestrian Federation in Laos Sets Stage for Horse Sport Growth

Phout Simmalavong, the former of Ministry of Education and Sports (blue shirt with glasses) attending the opening event of Laos Equestrian Federation. (Photo: The Next Media)

Laos officially entered the world of horse sport with the establishment of its first Equestrian Federation on 26 May.

Key Concept Strengthens Capabilities with Team Expansion In 2025


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – Key Concept, a leading interior design firm in Singapore, is proud to announce a strategic team expansion in 2025, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to cultivating new talent in the interior design industry.

This expansion reflects Key Concept’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of designers. By creating a supportive and inspiring environment, the firm aims to empower aspiring interior designers—especially recent graduates and career switchers—by offering hands-on experience, creative mentorship, and meaningful career development. With the increasing demand for quality condo interior design, BTO home renovation, and resale flat renovation projects, Key Concept is scaling its team to meet client needs while enriching the industry with fresh perspectives and ideas.

Founded with a mission to make quality interior design accessible and personal, Key Concept specialises in transforming everyday spaces into functional and stylish homes. The firm is known for its client-first approach, attention to detail, and innovative solutions tailored to Singapore’s unique housing landscape.

As part of its forward-looking plans, Key Concept is also excited to announce Key Concept Grand Opening Event, a special event happening this June. More than a showcase, the event celebrates the firm’s evolution, creativity, and the vibrant community it serves. Homeowners attending the event can expect exclusive offers, including additional discounts on project sign-ups during the event period.

Whether it’s modern condo makeovers or thoughtful HDB transformations, Key Concept continues to set the standard in Singapore’s interior design landscape—balancing function, style, and individuality through every project.

For more information, please visit https://www.keyconcept.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #KeyConcept



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

UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand’s Creative Cities Network

A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand’s hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, “UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.”

“UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities” (2)

This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand’s top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand’s commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand’s recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display.

Event Highlights

At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total:

  • ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai
  • THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi
  • CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai
  • HOOK’S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket
  • WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi
  • PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai
  • JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok

SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration

Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion.

Royal Ensemble Exhibition

Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand’s 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM.

Featured ensembles include:

  • Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace
  • Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns
  • Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V

Event Schedule

The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM.

Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand’s Creative Cities.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand’s future.

Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO

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Laos Celebrates International Day of the Midwife with Renewed Commitment to Maternal Health

Laos joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the vital role midwives play in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, especially in remote and underserved communities. Amari Hotel, Vientiane Capital. 8 June 2025. (photo credit: UNFPA Laos)

On 18 June, Laos joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the vital role midwives play in safeguarding maternal and newborn health, especially in remote and underserved communities. 

Held in Vientiane, the celebration was organized by the Ministry of Health, the Lao Association of Midwives, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), and partners. It brought together government leaders, development partners, and health workers to honor midwives and reaffirm commitments to improving maternal health and midwifery services.

Over the past two decades, Laos has seen a significant decline in maternal mortality, from 609 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 (United Nations Estimates) to 112 in 2023, a reduction of over 80 percent, far exceeding the global average. Midwives have been central to this progress.

“Midwives are the backbone of our maternal health system,” said Aphone Visathep, Deputy Minister of Health. “Their work not only saves lives, it builds trust and brings services closer to the people. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every health facility has at least one trained midwife by 2030, especially in rural and ethnic communities.”

The celebration featured heartfelt testimonies from midwives on the ground, including Beng Seanmeung, a 22-year-old ethnic midwife from Saravan province. Inspired to join the profession after witnessing a neighbor’s life-threatening childbirth, Beng is now one of 93 ethnic midwives trained since 2010 under UNFPA support, bridging cultural and geographic gaps to deliver safe maternal care.

Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg, reiterated Luxembourg’s long-standing support for maternal health in Laos. 

“Midwives are central to building strong, resilient health systems that leave no one behind,” he said. “We celebrate their essential contributions and reaffirm our partnership for a healthier future.”

UNFPA’s Deputy Regional Director, Alexandar Sasha Bodiroza, highlighted the evolving role of midwives: “Midwives do far more than deliver babies. They deliver dignity, knowledge, and the right to health. To reach our goal of one midwife per primary healthcare facility by 2030, sustained investment is essential.”

The event also served as the launch platform for the Midwifery Action Plan 2025-2035, which outlines five key pillars: education, regulation, workforce development, enabling environment, and community engagement. 

Notably, three midwifery schools in Laos  have achieved international accreditation, the first of their kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

“When a skilled midwife stands with a mother, she is laying the foundation for a stronger future, not only for the child but for the entire nation,” said UNICEF Country Representative Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani.

Lao midwifery students performed a stage play to honor the vital role of midwives in maternal and newborn care. (photo credit: UNFPA Laos)

The event concluded with a cultural performance by midwifery students, field stories, and the global launch of WHO’s new Implementation Guidance on Transitioning to Midwifery Models of Care, co-developed with UNFPA, UNICEF, and the International Confederation of Midwives. This framework supports countries in empowering midwives as leaders of quality, person-centered care.

 

Jamf unveils 2025 Security 360 Report: A strategic look at Mac and mobile security risks

Report identifies phishing, infostealers, and OS vulnerabilities as top concerns for organizations


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire 19 June 2025 – Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today released its Security 360 Report, separated into analyses for mobile and macOS environments. The report spotlights the risks organizations are facing and offers insights for security leaders to consider when protecting their organizations at the user, device, application and network levels.

“Our goal with this research is to inform security leaders about the risks impacting their organizations – whether those risks impact Mac or mobile – and provide tangible recommendations for safeguarding their organizations against increasingly sophisticated attacks,” said Josh Stein, VP of Product Strategy at Jamf. “Age-old threats like phishing remain extremely prevalent and cannot be overlooked…nor can threats skyrocketing in popularity like infostealers. Jamf remains deeply committed to continuous threat research to not only protect our customers but also contribute valuable insights to the broader security community.”

Threat trends facing mobile environments

For many employees, mobile devices are the sole devices used at work. Regardless of occupation, the modern workplace is about empowering employees to connect from anywhere, at any time and on any device. This requires raising awareness about the most pervasive threats facing mobile devices and taking tangible steps to keep bad actors at bay.

Jamf’s mobile device threat analysis is structured into four categories found to be the highest priorities for organizations worldwide.

Mobile phishing

With mobile devices keeping us connected everywhere, attackers’ reach continues to expand. Over 12 months, Jamf identified approximately 10 million phishing attacks, discovered that 25% of organizations were impacted by a social engineering attack, and 1 in 10 users clicked on a malicious phishing link. Training programs can be extremely valuable in mitigating phishing attacks, as can adopting a layered approach with zero-trust methodology.

Vulnerability management

Jamf discovered that 32% of organizations operate at least one device with critical vulnerabilities and 55.1% of mobile devices used at work are running on a vulnerable operating system (OS). Both Apple and Google routinely provide security updates to patch known vulnerabilities, and the best way to mitigate damage is to update devices accordingly.

Application risk and malware

Earlier this year, Jamf published research on a Transparency, Consent and Control (TCC) bypass vulnerability affecting iOS devices and published a demonstration of how a ‘sideloaded’ app (an app from a third-party app store) can infringe on users’ privacy. The harsh reality is that using the latest OS is still not enough to protect your organization – good security practices must extend to the application layer as well.

Malware and spyware

High-profile users such as journalists, politicians and diplomats are often targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Just last year, Apple sent notices of spyware compromise to users in approximately 100 countries. While malware is not as pervasive on mobile devices, when discovered, it is found to be extremely advanced and targeted. Organizations must treat mobile like every other endpoint and avoid getting complacent about the threat of mobile malware.

Threat trends facing macOS environments

What began as a machine for executives and creatives is becoming increasingly ingrained into the daily operations of enterprises across all industries worldwide. The threat landscape for Mac is more diverse than ever, and bad actors are only getting more creative with their attack methodologies. Jamf’s Mac threat report analyzes the threat landscape affecting Macs and organizes the findings into three main categories:

Application risk and malware

Jamf discovered that infostealers accounted for 28.36% of all Mac malware Jamf examined, skyrocketing from accounting for just 0.25% in last year’s report. Jamf’s research is aligned with these findings. Employees of organizations in high-profile industries (like crypto), must remain vigilant from both a training and security tool standpoint.

Vulnerability management

Jamf Threat Labs has dispelled the myth that Mac is invincible multiple times, including just last year when the team discovered a vulnerability in Gatekeeper, a crucial component blocking apps downloaded from the internet that don’t have a valid developer ID. Having the right controls and training is crucial for mitigating risks caused by vulnerabilities on macOS.

Social engineering

With Macs becoming more common at work, the attack surface continues to expand. Phishing is typically thought of as email-specific, which is far from the truth. In fact, Jamf Threat Labs published research discussing a campaign from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) that uses LinkedIn messaging as an initial lure. Training employees in the various forms of phishing that can impact the Mac environment is critical for avoiding fallout.

Methodology

Jamf examined 1.4 million devices protected by Jamf. The analysis was carried out in the first quarter of 2025, revisiting the prior 12-month period and spanning globally across 90 countries and multiple platforms – specifically, iOS and iPadOS and Android devices for mobile as well as Macs. The analysis in this report is informed by Jamf’s Threat Intelligence, a broad collection of insights that are derived from original threat research, real-world usage metrics, along with news analysis and data feeds.

Hashtag: #Jamf

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

About Jamf

Jamf’s purpose is to simplify work by helping organizations manage and secure an Apple experience that end users love and organizations trust. Jamf is the only company in the world that provides a complete management and security solution for an Apple-first environment that is enterprise secure, consumer simple and protects personal privacy. To learn more, visit jamf.com.