Politics

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors to pay Lao businesses using China’s digital yuan, without needing to exchange cash into Lao kip. The system connects China’s digital yuan, known as e-CNY, with Laos’ domestic QR payment network. A Chinese visitor can now...

Timor-Leste Moves to Join Cluster Munition Ban at Vientiane Conference

Timor-Leste has taken a formal step toward joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions, signing...

Laos Warns of Lasting Toll at Vientiane Meeting as Cluster Munition Use Rises Worldwide

Laos is hosting the Convention on Cluster Munitions’ Third Review Conference 16 years after...

Vientiane Court Hands Life Sentences to Former Bank Employees in Major Corruption Cases

A court in Vientiane gave life sentences to several former bank employees for corruption....

Laos, Kazakhstan Seek New Railway Links to Expand Trade

Laos and Kazakhstan are exploring new railway and logistics links that could open a...

Real Estate Tycoon Srettha Thavisin Secures Votes to Become Thailand’s 30th Prime Minister

BANGKOK (AP) — Srettha Thavisin from the populist Pheu Thai party secured enough votes in parliament to become the country’s 30th prime minister Tuesday....

Ex-prime Minister Thaksin Enters Prison in Thailand, as His Allies Attempt to Form Government

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Parliament on Tuesday began voting in a second attempt to choose a prime minister, hours after ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra...

Thai Digital Minister Proposes Shutting Down Facebook Due to Scam Ads

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn is keen on seeking a court date later this month, to submit a proposal to shut...

Divisive Thai Ex-prime Minister Thaksin Returns From Exile as Party Seeks to Form New Government

BANGKOK (AP) — Divisive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Tuesday after years of self-imposed exile to face possible criminal penalties on...

Cambodian Parliament Approves Longtime Leader’s Son as Prime Minister as Part of Generational Change

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The son of longtime autocratic Cambodian leader Hun Sen was approved by Parliament on Tuesday as the country’s new...

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Joins With Pro-military Parties in Coalition to Form New Government

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s populist Pheu Thai party announced Monday that it plans to form a new government with an 11-party coalition that includes...