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...

Singapore Hangs Man for Drug Trafficking. It Will Hang Woman on Friday — The First in 19 Years

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Singapore executed a man Wednesday for drug trafficking and is set to hang a woman Friday — the first...

Thailand Launches First Tokamak in Southeast Asia, as Major Milestone in Clean Energy Research

Thailand launched the first tokamak device in Southeast Asia on Tuesday with the help of Chinese scientists, marking a milestone in the development of...

Thailand’s Divisive Ex-prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Readies Return During Political Turmoil

BANGKOK (AP) — As Thailand grapples with the unexpectedly difficult task of naming a new prime minister, the most controversial former holder of the...

Myanmar’s Military Plans to Move SUU Kyi to House Arrest, According to Unofficial Reports

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-controlled government plans to transfer the country’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi from a prison in the capital, Naypyitaw,...

Thai Parliament Postpones Vote to Select New Prime Minister Pending Court Ruling

BANGKOK (AP) — A vote expected in Thailand’s Parliament later this week to select a new prime minister will be postponed, the house speaker...

Lao Prime Minister Issues Order to Strengthen Forest Protection

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone issued an order last week to improve conservation efforts of forests in the country in response to concerns about...