ASEAN

Miss Universe Dispute Leaves Six Southeast Asian Franchises in Limbo

The Miss Universe Organization is facing a major dispute just weeks before its 75th anniversary pageant, with contestants from six Southeast Asian countries caught in the middle. Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore could all be affected by a disagreement over who has the right to run their national...

Thailand Restores 30-Day Visa-Free Stay, Limits Visa-Free Land Entries to Twice a Year

Thailand has cut its visa-free tourist stay from 60 days back to 30 days,...

Laos Prepares For ASEAN Para Games With 12-Sport Bid

Laos is preparing to compete in 12 sports at the 14th ASEAN Para Games...

Bear Paws, Pangolin Meat Seized in Vientiane Restaurant Raid Amid Laos’ Wider Crackdown

Lao authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal wildlife trade after raiding a...

Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 27, Leaves Dozens Critically Injured

A fire late on Sunday night at a packed pub in Bangkok has killed...

Lao Overseas Workers Send Home USD 29 Million in First Half of 2025

Lao nationals working overseas remitted more than USD 29 million in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social...

Acting Thai Government Moves to Dissolve Parliament

By Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI/AFP - Thailand’s acting prime minister has moved to dissolve parliament, his party said Wednesday, 3 September after the largest opposition party...

20 Missing After Deadly Indonesia Protests

By Marchio GORBIANO/AFP - At least 20 people are missing after violent Indonesia protests sparked by lavish perks for lawmakers that have widened to...

Hospitalized Thai Princess Recovering After Blood Infection: Palace Says

AFP - The Thai king's eldest daughter, who has been gravely ill in hospital for more than two years, is recovering after suffering a...

Cambodia MPs Pass Law Allowing Stripping of Citizenship

By Suy SE/AFP - Cambodian parliamentarians passed legislation on Monday allowing people who "collude" with foreign countries to be stripped of citizenship, a law...

Thailand Requests Cambodia to Reduce Athlete Delegation for 33rd SEA Games Amid Safety Concerns

Thailand, host of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, requested Cambodia to limit its athlete delegation to no more than 200 due to safety...