ASEAN

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status as Laos Eyes 2035 Target

Vietnam and the Philippines have been reclassified as upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank, leaving Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste as the only ASEAN members still in the lower-middle-income category. The annual income classifications, released on 1 July, place seven of ASEAN's 11 members in the upper-middle-income bracket or higher....

Lao Deputy PM Holds Talks in Myanmar to Deepen Bilateral Ties

Laos and Myanmar are moving to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors following an...

At Least 19 Dead After 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao in the southern Philippines...

Lao Buddhist Organization Tightens Social Media Guidelines

The Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization has issued new nationwide guidelines governing how monks use...

Thailand, Vietnam Target USD 25 Billion Trade Goal as Ties Enter ‘New Phase’

Thailand and Vietnam pledged deeper economic and security cooperation on 28 May as the...

Thailand Set for Another Acting PM After Cabinet Reshuffle

AFP - Thailand's king is scheduled on 3 July to swear in a new cabinet in a reshuffle that will see a third person...

THAILAND: Deadly Fire Engulfs Tissue Paper Factory in Saraburi, Killing Six and Injuring Dozens

A fire broke out on 30 June afternoon at a tissue paper factory in the Hemaraj Industrial Estate, Nong Khae District, Thailand's Saraburi, killing...

Vietnam Approves Free Public Education from Preschool to High School

Vietnam has officially scrapped tuition fees for public schooling from preschool through to the end of high school, following the National Assembly’s approval of...

Laos-China Railway Hits New Milestone as Cargo Value Soars Past USD 1.4 Billion

The Laos-China Railway has notched up another milestone in its rapid expansion, transporting more than 2.48 million tones of goods worth over CNY 10 billion...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as...

Vietnam Approves New Law Allowing Foreign Spouses to Gain Citizenship Without Residency

Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens will now be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship without having to meet previous residency, language, or financial requirements, following a...