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...

ASEAN-China Summit: Laos Leads Dialogue on Cooperation Amid South China Sea Tensions

On 10 October, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Laos chaired the 27th ASEAN-China Summit in Vientiane, bringing together ASEAN leaders and Chinese officials. Ahead of...

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Ties with Six New Cooperation Agreements

On 8 October, Laos and Thailand signed six cooperation agreements on water resource management, civil service collaboration, and rail freight transport. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay...

Laos Chairs 28th APSC Meeting on ASEAN Security, Integration

On 8 October, at the National Convention Center, Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, led the 28th ASEAN...

ASEAN SOM Leaders Tackle Vision 2025, Timor-Leste Membership, and Summit Prep

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongphane Savanphet, Lao’s ASEAN SOM Leader presided over the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting with the participation of ASEAN SOM...

Laos Prepares for ASEAN Summits with Heightened Security Measures 

In preparation for the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits from 8 to 11 October in Vientiane Capital, the Lao government has conducted a...

Lao Government Announces Temporary School Closures for ASEAN Summit

The Ministry of Education and Sports has announced the temporary closure of 497 schools in Vientiane Capital from 8 to 11 October to ease...