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...

ASEAN Pushes Shared Fuel Reserve as Laos Emerges Central to Regional Energy Plans

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are discussing a regional fuel reserve system following recent oil supply disruptions linked to the...

Lao PM Arrives in Cebu as ASEAN Leaders Discuss Middle East Crisis and Regional Economy

UPDATED on 8 May at 9:14 AM Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone arrived in Cebu, Philippines on 7 May to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where...

Laos Steps Up ASEAN Diplomacy Ahead of Regional Summit

Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation...

Laos-China 500 kV Power Transmission Line Now Operational

Laos and China have put their new 500 kV cross-border power transmission line into operation. It went live on 20 April, following test runs after...

Vietnam Introduces Pre-Arrival Digital Declaration for Foreigners at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Vietnam has introduced a mandatory digital pre-arrival declaration for all foreign nationals entering on a visa through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho...

Japan Launches USD 10 Billion Energy Support Plan for Asia

Japan has announced a USD 10 billion energy support initiative for Asian countries as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil...