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...

Thai Court Says Popular Politician Pita Limjaroenrat Didn’t Violate Law, Can Remain a Lawmaker

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that popular politician Pita Limjaroenrat, who was blocked from becoming prime minister even though his party...

Churches, Temples and Monasteries Regularly Hit by Airstrikes in Myanmar, Activists Say

BANGKOK (AP) — A study issued Tuesday by researchers collecting evidence of war crimes in Myanmar supported reports that air strikes by the military government damaged...

Thai Prime Minister Propels ‘Four Countries, One Destination’ Tourism Initiative

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presented an ambitious vision for Southeast Asian nations to function as one tourist destination during the World Economic Forum...

Thai Court of Appeals Hands an Activist a Record 50-Year Prison Term for Insulting the Monarchy

BANGKOK (AP) — A court of appeals in Thailand has handed a political activist a record sentence for the criminal offense of insulting the...

ASEAN Nears 35 Percent Renewable Energy Target

Solar and wind energy capacity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region witnessed a 20 percent increase in 2023, reaching a total...

Thailand Set to Recognize ‘Wai’ Greeting as Official National Symbol

Thailand is set to officially recognize the iconic "wai" gesture—"nop" in Lao—as a fundamental part of its national identity, the Thai National Identity Committee...