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...

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...

Laos to Balance Tourist Appeal, Hydropower Ambitions

Laos is at a crucial time in its economic development, navigating the balance between attracting visitors for Visit Laos Year 2024 and bolstering its...