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 Readies for Same-Sex Marriage in Wake of Papal Decision, Sparking Hope in Lao LGBTQ+ Community

As the Roman Catholic Church navigates varied reactions to Pope Francis' recent approval of same-gender marriages, Thailand is on the verge of making history...

High Sugar, Salt Content in Infant Foods Across Seven ASEAN Countries, UNICEF Report Reveals

Children across Southeast Asia are exposed to excessive amounts of sugar and salt contained in commercially produced food, a new study revealed. The research assessed...

Regional Leaders Propose Seamless Tourism for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong has suggested fostering seamless tourism collaboration among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, eliminating the need for individual visas for...

Lao PM to Join ASEAN-Japan Summit, Focus on Regional Cooperation

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone is set to participate in the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation from 16-18...

ASEAN-Israel Dialogue Gains Momentum Amidst Critical Geopolitical Dynamics

As Laos gears up to take the helm of the ASEAN chairmanship in 2024, eyes turn to the potential impact on regional and global...

Laos Prepares to Take the Helm of ASEAN Amidst Ongoing Myanmar Crisis

In less than a month, Laos is set to assume the ASEAN chairmanship for 2024, succeeding Indonesia. But experts shared concerns over the nation's...