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...

Lao Leaders Reaffirm Ties as ASEAN Chair Looms in 2024

Laos is making waves in regional diplomacy as its leaders, including President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, wrap up a week of...

ASEAN, China Officials Discuss Enhancing Connectivity Under ‘Belt and Road Initiative’

Officials from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered on 27 November, in Vientiane Capital to discuss enhancing connectivity under the...

ASEAN Defense Chiefs Call for Immediate Truce, Aid Corridor in Israel-Hamas War

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Southeast Asian defense ministers expressed “profound concern” on Thursday, 16 November over the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Hamas...

Laos Readies to Chair ASEAN, Host Regional Meetings

As Laos gears up to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2024, the country is set to host...

Japan Provides Aid to Laos for Upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship

Japan donated 33 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedans and IT equipment, with a total value of JPY 500 million (over USD 3 million), ahead of...

Laos Joins Southeast Asian Nations in Anti-Terrorism Drills in China

The Lao People's Armed Forces departed to join an anti-terrorism exercise in China on 11 November.  Collaborating with military counterparts from four Southeast Asian...