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...

More Than Ton of Endangered Pangolin Scales Seized in Thailand

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai authorities said Thursday they have seized more than a ton of pangolin scales worth over THB 50 million (USD 1.4...

Court Clears Way for Thai Parliament to Pick New Prime Minister 3 Months After Elections

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court cleared the way Wednesday for Parliament to vote for a new prime minister more than three months after...

Vientiane Speeds Up Revamp of Roads for ASEAN Chairmanship 2024

Authorities in Vientiane Capital are trying to wrap up the construction and repair of roads in the rainy season as part of preparations to...

Laos, Philippines Discuss Direct Flights to Boost Trade, Investment, Tourism

Foreign Ministers of Laos and the Philippines discussed the possibility of starting direct flights between the two countries to boost trade, investment, and tourism...

Malaysia Makes Owning LGBTQ+ Swatch Punishable by up to 3 Years in Jail

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s government said Thursday that all Swatch products that contain lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer elements — including...

Laos Reviews Preparations for ASEAN Chairmanship at PM-led Meeting

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired a meeting attended by senior officials and ministers on Thursday to assess progress in the preparation for Laos' upcoming...