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...

Myanmar Expels Timor-Leste’s Representative Over War Crimes Case

AFP - Myanmar's junta on 15 February announced the ejection of East Timor's top representative in the country, after a rights group said Dili...

Laos Climbs Corruption Rankings, Surpasses Thailand for First Time

Laos improved its standing in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), rising one position and surpassing Thailand for the first time. The country scored 34...

Laos Targets 6 Million Visitors in 2026 as Chinese Arrivals Projected at 2 Million

Laos expects to welcome between 5 and 6 million international tourists in 2026, with Chinese visitors projected to account for around 2 million of...

Vietnam Gives Foreign Investors Easier Access to Stock Market

AFP - Vietnam has moved to allow foreign investors to buy shares of local companies through international brokerages, the finance ministry has announced, removing...

Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says

Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member. The initiative was...

Laos, Cambodia Open New Transit Route for Agricultural Exports to China

Cambodia and Laos have agreed to a new framework that will allow agricultural products to move more easily across their shared border, strengthening regional...