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...

15 Killed in Attack on Myanmar Village; Military Says Pro-democracy Fighters Hit Civilians

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-controlled government is accusing pro-democracy fighters of killing 15 civilians in a nighttime mortar attack in a restive central area...

Lao Tourists Form Vietnam’s Third Largest Growing Tourist Market in 2023

Lao tourist arrivals in Vietnam soared in the first half of the year, with a growth rate of 117%, which is the third-highest rate...

Myanmar’s Supreme Court Hears Arguments in 2 Appeals by Ousted Leader Aung San Suu Kyi

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s Supreme Court heard final arguments on Wednesday in appeals by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi of her convictions in...

Myanmar’s Supreme Court to Hear Appeals of Ousted Leader Suu Kyi in Cases Brought by Army

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s Supreme Court scheduled hearings for this month to consider appeals from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi against her conviction...

Ailing Thai Elephant Returns Home for Medical Care After Years of Neglect in Sri Lanka

BANGKOK (AP) — An ailing elephant that Thailand had presented to Sri Lanka more than two decades ago returned to his native land for medical treatment...

Luang Prabang Dam Developer Shares Progress With Mekong Countries

The Lao government welcomed a Mekong River Commission delegation last week to showcase the development progress of its third Mekong mainstream hydropower project. While...