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...

China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting

BEIJING (AP) — China expressed support for Sri Lanka ahead of a meeting Friday of government lenders to poor economies but did not say...

Digital Protection Measures Welcomed in Laos and Other Asia-Pacific Nations

As concern for the distribution of customers’ data starts to rise, Laos amongst other nations in the Asia-Pacific region embraces data protection laws, clamping...

Thailand Cabinet Approves Tourist Entry Fees for International Visitors

The Cabinet of Thailand has approved a new entry fee for visitors aimed at ensuring health and accident coverage for tourists, according to the...

Separatist Rebels in Papua Say Kidnapped NZ Pilot is Safe

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Separatist rebels in Indonesia's restive Papua province released photos and videos Tuesday of a man they said is the pilot...

Lost Israeli Tourists Evacuated After Fleeing Fire in Luang Prabang

A group of Israeli tourists was rescued in Luang Prabang on Thursday after fleeing a fire while camping near Pha Ngoy mountain.  According to the...

UNODC Launches Contest to Raise Awareness about Online Scams in SE Asia

The #KnowScam Silent Comic Contest invites artists aged 18 years and older residing in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia to join. The United Nations...