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...

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...

Myanmar’s Military Rulers to Let ‘Loyal’ Citizens Carry Guns

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar's military government plans to allow loyal civilians, including government employees and retired military personnel, to carry licensed firearms, but they...