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...

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2023 Discuss Strategic Steps for Economic Revival

ASEAN foreign ministers met on Saturday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia to discuss collaborative ways to carry out the 2016-2025 ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP). The 2023...

Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam & Myanmar Economies to Get Stronger in 2023

The Siam Commercial Bank's Economic Intelligence Center has predicted that these countries will see a momentum in economic growth this year, but it will be...

Indonesia Seeks Special Meeting Between ASEAN and Myanmar Junta Leader

Indonesia hopes to hold a special meeting between ASEAN leaders and the head of Myanmar's military junta after a lack of progress toward a...

Myanmar Government Freezes the Issuing, Renewing Passport

Myanmar's regime has directed a cessation of all new passport-related activities to block many job seekers who plan to work abroad away from the...

Myanmar Plans August Elections Under Strict New Rules

Myanmar's military has promised to hold elections by August this year, but strict new laws on political parties have raised questions about the freedom...

Brunei to Increase Long-term LNG Sales to Japan

Brunei LNG will begin supplying liquified natural gas to Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. (JAPEX) in April, as the business aims to stabilize its finances...