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...

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...

As Air Pollution Worsens, Bangkok Residents to Work From Home

Authorities in Thailand have advised residents of Bangkok to work from home and wear respirator masks outdoors amid rising air pollution. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt...

Opium Poppy Cultivation Surges in Myanmar Since Military Coup

Opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar increased significantly after the military coup of 2021 as a result of farmers being forced to produce the crop...

Thai PM Condemns VIP Police Escort Service

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chano-o-cha has spoken out against police officers who provide fast-tracked immigration and escort services to Chinese tourists. Speaking on Wednesday at...

Laos, Japan Plant Cherry Blossom Trees in Houaphanh

The governments of Laos and Japan planted 150 cherry blossom trees on Tuesday in Viengxay District, Houaphanh Province, to celebrate and strengthen relations between...

Lao Students Participate Cultural Exchange Program in Japan

Ten students departed from Laos to Japan on Tuesday to participate in cultural exchange program, JENESYS 2022, supported by the Government of Japan. The program,...