ASEAN

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 Chinese-owned restaurant in central Vientiane, one of several wildlife enforcement operations carried out this year. On 18 May, officers from the Law Enforcement Network for Aquatic Animals, Wildlife and Forestry (LAO-WEN) inspected a restaurant in Chommany...

Bangkok Bar Fire Kills 27, Leaves Dozens Critically Injured

A fire late on Sunday night at a packed pub in Bangkok has killed...

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,...

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...

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...

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...