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...

Turmoil in Tiaras at Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand

By Sally JENSEN/AFP - This year's Miss Universe in Thailand has been marred by ugly drama, with allegations of an insult to a beauty...

New Partnership Strengthens River Data, Forecasting, Sustainable Development in Laos

MRC - The Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Government of Australia have reinforced their long-standing partnership with additional support and new digital tools...

ASEAN SOAR Together Empowers MSMEs with Digital Boost at ABIS 2025

On 31 October, the ASEAN Foundation, in partnership with TikTok Shop and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia, showcased the success of the...

Myanmar to Invite Foreign Media Coverage of Upcoming Election

AFP - International media will be allowed to cover Myanmar's upcoming military-run polls, election authorities said on 29 October. The military-stacked Union Election Commission said...

Philippines to Take ASEAN Chair With Focus on South China Sea

By Martin Abbugao/AFP - Malaysia handed over the chairmanship of Southeast Asia's regional bloc to the Philippines on 28 October, with territorial disputes in the...

ASEAN Summit in Malaysia Highlights 0% US Tariff, Regional Cooperation, Myanmar

The 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 26–28 October, brought together leaders from Southeast Asia and partner countries to discuss trade,...