World

Laos, China Launch Digital Payment Link For Cross-Border Transactions

Laos and China have launched a new digital payment link that allows Chinese visitors to pay Lao businesses using China’s digital yuan, without needing to exchange cash into Lao kip. The system connects China’s digital yuan, known as e-CNY, with Laos’ domestic QR payment network. A Chinese visitor can now...

Miss Universe Dispute Leaves Six Southeast Asian Franchises in Limbo

The Miss Universe Organization is facing a major dispute just weeks before its 75th...

Laos, Thailand Move Forward With Plans for New Friendship Bridge Linking Vientiane, Loei

Laos and Thailand are studying a possible new Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane Province with...

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,...

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,...

Bride Capture Custom Under Scrutiny in Vietnam

The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has called for an end to the custom of bride kidnapping sometimes practiced by members of...

H&M Opens First Store in Cambodia

The first H&M clothing retailer opened in Phnom Penh last week with a celebration that featured celebrities and discounts. The Sweden-based franchise offers men’s,...

Myanmar-Thai Bridge Bombed, Interrupting Trade

A concrete bridge between Myanmar’s Myawaddy and Thailand’s Mae Sot was bombed on 11 March by an anti-junta group. The Nation Thailand reports that...

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand Open to Free, Independent Travel

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand have opened their countries to free, independent travel with a minimum of restrictions. Vietnam’s Ministry of Health announced this week that...

Rice Prices Rise in Asia Amid Stockpiling, Conflict

Global events including lockdowns and conflict have pushed rice prices upward across Asia. Rice prices in Asia rose this week on account of several situations,...

Myanmar to Accept Thai Baht as Currency Weakens

Myanmar is to accept the Thai Baht as currency for border trade amid fears over the strength of the US Dollar and the effect...