Regional

Thai Rockstar Sek Loso Released on Parole

On 24 June, Thai rock musician Seksan “Sek” Sukpimay, known as Sek Loso, walked free from prison in Phetchaburi province after authorities granted him temporary parole.  The 52-year-old founder and lead singer of Loso, one of Thailand’s most successful rock bands, has long drawn attention for his colorful personal life.  Police...

Laos, Cambodia Launch New Trade Route to China for Fruits, Crops

On 22 June, Laos and Cambodia launched coordinated export and transit procedures for plants...

Laos, China Approve Seven New Development Projects Worth USD 3.31 Million

Laos has secured seven new development projects worth USD3.31 million under the Mekong–Lancang Special...

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...

Vietnam Rolls Out Digital Pre-Arrival System

Vietnam has launched the Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system, replacing the paper arrival card that...

Southeast Asian Nations Renew Alarm Over Myanmar Violence. But Diplomats Can’t Settle on Solution

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers renewed their alarm over — and condemnation of — air strikes, artillery shelling, and other acts of...

Cambodian Opposition Party Officials Arrested for Allegedly Encouraging Casting of Spoiled Ballots

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Two senior members of the only major functioning opposition party in Cambodia have been arrested for allegedly teaching voters...

Reformist Thai Party, Thwarted From Forming New Government, Seeks Law Change to Limit Senate’s Power

BANGKOK (AP) — The political party that captured first place in Thailand’s general election two months ago — only to see the country’s unelected...

High Times in Thailand: New Weed Laws Draw Tourists From Across Asia

BANGKOK (AP) — A Japanese tourist reaches into a baggie of cannabis he’s just bought in a central Bangkok weed shop, pulling out a...

EU Rejects Myanmar’s Diplomatic Role and Says It Still Doesn’t Recognize Generals

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The European Union’s top diplomat on Thursday expressed opposition to Myanmar’s upcoming role as the overseer of relations between the...

Thailand’s Move Forward Party Leader Pita Falls Short in Parliamentary Vote for Prime Minister

BANGKOK (AP) — The leader of the progressive Thai political party that outpaced its rivals to a surprise first-place finish in May’s general election...