Regional

Lao Buddhist Organization Tightens Social Media Guidelines

The Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organization has issued new nationwide guidelines governing how monks use social media, highlighting growing concerns about online conduct as digital platforms become increasingly embedded in religious life. The notice, issued on 2 June, also applies to other religious practitioners including novices, white-robed male devotees, and white-robed...

Five Survivors Rescued from Xaysomboun Cave, Search Continues

Five villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in Xaysomboun province have now been brought...

International Cave Diving Experts Join Xaysomboun Rescue Mission as Two Villagers Remain Trapped

International cave diving specialists from several countries are joining rescue efforts in Xaysomboun as...

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...

Laos Deports 46 Foreign Nationals Amid Crackdown on Scam Networks

Lao authorities handed over 46 Chinese nationals to Chinese officials on 26 May following...

Japan Plans to Raise Visa Fees from 2026 Amid Overtourism Concerns

Japan plans to raise its visa issuance fees for foreign visitors starting in the 2026 fiscal year, as the country faces an unprecedented tourism...

Thailand Says ‘Hostilities’ Remain Despite Cambodia Peace Pact

By Montira RUNGJIRAJITTRANON/AFP - Thailand's army said on 11 November, "hostilities still remain" with Cambodia, a day after Bangkok suspended the implementation of a...

Three Vietnamese Men Survive 40 Hours at Sea After Typhoon

AFP - Three men swept far from Vietnam's coast by Typhoon Kalmaegi have been plucked safely from the surf after drifting helplessly for more...

Thailand Suspends Cambodia Deal After Landmine Injures Troops

AFP - Thailand announced on Monday, 10 November, it was suspending the implementation of a peace agreement with neighbouring Cambodia after a landmine blast...

Migrant Shipwreck off Malaysia Kills at Least Seven

AFP - Malaysian authorities have recovered at least seven bodies after a boat carrying migrants capsized near the Thai border, a maritime agency official...

Philippines Halts Search After Over 200 Killed in Typhoon Kalmaegi as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Nears

By Laotian Times and AFP - Rescue work was suspended and preemptive evacuations began Saturday as Typhoon Fung-wong bore down on the Philippines, days...