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...

Vietnam Flooding Submerges Homes, Kills 41, After Relentless Rain

AFP - Rescuers plucked stranded people from the rooftops of submerged homes as widespread flooding inundated central Vietnam, where authorities said on 20 November...

Singapore Seizes Record Rhino Horn Haul Bound for Laos

AFP - Singapore has seized over USD 800,000 worth of illegal rhino horn and animal parts hidden in air cargo bound for Laos, authorities...

Landslides in Vietnam Kill at Least Six

AFP - Landslides triggered by heavy rain in Vietnam have killed at least six people and injured more than a dozen, disaster agency officials...

Mekong–Lancang Nations Step Up Fight Against Cross-Border Cybercrime

Six Mekong-Lancang countries have agreed to intensify cooperation against transnational telecom and online fraud, adopting urgent measures aimed at real-time data sharing, stricter SIM-card...

Thailand to End Tax Exemption on Low-Value Online Imports from January 2026

Thailand is set to eliminate its tax exemption for low-value online purchases starting January 2026, imposing import duties and a 7 percent value-added tax...

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...