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...

Major Roads Flooded in Bangkok as Governor Slams Clogged Drains

Heavy rains pummelled Bangkok yesterday evening, with water levels reaching up to 30 centimeters in some areas, flooding a number of communities. Bangkok Governor Chadchart...

Thailand Confirms Use of Spyware, Cites National Security

A Thai minister has admitted Thai authorities employ surveillance software to track persons in cases involving national security or drugs, following disclosures that the...

China Issues Yellow Alerts as Heatwave Strikes Several Regions

China, like Europe and the US, is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave that has the UN calling for decisive climate action. Despite brief interludes of seasonal...

Northeast Thailand Feels the Pinch Amid Slow Return of Shoppers from Laos

Businesses in northeastern Thailand have noted that cross-border trade has been slow to recover following the reopening of borders with Laos, with improved domestic...

Thailand Celebrates Non-Stinky Durian

The Thai province of Nakhon Ratchasima is celebrating the certification of its "non-stinky" durian variety as a geographical indication (GI). The Pak Chong-Khao Yai durian,...

Southeast Asian Central Banks to Connect Payment Systems via QR Code

Central banks in Southeast Asia hope to link payment systems across the region this year using QR code technology. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of the Bank...