Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is swarmed by members of the media after a cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
UPDATED on 1 July at 2:27 PM
The Laotian Times and AFP – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended by the country’s Constitutional Court on 1 July, as it opened a probe into her conduct in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia.
“The Constitutional Court with a majority of 7-2 suspends the respondent from Prime Ministerial duty from 1 July until the Constitutional Court has made its ruling,” said a statement, after a group of conservative senators lodged a case accusing Paetongtarn of breaching ministerial ethics during a border row with Cambodia.
Shortly after the suspension announcement, Paetongtarn briefly addressed the decision before the press saying, “The ruling has come out and I accept the court decision. I have 15 days to make a declaration. I’m going to do my best. I will declare my true intention behind the leaked phone call.”
“However, the method that I used may not suit the preference of a lot of individuals. Nevertheless, I am willing to prove that it is all my intention, my effort, over 100 percent, that I did it all for the country. It is definitely not for personal benefit. I’ve only thought about how to prevent chaos or resorting to battle.”
A long-standing territorial dispute boiled over into cross-border clashes in May, killing one Cambodian soldier.
When Paetongtarn called Cambodian statesman Hun Sen to discuss tensions, she called him “uncle” and referred to a Thai military commander as her “opponent”, according to a leaked recording which caused a backlash.
Conservative lawmakers accuse her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, and allege she breached constitutional provisions requiring “evident integrity” and “ethical standards” among ministers.
Top view of the tissue factory (photo credit: Thai PBS)
A fire that broke out on 30 June at a tissue paper factory in Saraburi’s Hemaraj Industrial Estate has claimed at least eight lives, with two people still missing and over 20 others injured, according to local authorities.
Journalists, civil society actors, and youth from across Laos are strengthening their digital reporting skills on environmental issues through the Green Action through Media, Mass Organizations, and Civil Society in Laos (GAMCIL) project. The training, themed “Green Issue Reporting,” is taking place in Vientiane Capital from 30 June to 4 July.
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Laos Travel)
Laos’ inflation rate eased for the second month in a row, falling to 7.2 percent in June 2025 from 8.3 percent in May, according to the latest report from the Lao Statistics Bureau.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2025 – SIBUR, Russia’s largest producer of polymers and synthetic rubbers, sees potential to increase supplies to Bangladesh following the launch of the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, near the Pacific coast, in 2026.
In late June, SIBUR, represented by executives from both its Moscow headquarters and its Shanghai office, held a client meeting in Dhaka to present its development plans for the country. Polymer consumption in Bangladesh – home to over 170 million people – is growing thanks to economic expansion and contract manufacturing by foreign companies and surpassed 1 million tonnes.
The Amur complex in Russia’s Far East will be strategically positioned to serve Asian markets, with Bangladesh being one of the top priorities.
The Amur complex is one of the world’s largest polymer production projects, with an annual capacity of 2.3 million tonnes of polyethylene and 0.4 million tonnes of polypropylene. The facility will rank in the first quartile of the global cost curve, ensuring its competitiveness under any price scenario.
SIBUR benefits from access to competitively priced hydrocarbon resources in Russia. Another advantage of Russian polymers is their environmental profile. With new, more efficient production facilities, SIBUR is reducing the carbon footprint of its products.
SIBUR has been supplying materials to Bangladesh for several years already, with shipments expected to reach 50 thousand tonnes in 2025. Once the Amur complex is operational, SIBUR sees potential to supply up to 200,000 tonnes of various polymer grades to Bangladesh, including high-density polyethylene and polypropylene copolymers. These materials are used in packaging, synthetic textiles, and construction – for pipes and insulation materials.
Logistics for local processors will also improve. While SIBUR currently sells products in Bangladesh through partners with delivery to ports, it plans to use warehouses in the country as part of its supply chain, offering flexible delivery terms.
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Fuxing Hao CR300AF trains, capable of carrying at least 600 passengers, are expected to be used on the Bangkok-Korat line. (Bangkok Post) [Image used for representational purposes only]
Thailand’s high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports is set to finally move forward, with the signing of the revised contract expected this July.
Owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the project grants a 50-year concession to Asia Era One, a consortium led by the Charoen Pokphand Group.
The project, valued at THB 224 billion (USD 6.9 billion), is moving forward after more than five years of delays. Originally launched before the Covid-19 pandemic, the project faced significant setbacks due to global economic instability and the tightening of private sector liquidity. Financial institutions, wary of large-scale risks, slowed loan approvals, leaving Asia Era One unable to meet key payment deadlines under the original terms.
Prolonged negotiations followed, as the government and private sector sought to revise the investment structure in a way that alleviated pressure while preserving public interest. These talks have now resulted in a newly adjusted agreement that is in the final stages of review.
Once approved, the contract will be submitted to the Civil Service Commission and then forwarded to the Cabinet. Chula expressed confidence that the signing will take place this month.
The updated agreement addresses future risk mitigation, adds new revenue-sharing terms if returns exceed expectations, and allows the project to proceed without certain pending investment promotion certificates, ensuring immediate commencement once the contract is signed.
“Yuyuan Lantern Festival 2025” Lights Up Bangkok to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Diplomatic Ties
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2025 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, joins hands with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group, the legendary host of China’s most prestigious lantern festival to present the first-ever Yuyuan Lantern Festival in Thailand. Titled “Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month,” this spectacular event transforms the banks of the Chao Phraya River into a mythical realm of lights and stories. Held from now until 15 August 2025, the festival runs daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, and is open to the public free of charge.
This marks the first time the renowned Yuyuan Lantern Festival from Shanghai is being held in Thailand. More than a cultural event, it symbolizes the strong bond between Thailand and China and highlights the power of cultural arts to bridge nations and bring people of different backgrounds closer together. It also reinforces ICONSIAM’s commitment to its role as a Global Experiential Destination, striving to become a central hub for international artistic collaboration and cultural exchange, offering world-class cultural experiences to every visitor.
With a history spanning over 100 years, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival is a crown jewel of China’s intangible cultural heritage. Its arrival in Thailand for the first time commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The festival is themed “Spirit of Mountains and Seas”, drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (“Classic of Mountains and Seas”) and blending it with the concept of a “Chao Phraya Island”—a magical realm along the river designed to resemble a floating island adorned with contemporary lanterns. These lanterns incorporate light, shadow, and interactive technology, with each installation appearing as a mystical island inhabited by fantastical creatures from the classic novel, celebrating the deep-rooted friendship between Thailand and China in a spectacular and imaginative way.
Beyond the breathtaking lantern installations, visitors can enjoy a rich program of cultural activities including traditional performances, a local products market, themed cultural weeks, and an art exhibition. These activities encourage cross-cultural exchange in art, culture, cuisine, and business between the two nations—illuminated under the glow of lanterns that symbolize the light of Thai–Chinese friendship shining brightly for the world to see.
The “Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month” is open to the public free of charge. The festival runs until 15 August 2025, daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, visit: Facebook: ICONSIAM
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2025 – Prime Immigration Consultancy (PIC), a Singapore-based immigration consultancy, has announced an expansion of its services to provide more comprehensive support for clients pursuing Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship. This enhancement reflects PIC’s dedication to helping individuals and families achieve the Singapore Dream—a future defined by stability, opportunity, and quality of life.
Prime Immigration Consultancy, an immigration service agency in Singapore
A Holistic Approach to Securing the Singapore Dream
Recognised for its exceptional quality of life, strong economy, and robust education system, Singapore remains a highly sought-after destination for global talent and their families. PIC’s newly expanded suite of services is designed to help clients not only navigate the immigration application process but also build fulfilling lives as integrated members of Singaporean society.
Expanded Services at a Glance
PR Re-Application and Appeals Support
Navigating ICA’s rigorous evaluation process can be challenging. PIC now offers specialised guidance for PR re-applications and appeals, helping clients strengthen their profiles and align their cases with Singapore’s PR application requirements, increasing their chances of success.
Education and Career Placement
For individuals pursuing the Singapore Dream, education and stable employment are crucial. Through strengthened partnerships with reputable educational institutions and recruitment firms, PIC supports clients in enhancing their qualifications and securing meaningful employment. This helps lay the foundation for both personal advancement and long-term contribution to Singapore’s growth.
Financial Planning and Wealth Advisory
Recognising the importance of financial resilience, PIC now incorporates comprehensive financial planning into its services, helping clients demonstrate the economic self-sufficiency that Singapore values in long-term residents and citizens.
Corporate Partnerships for Seamless Integration
To support clients beyond the application stage, PIC has built relationships with service providers in real estate, taxation, healthcare, and lifestyle. This allows clients to benefit from a seamless transition into Singapore’s dynamic society, from settling into their homes to accessing essential services that enhance their quality of life.
Corporate Secretary Services for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
As Singapore continues to be a preferred destination for global entrepreneurs, PIC has introduced Corporate Secretary services to support clients who wish to incorporate businesses locally. From ACRA compliance and nominee director services to registered office addresses and annual return filings, this new service enables business-minded individuals to establish and maintain fully compliant companies in Singapore with ease.
A Commitment to Client Success
This service expansion marks a strategic development in Prime Immigration Consultancy’s efforts to strengthen support for individuals and families navigating immigration processes in Singapore.
At PIC, the focus extends beyond documentation. By offering practical guidance and tailored support, the firm aims to help clients take meaningful steps toward realising the Singapore Dream. Moving forward, the team is committed to providing reliable, client-focused services grounded in professionalism and integrity.
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About Prime Immigration
Prime Immigration Consultancy is an immigration agency in Singapore providing end-to-end support for permanent residency and citizenship applications. With a team of dedicated professionals, PIC offers regulatory guidance and practical assistance tailored to individual and family immigration needs.
https://primeimmigration.com.sg/
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