Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: April 22, 2025
The government announced the abolition of civil servants managing public institutions. A new law will appoint professionals from the private sector to leadership roles in state-owned enterprises and the state will oversee through a board of directors.
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated the Kingdom's foreign policy that maintains relations with all nations. Cambodia's foreign policy is based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and mutual respect.
1.THAI PRINCESS ON FOUR-DAY VISIT TO LAO -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived in Laos on Monday for a four-day visit to strengthen relations between the two countries. She will attend the opening ceremony of a public health conference to mark the 25 years of Lao-Thai cooperation.
2.WORKERS SEEK OVERSEAS JOBS FOR SURVIVAL -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Lao workers continue to seek overseas employment to escape financial woes despite the government revising the minimum wage last year. Workers are unable to cope with low income and rising living costs. Even vocational training does not help workers to improve their income.
MYANMAR
1.INDONESIA MAIN IMPORTER OF MYANMAR RICE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Indonesia has emerged as the leading importer of Myanmar's rice with over 605,000 metric tonnes in the 2024-2025 financial year. China is the second largest, followed by Belgium and the Philippines. Myanmar's rice and broken rice exports touched 2.48 million tonnes.
2.FOREIGN AID POURS IN FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
International humanitarian aid continues to arrive in Myanmar following the March 28 earthquake that devastated parts of the country. Medical supplies, hygiene kits, tents, sleeping bags, food, essential goods and generators are being sent to disaster-hit areas.
SINGAPORE
1.PUAN NOOR AISHAH, WIFE OF SINGAPORE'S FIRST PRESIDENT YUSOF ISHAK, DIES AT 91 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Puan Noor Aishah, Singapore's former first lady and the widow of the country's first president Yusof Ishak, died on April 22.
2.PUAN NOOR AISHAH, WIFE OF SINGAPORE'S FIRST PRESIDENT YUSOF ISHAK, DIES AGED 91 -- CNA
Puan Noor Aishah, the wife of Singapore's first president, Mr Yusof Ishak, has died.
THAILAND
1. PM TO ROLL OUT 12-BILLION-BAHT SML PROJECT TO BOOST GRASSROOTS ECONOMY -- The Nation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to announce a policy aimed at supporting and enhancing the potential of village and urban community funds on Monday afternoon.
2. CALL FOR NEW INSTANT VAT REFUND SCHEME -- Bangkok Post
The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) wants the government to introduce an instant VAT refund scheme for tourists and set up a free-trade-zone sandbox in tourist destinations such as Phuket, with the aim of positioning Thailand as an ASEAN shopping hub.
VIETNAM
1.AVIATION SECTOR ON BULLISH TRAJECTORY -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam's aviation industry is showing impressive growth, with over 20 million passengers flying in the first quarter of this year. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said domestic travel recorded over nine million passengers, while international travel rose to 11.7 million.
2.DURIAN PRICES DIP AS CHINA TIGHTENS QUALITY CONTROL -- VIETNAM NEWS
As China tightens quality control procedures and delays customs clearance, durian prices dropped in the Mekong Delta region. Farmers are only able to sell the fruit at one-third of the price compared to last year. This may stifle Vietnam's ambition to earn $3.5 billion from durian exports in 2025.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 minutes ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (June 10, 2025)
Malaysia * Mandatory heavy vehicle speed limiter policy being drafted * Remand order for UPSI bus driver pending hospital discharge * Gerik bus crash: Driver wouldn't slow down despite our pleas, student claims * Gerik bus crash: Injured UPSI students in stable condition * Another bus crash carrying uni students, luckily no one is hurt * Appeals court grants Anwar temporary stay in Yusoff Rawther suit * Tougher action on road accident accountability needed, says Azalina * East-West Highway safety concerns to be addressed, says Loke * Solar-powered streetlights to be installed on East-West Highway * Gerik bus crash: 'I'm sorry, the brakes stopped working' says driver * Gerik bus crash: Driver has 18 summonses, says Bukit Aman * Cop charged with fatally shooting man gets July 9 court mention date * Security guards do not have authority to ask for MyKad, says NRD * Anwar: Madani govt committed to reforms, but needs time * Contraband worth over RM16.6mil seized in Sepanggar Port raids * Bus driver tests positive for drug at JPJ roadblock * Construction of Penang's Mutiara Line LRT project to start soon * Gerik bus crash: No truth to claims damaged road led to accident, says Ahmad Maslan * Eight-year-old Harsheetaa has died, says grieving father * Anwar: Madani govt committed to reforms, but needs time * PKR'S leave to appeal bid in Zuraida's bond payment case set for hearing on June 24 Singapore * Newly married man jailed 28 days for taking upskirt photos at Tampines MRT station * Singapore's projected carbon tax revenue for 2024 lower than expected after five-fold hike in tax rate * Singapore property tycoon Ong Beng Seng to plead guilty on July 3 in case involving former transport minister * Swipe right on at least 180cm? Tinder tests height filter that users say dooms 'short kings' * Singapore's Mediacorp sacks male employee found 'behaving suspiciously' in female toilet on its premises * Singapore's Changi Airport Group awards S$999mil contract for underground tunnels at Terminal 5 * Teen, 16, convicted of rioting with deadly weapon after attacking victim at MRT station in Singapore Indonesia * Jakarta to trial car-free night at end of June * Indonesia revokes nickel ore mining permits in Raja Ampat after protest * Two Indonesians arrested in Los Angeles immigration raids Thailand * Snakes on a plane highlight Thailand-India trafficking: NGO * Thai immigration files complaint after Chinese tourist filmed officer, alleged bribes can ease entry into country * Indian smuggler on flight from Thailand stopped with possums, lizards, tarantulas * Thailand at risk of 'deflation' as economy stagnates, investment and consumption fall * The billion-Baht casino empire: How Thai-Cambodia border tensions expose hidden networks of power * From rides to learning: Thai elephant camps reinvent themselves to survive * DP World ready to invest in land bridge, says Thai Transport Ministry source Philippines * On the edge of hope: Life on Philippines' quiet front line in the South China Sea * Marcos mulls quarterly performance reviews for Cabinet members * Philippine senators prepare to be jurors in Sara Duterte's impeachment trial * Philippine VP Sara Duterte's Malaysia trip won't stall impeachment process – House spokesman Vietnam * Hanoi ready to cash in on growing halal tourism market * Vietnam exports first African swine fever vaccine batch to Indonesia Myanmar * Myanmar polls: 77 parties register, 56 approved so far Cambodia * Forces to resume previous posts * Cambodia tourism minister suggests additional South Korean air links * Cambodia approves investment projects worth US$4.2bil in January-May period Laos * Lao Aussie Chamber of Commerce marks 20 years with glamorous 'Roaring 20s' ball * Lao lawmakers begin National Assembly session with focus on economic recovery, key reforms Brunei * Brunei strengthens Asean-Russia security ties at international summit * Bruneian man jailed over a year for assault and mischief Aseanplus * Four injured in explosion * South Korea and Japan make pact to strengthen ties * Lee's election law violation hearing postponed indefinitely * China to make all hospitals offer epidurals to incentivise childbirth * Megaquake talk scaring tourists * K-pop megastars RM, V released from army, promise BTS reunion * HK action star Sammo Hung, 73, joins Douyin, posts three-generational family photo * Ringgit slightly up against US dollar amid cautious sentiment * Fire near South Korea's Jogye temple contained, treasures spared, officials say * Trump says China 'not easy' as trade talks to resume Tuesday * Singer Jacky Cheung's encore concerts at Singapore Indoor Stadium slated for Nov 21 to 23 * Asian markets extend gains as China-US talks head into second day * Chinese national gets five years' jail for causing death of Sabah State Courts director * Japan's PM Ishiba pledges 50% pay rise by 2040 ahead of elections * South Korean model-actor Kim Jong-seok dies at 29 * Honda Malaysia recalls 87,490 vehicles for fuel pump replacement * FBM KLCI holds steady as selective buying supports market * Australian accused in mushroom murders disputes accounts of fatal lunch * Sarawak to work with Chinese companies to develop floating solar power on Bakun reservoir * Xi urges South Korea's Lee to help safeguard free trade in call * Australia has stabilising role amid rising global division, says PM Albanese * Zii Jia turns down RTG offer, citing recovery from injury * Fire near South Korea's Jogye temple contained, treasures spared, say officials (update) * Malaysia, Poland to boost defence cooperation, explore partnership in trade, green energy, says PM Anwar * Sivasangari, Man-Tee get into RTG for first time as final list released * Chinese managers take reins at TikTok Shop in US as sales miss goal * Asian stocks climb, FX steady as US-China trade talks set to continue * Gold holds steady as markets eye US-China trade talks * Shubhanshu Shukla, first Indian in space in 41 Years, will blast off in a Musk rocket * Malaysia's palm oil stocks hit 8-month high in May as output jumps * China bans bank from luring depositors with popular Labubu dolls * Taiwanese actress Ruby Lin makes a trip to Singapore, with fellow celeb Vivian Hsu playing tour guide * Police going undercover to close gaps in Malaysia-Thailand border * FBM KLCI ends in red on late-day sell-off * Pearly-Thinaah reach world No. 3 while men doubles dominate at top * Chong Wei advises injured Tze Yong to seek treatment abroad * China thanks Indian Navy, Coast Guard for swift rescue of its nationals from burning vessel off Kerala coast * US-China trade talks on export controls to resume for a second day * South Korea appoints ex-trade chief Yeo Han-koo as new trade minister * HK actress Osanna Chiu seeks job opportunities outside TVB while awaiting new dramas * Beijing woos US influencers with free trip to show 'real China' * Ringgit weakens as US-China trade talks continue in London * Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable in Langkawi on June 19 * Human-sized Labubu figure sells for over US$150,000 at Beijing auction * Japanese Immigration agency to tighten visa requirements for foreign entrepreneurs; move eyed as Chinese nationals increasingly obtain status * Residential building explosion in Fujian, China, kills two, injures five * India intensifies expulsion of suspected foreigners to Bangladesh * Johor Regent and Singapore agree to land swap at Holland Road * HK-born actor Chapman To celebrates 20th wedding anniversary with ex-TVB star Kristal Tin * Malaysia defeats Vietnam 4-0 in third-round qualifiers
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Lao lawmakers begin National Assembly session with focus on economic recovery, key reforms
President of the National Assembly Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane on Monday delivers the opening remarks on the first day of the current session of the legislative body. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN VIENTIANE: The National Assembly (NA) has officially opened the 9th ordinary session of the 9th Legislature, scheduled to run from June 9-26, with a focus on addressing unresolved issues and the country's ongoing economic challenges. The session was formally opened on Monday (June 9) by NA President Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane. Members of the Assembly are also participating in the sitting to discuss economic hardships, debate pressing national issues, and offer constructive input on the government's development policies. The parliamentary sitting provides a platform for lawmakers to deliberate on critical socio-economic development matters, with comprehensive discussions on financial and infrastructure-related concerns. The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, along with other government leaders. Following the opening, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, on behalf of the government, delivered a report reviewing recent economic performance and outlining priorities for future socio-economic development. Dr Sonexay reported that in the first quarter of 2025, the economy grew by 4.5 percent, with a total value of 84,207 billion kip, representing 22.4 percent of the target for 2025. The National Assembly's resolution for the year targets a total of 375,968 billion kip. According to the report, the agriculture sector grew by 3.1 percent, contributing 20.2 percent of GDP; industry expanded by 4.7 percent, accounting for 30.9 percent; the service sector also grew by 4.7 percent, contributing 37.1 percent; and net product taxes rose by 4.3 percent, making up 11.7 percent of GDP. The government's report also addressed urgent national issues and introduced a draft framework for the 10th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030, based on a review of progress under the current plan for 2021–2025. Among the key topics raised on the first day of the session was the recent increase in electricity prices. Several NA members urged the government to reconsider the pricing structure, which has significantly affected households across the country. Other issues brought forward included the need to reassess land concessions to ensure public benefit and the urgent requirement for road maintenance in several provinces, particularly during the ongoing rainy season. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
The billion-Baht casino empire: How Thai-Cambodia border tensions expose hidden networks of power
BANGKOK: Recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have inadvertently exposed a sprawling network of influential figures who have built a multi-billion baht casino empire along the frontier, according to explosive new research from the Centre for Gambling Problem Studies. The territorial dispute, which erupted into clashes at Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani province and led to reduced border crossing hours from Saturday (June 7), has disrupted what investigators describe as a "massive profit network" hidden behind the Thai-Cambodia frontier. The Koh Kong Kingdom At the heart of this investigation lies the Koh Kong Resort casino, located just 800 metres from Thailand's permanent Khlong Yai border crossing in Trat province. The operation is owned by "Oknha Ly Yong Phat," known in Thailand as "Pad Suphapa" or "Sia Pad," a Cambodian senator and businessman of Chinese-Thai descent. Sia Pad controls tens of thousands of rai through his LYP Group, one of Cambodia's largest corporations under the Li So company umbrella. Beyond casinos and hotels, his business empire encompasses industrial estates, fruit centres, commercial buildings, private roads, and river bridges. Most significantly, the research identifies Sia Pad's connection to former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, described as his "elder brother" and political patron. This relationship reportedly began when Sia Pad supported Hun Sen's political campaigns in Koh Kong province, leading to electoral victory and Sia Pad's subsequent appointment to Cambodia's highest royal title of "Oknha." The Poipet Powerbrokers Cambodia now hosts approximately 150 casinos, making it Southeast Asia's gambling capital, with most concentrated along the Thai border. The largest hub is Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province, opposite Thailand's Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo, where an estimated 80% of gamblers are Thai nationals. Key Poipet operations include Grand Diamond City, owned by Watthana Asavahem, a former 11-term MP from Samut Prakan known as the "Paknam Godfather." - Photo: The Nation/ANN He purchased the business in 2001 for approximately 700 million baht and attempted to sell it in 2021 for 12 billion baht. Watthana currently faces a 10-year prison sentence for land fraud. Holiday Poipet represents a joint venture between Indonesian, Macau Chinese, and Thai businessmen, whilst Star Vegas & Club involves oil tycoons partnering with Taiwanese investors and the brother of a former Cambodian defence minister. The Shadow Shareholding System The research reveals a sophisticated "nominee shareholding" system where influential Cambodians leverage land ownership to secure stakes in casino operations. Former Khmer Rouge leader Samphor, who became Pailin province's governor, exemplifies this pattern by opening his territory to Thai investors whilst demanding partnership stakes in multiple casinos including Pailin, Crown Diamond, Dream World, and K.R. Victoria casinos. These arrangements require casino operators to pay overlapping concession fees to both central and local governments, creating multiple layers of profit-sharing amongst political elites. Cross-Border Corruption Networks The investigation exposes systematic corruption involving officials on both sides of the border. Casino operators must pay bribes to facilitate border crossing schedules, passport processing, contraband inspections, and cross-border money transfers. Crucially, the casinos serve as money-laundering centres for Thai elite engaged in illegal businesses, with conspiracies between money launderers and casino owners who often become VIP clients. The research identifies "Kok An," a wealthy Cambodian businessman and Hun Sen adviser, who was involved in constructing the Princess Crown casino in Poipet. The project violated border agreements, prompting Thai protests and forcing construction to halt with excavated canal soil returned. Border Restrictions Hit Casino Profits The current border restrictions directly impact casino operations, particularly at the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing, now operating 08:00-16:00 with explicit prohibition: "Thai nationals travelling for gambling and tourism are forbidden to leave the country." These measures may represent attempts to control gambling and cross-border crime, but they also highlight the complex relationships between state power, business interests, and influence networks spanning both nations. The International Web The casino network involves multiple international players including "Tony," an Indonesian businessman owning Holiday Palace and Holiday Poipet; Chen Lip Keong, a Malaysian tycoon controlling Naga World through NagaCorp; Macau Chinese businessmen with stakes in multiple casinos; and Taiwanese investment groups in Star Vegas. Thai involvement includes "Sia Somboon," former Star Vegas and Star King owner, Cosmo Oil businessmen holding Star Vegas shares, and local Sa Kaeo entrepreneurs with stakes across multiple operations. Questions for the Future The current Thai-Cambodia dispute has inadvertently exposed what researchers describe as a "colossal profit network" generating billions of baht whilst connecting influential figures across both countries. As border tensions continue, the sustainability of these cross-border gambling empires faces unprecedented scrutiny. The key question remains: how long will the current dispute last, and what will be its ultimate impact on the multi-billion baht casino networks that have operated in the shadows of Thai-Cambodia relations for decades? - The Nation/ANN [* This investigation is based on research by the Centre for Gambling Problem Studies examining economic and political elite networks and the impact of border casinos along the Thai-Cambodia frontier.]
