Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 19
2.PRABOWO IN BANGKOK TO BOLSTER TIES AHEAD OF ASEAN SUMMIT -- THE JAKARTA POST
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has suspended three of its members following allegations of intimidation and extortion against a Chinese engineering firm involved in a major national project in Cilegon, Banten.
President Prabowo Subianto begins his visit in Bangkok on Monday, as he reconvenes with Thailand's leaders to strengthen bilateral ties ahead of his first ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and amid regional concerns over the ongoing tariff war started by the United States.
LAOS
1.CHINA'S MEDICAL AID TO SUPPORT LAO HEALTHCARE -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The China-Asia Economic Development Association and Asia Economic Development have provided medical supplies and vaccines to the Lao government. The RM6 million (CNY10 million) worth of medical aid is to support the treatment and prevention of diseases.
2.LUANG PRABANG EYEING TOURISM AWARD -- VIENTIANE TIMES
UNESCO World Heritage Site Luang Prabang is aiming for the Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destination Organisation. Luang Prabang aims to elevate its profile as a culturally rich tourist destination in the world with the international certification.
MYANMAR
1.FRESH FDI WORTH RM155 MILLION APPROVED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government approved three new foreign direct investments (FDI) valued at RM155 million (US$35.778 million) on May 16. The investments were in the manufacturing of solar panels, installation of power cables, production of instant foods and the garment sector.
2.ASIAN OPENBILL STORKS ARRIVE IN MOEYUNGYI WETLAND -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
About 500 critically endangered migratory Asian openbill storks were spotted at the Moeyungyi Wetland Sanctuary in Bago Region. Moeyungyi has become a major habitat during the rainy season and the birds arrive in search of food.
SINGAPORE
1.'YOU ARE SO SPECIAL TO ME': LADY GAGA RETURNS IN SPECTACULAR FASHION, WITH SINGAPORE FLAG IN TOW -- THE STRAITS TIMES
American pop star Lady Gaga played a dazzling, sold-out set at the National Stadium on May 18, the first night of her four gigs in Singapore, her only stops in Asia.
2.FORMER US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN DIAGNOSED WITH 'AGGRESSIVE' PROSTATE CANCER -- CNA/AGENCIES
Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, his office said in a statement on Sunday (May 18).
THAILAND
1. THAI, CAMBODIAN TROOPS HOLD TALKS OVER BORDER PATROL DISPUTE -- THE NATION
The Suranaree Task Force engaged Cambodian troops over border patrol amid recent territorial concerns, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, said on Saturday.
2. DEPARTMENT TO AMEND TAX ON FOREIGN INCOME REMITTANCE -- BANGKOK POST
The Revenue Department is preparing to draft legislation to amend the collection of tax on foreign income remitted to Thailand.
VIETNAM
1.VIETNAM ASSURED CUBA OF ITS INVESTMENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam and Cuba have pledged to diversify their economic partnership to bolster their 25-year-old strong bilateral relations. Vietnam will continue its operations in the Mariel Special Development Zone, which drives Cuba's economic growth.
2.UNIVERSITY OF DA NANG TO DEVELOP FINANCIAL TALENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The University of Da Nang will help to develop human capital to support the government's ambition to transform Da Nang into a financial hub. The planned Vietnam International Financial Centre in the central city is expected to attract quality investments.
-- BERNAMA
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Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute
BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has discussed the Thai-Cambodia border situation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a phone call on Friday, where Anwar expressed readiness to assist both sides in resolving the dispute. "Thank you, PM Anwar Ibrahim, for the call this afternoon to discuss the Thai-Cambodian border situation and to express readiness to help both sides resolve the matter. I reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law," she stated on her official X account. Malaysia, as the current Asean chair, is closely monitoring developments on the border issue. Earlier on Friday, after chairing a National Security Council meeting, Paetongtarn announced Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia. She said the army had been assigned to coordinate operations and maintain readiness to respond to any developments, prioritising sovereignty protection while ensuring international relations and national security. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonpakdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad, and the military's commanders-in-chief. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops engaged in a brief gunfight in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, both countries have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is set to meet in Phnom Penh on June 14.– BERNAMA
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
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Evacuate now, Israel warns Gaza as Eid begins
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US-China trade talks to resume in seven days: White House
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