Top News Headlines In Indones, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 17, 2025
Local businesses welcomed a new trade deal with the United States that slashes a proposed 'reciprocal' tariff from 32 per cent to 19 per cent, saying the outcome is more favorable than what regional peers face.
LAOS
1.MONSOON RAINS WREAK HAVOC IN LAOS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
About 25 villages in five northern provinces have been severely affected by floods since Monday, including Luang Prabang, a popular tourist hub in Laos. Sweeping floods have destroyed farmland, roads and houses, leaving 400 families homeless.
2. CENTURIES OLD BUDDHA RELICS FOUND -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Workers unearthed 70 ancient Buddha artefacts in Vat Meuang Kang temple in Champasak province in southern Laos. The items date back to the 17th or 18th centuries. They were found in a jar during renovation on the temple's manuscript repository.
MYANMAR
1.INDIA, MYANMAR DEEPEN MILITARY TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Indian and Myanmar armed forces personnel held a discussion in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday on strengthening military cooperation in various fields. Border security and development, as well as rescue and relief operations during emergencies, topped their agenda.
2.EFFICIENT ENERGY SUPPLY FOR PEOPLE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Ministry of Electric Power is focusing on efficient power generation based on the availability of natural gas. It also aims to ensure that power plants continue to generate a stable electricity supply and that power transmission lines are installed safely and securely.
SINGAPORE
1.HSA LAUNCHES ANTI-VAPING CHECKS NEAR 5 INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The anti-vaping blitz has extended to areas near schools, with enforcement officers conducting checks outside five institutes of higher learning (IHL) across Singapore on July 14.
2.BIKE-SHARING IS BACK IN SINGAPORE – BUT CAN IT AVOID PAST PITFALLS? -- CNA
A cautious revival is underway in Singapore's bike-sharing scene, as operators expand their fleet while working to regain public trust lost in the chaos of the industry's early days.
THAILAND
1. HIGH-STAKES DECISION LOOMS OVER NEXT BANK OF THAILAND GOVERNOR -- THE NATION The selection committee for the next governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) has shortlisted two final candidates and submitted their names to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
2. GOVT URGES 'MAXIMUM RESTRAINT' -- BANGKOK POST Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government is "deeply dissatisfied" with Cambodia over the recent Ta Muen Thom incident but urged the public and military to remain calm.
VIETNAM
1.THOUSANDS OF BABY TURTLES RELEASED INTO SEA -- VIETNAMPLUS
About 4,500 baby turtles were released into the ocean in the first half of this year as part of Con Dao National Park's conservation efforts. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the park is a popular eco-tourism attraction known for turtle nesting.
2.MEGA PARK, SPORTS COMPLEX FOR HANOI'S ME LINH -- VIETNAMPLUS
City planners will develop the Me Linh Park and a modern sports complex as part of the Hanoi Master Plan 2030. The park will showcase Me Linh's rich cultural identity and a lush flower garden, and include sports facilities.
-- BERNAMA
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