Top News Headlines Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Aug 20, 2025
Authorities announced that more domestic and international tourists are visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park despite the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border tensions. Located in Siem Reap, the park is far away from the border conflict.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport signed an agreement with Kubota Construction Co Ltd to build a new water treatment plant. The project will be financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
2. BOLSTERING BILATERAL TIES VIA TRADE, CONNECTIVITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos and Myanmar have agreed to take their 70-year diplomatic relations to a new level by expanding cooperation in various fields. The two governments will collaborate in trade, connectivity, energy and promote the Laos-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
MYANMAR
1. NATIONWIDE TREE PLANTING AGENDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government plans a five-year programme, from 2025 to 2030, to expand tree planting across 13 districts to promote a green environment. Villages are encouraged to plant about two acres of firewood to promote the campaign.
2. NEW STAMPS TO MARK ENDEMIC BIRDS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Myanma Post Office released news stamps depicting nine species of birds endemic to Myanmar and they will go on sale today. Collectors can gather all nine indigenous bird species in a single stamp.
PHILIPPINES
1. PHILIPPINES, NEW ZEALAND SEEK TO ADVANCE MARKET ACCESS TALKS - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
The Philippines and New Zealand are seeking to advance discussions on market access for agricultural products, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.
2. MARCOS REAFFIRMS STRONGER TIES WITH AUSTRALIA, ISRAEL, MALDIVES, NEPAL - PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to strengthening relations with Australia, Israel, the Maldives and Nepal as he formally received the credentials of their new ambassadors at a ceremony in Malacañan Palace, Manila, on Tuesday.
SINGAPORE
1. PROPOSALS SOUGHT TO DEVELOP CHANGI EAST URBAN DISTRICT NEXT TO T5 -- THE STRAITS TIMES
The authorities are calling for proposals to sketch out the concept for the new Changi East Urban District next to Changi Airport Terminal 5, in the first step towards developing the future
business and lifestyle hub
.
2. THE PROJECTOR'S CLOSURE AND SINGAPORE'S STRUGGLE TO EMBRACE UNCONVENTIONAL DREAMS -- CNA
How long was The Projector living on borrowed time? It's hard to be certain. What's clearer is that the local independent cinema, which announced its sudden exit from the market on Tuesday (Aug 19), was always more than a screen for arthouse films. Its distinct offerings made it a defiant presence in the sea of sameness that is Singapore's cinema landscape.
THAILAND
1. RTAF BOASTS UPGRADED ALPHA JET SQUADRON READY TO DEFEND THAI AIRSPACE -- THE NATION
Royal Thai Air Force unveils upgraded Alpha Jet squadron with new weapons, avionics and data link, ready to defend Thai sovereignty.
2. MORE SKULDUGGERY ALLEGED AT WAT PHRABAT NAMPHU -- BANGKOK POST
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) is pressing ahead with its probe into Wat Phrabat Namphu, as more irregularities surface during interviews with suspects.
VIETNAM
1. TRADE DEFENCE FORUM TO PROTECT LOCAL EXPORTERS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will host the second annual Trade Defence Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25. The forum is being held as more Vietnamese exporters face trade defence cases overseas.
2. PROPERTY MARKET ON UPWARD TREND -- VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam's property market is on a recovery path in the second quarter of 2025 despite economic headwinds. There is more investor confidence in housing and industrial park projects, which continues to drive the sector.
-- BERNAMA
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