Economy and industry
Govt urged to promote at least three $1-billion tech start-ups in five years
Thailand should nurture at least three technology business start-ups worth US$1 billion each within the next five years, according to an industry white paper. Citing the white paper submitted to the government, Patai Padungtin, president of Thailand Start-up Association, said the country needed to quickly develop the ...
Vietnam among fastest-growing economies in Asia, driven by electronic exports: IMF

Strong rises in exports and foreign investment in the manufacturing sector will continue to accelerate Vietnam’s GDP growth, the IMF said in its April update on Asia-Pacific economic outlook. In the region, only several frontier economies will see higher rates, including Myanmar’s 8.6 percent, Laos’ 7.4 ...
Laos needs to consolidate to be successful Asean member: PM
Laos is looking for uncovered potential and opportunities to effectively integrate with the Asean Economic Community in ways that benefit the country. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said, “Asean has been approved as a community, but Laos is still seeking uncovered possibilities, potential and opportunities that will benefit ...
Mining slump, improper planning blamed for budget tensions
The enormous drop in revenue generated from mining coupled with improper budget planning has been the main cause of the budget tensions Laos has faced over the past few years, Deputy Prime Minister SomdyDouangdy told parliament recently. MrSomdy, who is also Minister of Finance, said revenue ...
Consumers set for squeeze as power costs skyrocket
The use of many power supply sources, including high-priced sources, has caused Electricity of Viet Nam’s costs to soar, leading to the possibility of future power hikes. Dinh The Phuc, deputy head of the Minister of Trade and Industry’s Power Regulation Department, said that, because the ...
ICT forum eyed as FDI springboard
The government is hopeful an upcoming global forum for the information and communication technology industry will provide an avenue for foreign direct investment from global tech companies. The ITU Telecom World Forum 2016, to be held in Bangkok from Nov 14-17, will also allow the Thai ...
Pak Mun Dam: 25 years after World Bank’s loan, problems remains

The Pak Mun Dam was constructed on the Mun River, a tributary of the Mekong River, in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Preliminary construction of the dam began in mid-1990. The dam was met by intense opposition not only by the local communities but also international ...
Deal to develop QSNCC reached

The Treasury Department has come to an agreement with liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, the owner of N.C.C. Management & Development Co, for the second phase of the upgrade of Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. All issues including investment size, the concession period and the overall trajectory ...
Second phase of Nam Ou hydropower project kicks off
The Nam Ou River Basin Hydropower Project located in Phongsaly and Luang Prabang provinces has launched its second phase of construction in Vientiane on April 28, after completing the Nam Ou 2, 5 and 6 hydropower plants during the first phase. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister ...
Energy and electricity merger complete

A merger between the ministries of electric power and energy, ordered by the new government in March, is now complete and the new structure will be submitted to the cabinet for approval, officials said. U Pe Zin Tun will head up the new ministry. The ...