Economy and industry
Proposed Xayaboury airport still up in the air
The go ahead for construction of a new airport in Laos’ Xayaboury province is still awaiting government approval with no decision in sight. The provincial Public Works and Transport Department sent plans for a new airport to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport earlier this ...
Thailand receives high ratings for tackling child labor
A report by the United States Department of Labor praised Thailand’s efforts in tackling the issue of child labor. According to the Government Spokesman Bureau, the Thai government has continuously placed great emphasis on the issue of child labor in the country. Keep reading ...
No Thai-Myanmar border closed as rumored
Myanmar says it did not close its borders along Thailand’s Tak province as rumored. Tak authorities have confirmed that trade on the Thai-Myanmar border remains open as usual, after the 4th Infantry Regiment investigated the claims. Keep reading ...
Vietnam needs greater efficiency of energy sources: WB
Greater energy efficiency, expansion in renewables and increased power trading in Asia could help Vietnam meet an expected 7-10 percent rise a year in power demand through 2030, the World Bank (WB) in Vietnam said. Keep reading ...
China ratifies Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank agreement

China’s top legislature today ratified the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement, that will set out legal framework for the USD 100 billion-bank in which India and 56 other countries are founder members. Lawmakers voted on the agreement at the closing meeting of the bimonthly session ...
Laos ignores dam flak
The Lao government is forging ahead with the construction of the massive Don Sahong dam, close to the tri-border area with Thailand and Cambodia, within the next few weeks. The dam is yet another large-scale project being undertaken by Vientiane to make Laos “the battery of ...
Charoen eyes $4bn buy of Vietnam's biggest company

Shares in Vinamilk, Vietnam’s largest listed company, hit an all-time high on Tuesday after local media said a drinks-maker controlled by Thailand’s second-richest man plans to buy out the state’s 45% stake. Keep reading ...
Sayabouly eyes more tourists
Sayabouly province, in Laos, expects to attract almost 200,000 visitors next year contributing more than USD6 million to the province’s economy. Lao News Agency reported the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department saying it will improve the night market in Sayabouly district and encourage restaurants to feature more ...
Don Sahong dam critical for development of southern Laos
The government regards the Don Sahong hydropower project as the key driver for socio-economic development and poverty reduction in southern Laos. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Viraphonh Viravong told Vientiane Times on 2 November that the power generated by the US$500-million dam will be used ...
ATTA agents: Business is back

Association of Thai Travel Agents says Thailand tourism has bounced back with Asia and ASEAN playing the key role in tourist arrivals recovery. Speaking at the association monthly meeting, late last week, ATTA president, Charoen Wangananont, said Thailand’s tourism was back on track after the deadly Erawan ...