People and government

The Thai Cabinet has approved more measures worth Bt5 billion to support small and medium-sized enterprises in a bid to increase their competitiveness, Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang said. Keep reading ...

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is considering changing a tax regulation following concerns that the rule has been abused by Chinese exporters to ship a large amount of steel to Vietnam without paying duties.   Currently imported steel with at least 0.3 percent of chrome content will be exempt ...

A new study from Ho Chi Minh City’s environment department has found an increase in dust and toxic gas in many urban areas, warning that motorbike riders can be exposed to major health risks.    According to local media, the environment observation and analysis center measured the ...

Opposition lawmakers Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Sakphea were viciously beaten and left seriously injured on 26 October morning as a protest outside the National Assembly against Cambodia National Rescue Party deputy leader Kem Sokha descended into violence. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party denied any involvement in organising ...

In efforts to improve conditions for its disabled citizens, the government on 26 October announced that it plans to order the installation of ramps and access signs at all public places. Speaking at the launch of the government’s disability policy in Phnom Penh, Em Chan Makara, secretariat ...

The first avian flu outbreak this year in Laos was reported in ducks and chickens in a farm located in Xayabury. Keep reading ...

Thailand and Laos have decided to set up a social development centre to help tackle human trafficking, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said on 26 September. After the 20th Thai-Lao Joint Commission meeting at a Chiang Rai hotel, Don told reporters that he had signed a memorandum ...

Deadly carnage on the country’s roads is costing billions, police say. More than 3000 people have died in accidents so far this year, with nearly 20,000 injured in more than 11,000 accidents. The toll of deaths and injuries consumes one-quarter of the national health budget. Keep reading ...

Police are investigating allegations that the son of a prominent ruling-party politician rammed an opposition campaign convoy with his motorbike. The alleged attack took place on 18 October, in Zee Phyu Kone village in Naypyitaw’s Dekkhinathiri township. Keep reading ...

Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is seeking more money for a planned social pension program, according to a senior official. The ministry originally requested K500 million (US$390,000) in 2015-16 to distribute to an estimated 35,000 people aged 90 years and above. However, a final ...