People and government
No trafficking victims in Phuket, says report
After months of research, the Human Trafficking Crime Prevention and Suppression Centre delivered its report this week with the stunning revelation that the task force found not a single case of human trafficking on Phuket island. Keep reading ...
Laos Christian in jail for praying dies after authorities refuse to give him medication
A man from Laos who was jailed for praying has died after he was refused vital treatment in prison. According to the Human Rights Watcher for Lao Religious Freedom group, Tiang Kwentianthong was imprisoned with four others last year, when he prayed for an elderly woman ...
Farmers confront minister over alleged land grab
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing came under pressure from constituents on 23 September over allegations land had been taken from farmers and placed in his wife’s name. But the minister, who has previously been linked to large land grabs during his time as a regional military ...
'Economy would improve if we can increase women’s incomes': Cheery Zahau
Tuan Cer Sung, better known as Cheery Zahau, is aiming for a Lower House seat in Falam Township, where her parents were born. She is one of five women candidates from the Chin Progressive Party (CPP) to run in the 8 November polls in Myanmar. In an interview with ...
Election takes a back seat as flood-hit Magwe’s farmers struggle to rebuild
For the tens of thousands of farmers in Magwe Region still reeling from last month’s floods, the November election may not register as high-priority. With upwards of 100,000 displaced and having lost their livelihoods, the immediate need to rebuild means the election is the last ...
IFC to lead sustainable hydro in Myanmar
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has signed to advise the government on environmental and social risk management for hydropower projects nationwide. This is the first time anything like this will be done in Myanmar. Commentators say they hope it will serve as the basis for transparent ...
Thai deputy PM takes over reform pick duties
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has assigned his deputy Prawit Wongsuwon to oversee the selection of members for the National Reform Steering Assembly and new constitution drafting committee while he attends the United Nations General Assembly. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on 22 September, Gen Prayut said he ...
Vientiane to install more CCTV cameras
Vientiane Traffic Police Department confirmed on 22 September that more Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras are set to be installed throughout the city, aiming to help officers investigate crimes in the capital. The department’s Deputy Director Lieutenant Colonel Bounmark Soundalay told Vientiane Times there are now over 200 ...
Permanant border crossing planned from Phayao to Laos
Ban Huak temporary border checkpoint in Phayao province’s Phu Sang border district will be upgraded to permanent status next year to boost trade and investment with Khop district in Sayaboury province of Laos. Waradisorn Onnut, chief of Phu Sang district, said on 23 September that preparations ...
Vietnam to lose $77 million of tax revenue each year due to free trade pacts
The government has estimated that it will lose around US$77 million of tax revenue annually between 2016 and 2025, when new free trade agreements take effect and eliminate a majority of import duties. Keep reading ...
