Regional news from Southeast Asia in English — ASEAN politics, economy and diplomacy, covered by Thai PBS World.
Thailand and Timor-Leste have agreed to deepen economic cooperation, expand trade in agricultural and processed food products, and accelerate efforts to establish direct flights between Bangkok and Dili.
Malaysia hosted Myanmar's junta chief-turned-President Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday, saying it aimed to reintegrate the country with Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN, but made clear the visit did not amount to recognition for the military-backed government.
Vietnamese police have arrested 12 men accused of stealing nearly 2,700 cats during night raids into residential neighbourhoods, taking the pets to be slaughtered for food, police and state media said on Monday.
Laos has undergone a major leadership reshuffle, naming former Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister and moving outgoing Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to the presidency of the National Assembly.
Thailand and Laos have set an ambitious goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$11 billion by 2027 during high-level talks in Luang Prabang on Friday.
Malaysia deported roughly 1,500 Myanmar nationals, including children, on Tuesday under a controversial repatriation scheme, defying warnings from the UN and human rights bodies.
Thailand calls on ASEAN to review its consensus rule and strengthen its institutions to counter the rising rivalry among major powers and its implications for the region.
Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand, Zaw Zaw Soe, has been recalled to Nay Pyi Taw over alleged labor smuggling and issuing visas to anti-regime figures.
The Thai Foreign Ministry has not been informed that Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand was summoned back to Naypyitaw for questioning in connection with alleged collusion with Myanmar businessmen and the issuance of passports to anti-regime figures.
Rescuers in Indonesia said at least six people were killed and 129 others were missing after a ferry capsized in rough seas on Sunday, with one survivor recounting scenes of panic as passengers scrambled for life jackets.
At least five people were killed and 86 remain missing after a fire erupted aboard a ferry near a tourist hotspot in the Philippine province of Palawan, the coast guard said Thursday.
