Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Thailand: Feb 24, 2025

Southeast Asia News Update

Indonesia

1. Student Rallies Test Prabowo’s Leadership
   President Prabowo Subianto is facing a major test of his leadership as signs of dissent against his new government have appeared in the form of student protests and the possible emergence of an opposition party.

2. 68 Indonesian Migrant Workers Deported from Malaysia via Dumai
   Malaysian immigration authorities have deported 68 Indonesian migrant workers through Dumai Port in Riau, an official said on Sunday.

Laos

1. Laos-Cuba Promote Multifaceted Cooperation
   Laos and Cuba strengthen ties by cooperating in health, education, sport, commerce, investment, agriculture, and cultural affairs. Both nations agreed to support each other at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77 and China groupings.

2. Elephants Take Centre Stage in Lao Culture
   The Elephant Festival in Xayaboury province displayed the symbolic bond between local communities and elephants, demonstrating the animals’ influence on Lao culture and history. A grand procession of 50 elephants from 11 districts paraded at the festival showcased their multiple skills.

Myanmar

1. Mekong-Ganga Festival Promotes Friendship
   The Mekong-Ganga Food Festival was held in Yangon yesterday to promote bilateral friendship between Myanmar and India. It was jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Yangon, the Indian Women’s Association in Yangon, and the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network.

2. Flushing Out Foreigners from Scam Centres
   Since January this year, Myanmar detained 2,220 illegal foreign nationals involved in cybercrime. Among them, 673 were deported through Thailand, while 1,547 are waiting for repatriation and placed under detention. The government is eradicating online fraud, gambling, and other cybercrime.

Singapore

1. Attitudes Have Improved, but Fear of Mental Health Stigma at Work Still Persists
   Stuck in a toxic relationship, Amanda suffered a miscarriage while still reeling from the loss of someone dear to her during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Singapore’s Smaller Opposition Parties Stake Early Claim to Wards Ahead of General Election
   Fringe political parties in Singapore have identified constituencies they wish to contest in a coming general election, despite the electoral map still being redrawn and the date of the polls not yet announced.

Thailand

1. Thaksin Apologises for Expiration of Tak Bai Case
   Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday apologised for the expiration of the Tak Bai case with a failure to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying that people should solve the problem together.

2. Phuket Eyes B500bn in Revenue for 2025
   Phuket expects to achieve 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year, said Sophon Suwannarat, the island’s provincial governor.

Conclusion

The Southeast Asian region is witnessing a mix of developments, from student protests in Indonesia to the strengthening of ties between Laos and Cuba. In Myanmar, the government is taking steps to eradicate online fraud, while in Singapore, fringe political parties are staking their claim to wards in the upcoming general election. In Thailand, Phuket is eyeing a significant boost in tourism revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key developments in Indonesia?
  • Student protests and the possible emergence of an opposition party are testing President Prabowo’s leadership.
  • 68 Indonesian migrant workers were deported from Malaysia via Dumai.
• What is the state of Laos-Cuba relations?
  • Laos and Cuba are strengthening their ties through cooperation in various sectors, including health, education, and culture.
• What is happening in Myanmar?
  • The Mekong-Ganga Food Festival was held to promote bilateral friendship between Myanmar and India.
  • The government is eradicating online fraud, gambling, and other cybercrime, with 2,220 illegal foreign nationals detained since January.
• What is the situation in Singapore?
  • Fringe political parties are staking their claim to wards in the upcoming general election.
  • Fear of mental health stigma at work still persists, despite improved attitudes.