Southeast Asian News Roundup
The following article provides a compilation of news stories from across Southeast Asia, covering countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Singapore
11 Arrested After Two-Day Islandwide Sweep Led by CID’s Secret Societies Branch — The Straits Times
Eleven suspected gang members were arrested after islandwide checks on over 40 public entertainment outlets, nightlife establishments, and eateries on November 29 and 30.
Vietnam
- Vietnam, Malaysia’s Upgraded Ties Could Pave Way for ‘More Cohesive’ Regional Approach to South China Sea Tensions: Experts — CNA
As Malaysia becomes the first Southeast Asian nation to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) with Vietnam, the upgrade in diplomatic relations signals a more united stand against China’s claims in the South China Sea, say analysts.
Indonesia
- COP29 $300B Funding Pledge Remains Elusive for Indonesia — The Jakarta Post
The foremost global conference on climate change resulted in a commitment from developed nations to fund climate change initiatives in developing nations to the tune of US$300 billion a year, but it is unclear how exactly Indonesia might avail itself of that funding.
- Domestic Airfares for Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 Set to Drop 10% — Jakarta Globe
The government is taking measures to reduce domestic airfare prices by 10% for the upcoming Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 holiday period.
Thailand
- Panel Aims to Delay Wage Hike — Bangkok Post
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB) is preparing to submit a petition letter to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday, asking her to delay the plan to increase the daily minimum wage to 400 baht on January 1 next year, as businesses are struggling to deal with the sluggish economy.
Cambodia
- "Krama Khmer" Gets UNESCO Recognition — Agence Kampucchea Presse
The traditional Cambodian scarf or "Krama Khmer" was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity category in a meeting held in Paraguay yesterday.
- Cambodia-Laos Agree on Double Taxation — Fresh News
Cambodia and Laos signed three agreements during Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Phnom Penh from December 4 to 5. They included the elimination of double taxation, cooperation in the culture and arts, and the development of the agriculture sector.
Laos
- Russia Shares Expertise to Clear UXO — Vientiane Times
The International Mine Action Centre of the Russian Armed Forces teamed up with the Engineering Corps of the Lao People’s Army to clear UXO (unexploded ordnance) remnants in Houaphan province. Russian experts have been assisting Laos, which is still facing threats of UXO devices.
- Laos-Hong Kong Improve Customs Clearance — Vientiane Times
Laos and Hong Kong signed an agreement to simplify customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade and to enhance bilateral trade and investment ties.
Myanmar
- Expanding Commercial Oil Palm Cultivation — The Global New Light of Myanmar
The Agriculture Department plans to expand oil palm cultivation on a larger commercial scale using locally produced hybrid seeds and plans to establish a palm oil refinery in the Taninthayi Region. Currently, cultivation has reached 395,772 acres in the region.
- "Thingyan" On UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List — The Global New Light of Myanmar
The popular "Thingyan" celebration, also known as the New Year Water Festival, was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination was approved at the 19th Session of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee in Paraguay yesterday.
Conclusion
This roundup provides an overview of recent news developments across Southeast Asia, touching on topics such as arrests, diplomatic relations, funding, airfares, wage hikes, UNESCO recognition, and customs clearance agreements.
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