Government
Thailand’s proposed death penalty for corruption a stunt, experts say
Those convicted of corruption in Thailand involving more than one billion baht could face the death penalty under a new proposal. A proposal by the Thai government to impose the death penalty in some corruption cases is largely “for show”, according to analysts. Under plans approved ...
VN, Laos, Cambodia boost defence ties
The defence ministries of Việt Nam, Laos and Cambodia will step up military co-operation via programmes to be implemented this year. The agreements, boosting long-standing ties of friendship between the three countries, mark ongoing visits (January 8-11) by Lao and Cambodian defence ministers to the ...
Thailand expects tourism revenue of nearly $50 billion in 2017
Thailand expects revenue from foreign tourists to rise 8.5 percent to 1.78 trillion baht ($49.8 billion) this year, a deputy prime minister said on January 9. The expected rise results from an improved outlook for global tourism as well as Thailand’s investment in infrastructure, Deputy ...
Laos, Cambodia open new international border checkpoint
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen will attend the official opening ceremony of the new Nong Nokkhiane-Trapeang Kriel international border checkpoint on January 10, according to Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 5. The new international border checkpoint will ...
Prayut rejects elections campaigns in current environment, leaving door open to delay
While not ruling out a postponement of the general election until next year, after a member of the National Legislative Assembly raised doubts about the issue, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said on January 4 the current atmosphere was not suitable for election campaigns. “As you ...
Technical issue mars voter list publication
Prospective voters ran into problems on January 3 during the first publication of the country’s new voter lists. Citizens will have until January 14 to check their names and information on voter lists to confirm they are correct, either in person, at registration offices or online. But ...
Import ban on petrol aims at plugging leaks
Cambodia will prohibit land-based imports of refined petroleum products from January 1 to eliminate smuggling along the country’s borders and improve the efficiency of customs revenue collection, officials said on December 29. According to the General Department of Customs and Excise, which announced the ban ...
Assembly passes traffic law amendments
The National Assembly on December 26 approved amendments to nine articles in the Traffic Law, including an article which does not require people riding motorcycles under 125cc to have licenses. The amendments were passed with 93 out of 100 votes in favor of it, despite select ...
Laos, Vietnam seeks to boost cooperative relations
Lao and Vietnamese leaders have discussed a number of issues in a move to consolidate the cooperative relations, friendship and special solidarity between the two countries. At a meeting held between Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith and his visiting Vietnamese counterpart Pham ...
Laos urges infrastructure development in Mekong Basin countries
Laos has suggested that cooperation between the Mekong Basin countries and China focus on the development of infrastructure for improved connectivity and to bolster commercial production. The proposal was made by the Lao delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith at the ...