Government

For years, Myanmar’s state-owned timber giant has been subject to accusations of corruption and shadowy closed-door dealings. Environmental advocacy groups have long blamed Myanmar Timber Enterprise for operating its industry monopoly without transparency. On November 15, their allegations appeared to gain newfound teeth, substantiated by ...

The government has instructed its anti-corruption body to work out necessary measures and carry out inspection to fight against corruption in all forms. The instruction was made at the two-day meeting between the government cabinet, Vientiane Mayor and provincial governors that concluded on December 14 in ...

Mines Minister Suy Sem could not give parliament’s anti-corruption commission an acceptable explanation for why Cambodian customs data failed to note $750 million in sand exports that Singapore says it received, the committee’s chairman said after a hearing on December 15. Sem was called in ...

The Thai and Bhutanese governments plan to expand tourism cooperation to boost the tourism sectors of the two countries and highlight Thailand as a key destination. Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn said Thailand and Bhutan are considering holding events to promote the culture and tourism ...

The relations between the Lao PDR and great powers have seen positive escalation, while the nation has maintained normalcy in its relations with developed countries, reflecting some remarkable achievements in Laos’ foreign affairs. The achievements were disseminated at the 13th meeting on foreign affairs, which ...

Bestlin Group, the firm contracted to procure 489 natural gas for vehicle air-conditioned buses to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, on December 8 proposed a deal with the Finance Ministry amid​ fears it might be ineligible for a 40% import duty exemption for the buses. The firm ...

The government decided on December 8 to offer a three-year, multiple-entry visa for Japanese nationals to facilitate and attract more investment and tourists. The decision was made by Prime Minister Hun Sen during the 5th year anniversary of Minibea, a Japanese motor assembly plant at Phnom ...

In a serious blow to thousands of would-be home-owners, the construction of affordable homes in Yangon’s Ayeyarwon and Yadanar housing projects has been suspended because the money has run out, government officials say. Urban and Housing Development department director general U Min Htein told The Myanmar ...

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to adhere to scientific ways in the development of governance and administration, with their strong roots developed from an early stage. Mr Thongloun made the call on December 7 in his address at the ...

The Customs Department has impounded 100 natural gas vehicle air-conditioned buses which were supposed to hit Bangkok streets late this month amid doubts over whether the import order is legitimate or was falsely declared to avoid more than 100 million baht in tax. The first ...