News
Thailand destroys more than 2 tons of illegal ivory
Thai authorities destroyed more than 2 tons of seized and smuggled ivory on 26 August, in the latest move by the government to avoid possible economic sanctions over a perceived failure to tackle the illicit trade. Tusks from more than 200 dead African elephants and other ...
Ministry reveals CSR history for country’s largest oil and gas firms
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions made by international oil companies operating in Myanmar have been made public for the first time, with France’s Total E&P Myanmar at the top of the list. The Ministry of Energy (MoE) has released figures dating back to 1998, on ...
Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam work together on tourism
Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are conducting ongoing discussions on the creation of a Southern Tourism Corridor, which would promote tour packages across the southern provinces of the three countries, giving a boost to tourism across the region. Keep reading ...
ASEAN to have common driving license
The ASEAN regional forum mulls over issuing international driving licenses that will be valid in each of the 10 member countries, an official stated on 26 August. Keep reading ...
Vietnamese firms ignore rural potential: media
Despite being seen as the decisive factor in achieving sustainable rural development, Vietnam’s business sector still remained largely an untapped power, local newspaper Vietnam News on 26 August quoted officials and experts as saying. Keep reading ...
Suu Kyi: Myanmar's rebels shouldn’t sign peace deal in haste
Myanmar’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has warned armed ethnic minority groups not to rush into signing a nationwide ceasefire, a top party colleague said 26 August, a position that pits her against President Thein Sein, who has made reaching a deal before November ...
New minister of agriculture and forestry appointed
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Phet Phomphiphak has been appointed Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, replacing Mr Vilayvanh Phomkhe, as approved by the government. A ceremony to hand over the position took place at the ministry on 24 August, attended by Deputy Prime Minister ...
China oil rig to keep drilling in waters disputed with Vietnam
A Chinese oil rig at the center of last year’s standoff between China and Vietnam will continue drilling not far from Vietnam’s coast, China’s maritime safety authorities said on 25 August. The deployment of the $1 billion deepwater rig last year about 120 nautical miles off ...
New strategy for Japan, Mekong cooperation
Japan and four Southeast Asian nations along the Mekong River Basin – Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand – have approved a plan to speed up industrial development in the region. Keep reading ...
Central Bank fires warning shot on USD pricing
As the kyat continues its eight-month slide against foreign currencies, the Central Bank of Myanmar will soon set down punishments against businesses charging in US dollars, according to official sources. In May, the Central Bank halved US dollar withdrawal limits and warned local businesses to cease ...