News
How should Vietnam behave after the US abandons TPP?
Anti-globalization and protectionist attitudes are increasing in some countries, but Vietnam still has an open economy. This means big challenges for Vietnam in upcoming days. US President Donald Trump on January 23 officially pulled out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a move that The New ...
The rise of unregulated livestock production prompts health concerns in regions
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization is warning that increasing demand for, and consumption of, meat and other products of animal origin in East and Southeast Asia are threatening the health of millions of people and livestock as unregulated producers race to meet the demand, often ...
Tourism potential as yet unfulfilled in Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau in the south of Laos will be developed into the country’s top agri-business and agri-tourism destination thanks to its year round temperate climate. The Bolaven Plateau runs through Champassak province’s Pakxong district, Saravan province’s Lao-ngam, and Xekong province’s Thataeng district and boasts ...
Central bank turns the spotlight on loan favouritism
The Central Bank of Myanmar has accused private banks of granting loans to individuals connected with bank directors. But some businessmen disagree with CB that the banks are self-serving. The Central Bank is investigating the activities of private banks, Director General U Win Thaw told ...
The soul of the Mekong is in trouble
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last week asked reporters why non-governmental organisations, environmental activists and academics continue to protest against the planned blasting of rapids in the Mekong River. He said many of these protesters are outsiders, meaning people who do not live by the riverside, do ...
Hefty fines for flouting building regulations
Building owners in Mandalay will soon face hefty fines that may exceed the value of the buildings if the structures are built without permits or if they flout regulations, warned the Mandalay City Development Committee. From April 1, fines will be increased 75 percent for ...
Rail mishaps prompt call for action
Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hòa Bình on Saturday ordered urgent measures to increase safety at railway crossings. His order came in the wake of a sharp spike in the number and scale of railway accidents during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday. Deputy PM Bình, ...
Phuket hospitals rejecting migrant workers’ insurance
Some women are forced to abandon their babies at hospitals as they’re being denied universal health coverage. Financial difficulties in the healthcare system is leading to pregnant migrant workers only in Phuket province being denied access to Universal Coverage health insurance scheme when they deliver babies. Usually ...
Society urged to give former inmates a second chance, jobs after jail
For many former convicts, it is difficult to start a new life because they do not receive a second chance from society. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an elderly man lamented how his son was rejected at the last stage of recruitment after a government agency ...
Taking hold
On December 12 the Thai-owned Fraser and Neave completed the purchase of 5.4 per cent of the Vietnamese dairy giant Vinamilk for almost $500 million. Each of F&N’s subsidiaries – F&N Bev Manufacturing and F&N Dairy Investments – bought 2.7 per cent at the starting price ...
