News
Laos ignores dam flak
The Lao government is forging ahead with the construction of the massive Don Sahong dam, close to the tri-border area with Thailand and Cambodia, within the next few weeks. The dam is yet another large-scale project being undertaken by Vientiane to make Laos “the battery of ...
EU and Myanmar strengthen cooperation on climate change
The European Union and Myanmar has committed to strengthening cooperation on climate change ahead of the adoption of a new global climate deal in Paris this December according to an EU press release on 2 November. Keep reading ...
No vote, no candidates: Myanmar's Muslims barred from their own election
The upcoming poll on 8 November has been been touted as the freest and fairest in decades but, with religion an increasingly sensitive issue in Myanmar, many Muslims – from ordinary voters to experienced politicians – are coming up against barriers to participation. Dozens of Muslims ...
Charoen eyes $4bn buy of Vietnam's biggest company
Shares in Vinamilk, Vietnam’s largest listed company, hit an all-time high on Tuesday after local media said a drinks-maker controlled by Thailand’s second-richest man plans to buy out the state’s 45% stake. Keep reading ...
Election brings hope, fear for Myanmar refugees stuck in limbo
For refugees from Myanmar living in camps just across the border in Thailand, a landmark election in their homeland triggers mixed emotions – hope that a hated government will be defeated, and fear of the uncertain future such an upheaval might bring. Ko Chit, 45, who ...
Sayabouly eyes more tourists
Sayabouly province, in Laos, expects to attract almost 200,000 visitors next year contributing more than USD6 million to the province’s economy. Lao News Agency reported the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department saying it will improve the night market in Sayabouly district and encourage restaurants to feature more ...
Don Sahong dam critical for development of southern Laos
The government regards the Don Sahong hydropower project as the key driver for socio-economic development and poverty reduction in southern Laos. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Viraphonh Viravong told Vientiane Times on 2 November that the power generated by the US$500-million dam will be used ...
UN chief hits out at Myanmar election ‘hate speech’
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hit out on Monday at “extreme elements” in Myanmar who are sowing hate speech and bigotry towards religious minorities, days before the country votes in landmark elections. Myanmar heads to the polls on 8 November in what observers are hoping will ...
ATTA agents: Business is back
Association of Thai Travel Agents says Thailand tourism has bounced back with Asia and ASEAN playing the key role in tourist arrivals recovery. Speaking at the association monthly meeting, late last week, ATTA president, Charoen Wangananont, said Thailand’s tourism was back on track after the deadly Erawan ...
Mekong dams 'a grave threat to river'
Experts are warning that the Lower Mekong Basin may soon face depleting fish stocks, further erosion of the coastline and rising salinity that will make rice fields uncultivable. The facts are stronger than ever,” said Marc Goichot, an expert on sustainable hydropower and river basin management, ...
