News
Conflicting calls mark peace conference
Key ethnic armed groups are boycotting the talks and more than 100 civil society organisations called for their postponement, but nonetheless President U Thein Sein’s government on 12 January launched the first round of a political dialogue aimed at bringing a permanent end to over six ...
Dammed if they don’t: Mekong countries face crucial choice
In the wake of COP 21 and a new global climate accord, now is the time for the countries of the Lower Mekong Basin to redouble their efforts to protect the rice bowl of Southeast Asia. This region is among the world’s most vulnerable to climate ...
Wastewater problem growing in Vientiane
Few households in Vientiane have installed treatment systems for their wastewater before it is discharged into drainage channels and collects in the city’s ponds and marshes. As it seems that many home owners in Vientiane don’t care about wastewater treatment or the quality of the water ...
Banks to issue more loans despite lower rates
Despite the fact that the Bank of the Laos recently declared a lower interest rate for deposits and loans, many banks in Laos believe the number of depositors and borrowers will not decrease in the years to come. ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. is one of several ...
Review on further tax break
The Revenue Department may renew the 15,000-baht tax break on domestic tour packages and hotel accommodation that expired last month. The tax-collecting agency will also decide whether to extend the deduction for one year or two, director-general Prasong Poontaneat said. Keep reading ...
Thai exports to China facing another fall
China’s economic slowdown continues to hurt Thai exports, with shipments to the country expected to contract for the third straight year in 2016. Aat Pisanwanich, director of the Center for International Trade Studies under the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said Thai exports to China ...
'No dodging' EIA on water plan
The development of two controversial water diversion projects would comply with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study requirements, the Thai government insists. Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said on 12 January the government wants to study the prospects of diverting water from rivers forming a ...
India trade with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam has potential
India’s trade relation with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) countries has immense potential, and “connectivity” and “economic integration” with regional value chains were crucial in this regard, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on 12 January. Keep reading ...
Vietnam shares end three-day decline
Vietnamese shares rose on both local markets yesterday, snapping a three-day decline, led by large-cap stocks. The benchmark Vietnam Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange rose 1.2 per cent to close at 564.26 points. The southern index dropped 2.9 per cent in the previous ...
Computer viruses plaguing Vietnam
Computer viruses caused a loss of VND8.7 trillion (US$400 million) in Vietnam last year compared to VND8.5 trillion in 2014, the BKAV Technology Group revealed in its latest network security survey released last month. Nearly 63,000 new viruses appeared last year, infecting 61.7 million computers. Keep reading ...
