News
Labour agencies mull boycott of Malaysia
A tenfold increase in visa fees has prompted employment agencies to consider boycotting Malaysia, long a favoured destination of Myanmar migrant workers. The threat, which could be backed up by demonstrations, followed an announcement by the Malaysian embassy to raise visa application costs from US$6 ...
Canal repair reduces Yangon water supply
Householders in 19 Yangon city townships are being urged to store water as repair work proceeds on the canal that supplies much of the city’s water. The city’s Irrigation Department will be working on the canal between the Ngamoeyeik dam and the city’s Nyaunghnapin pumping station ...
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 ...
