PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — Cambodia’s Cabinet has approved a draft law on military service requiring Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 to fulfill national defence obligations, while participation by women would remain voluntary, according to an official statement released late Thursday. The draft legislation, approved during a full
VIENTIANE, April 24, 2026 — Laos has introduced a new digital immigration requirement for foreign travellers, mandating that visitors complete an online form within three days before entering the country and again within three days before departure. The new Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) replaces traditional paper arrival and departure
MANILA, April 24, 2026 — The Philippines, this year’s chair of ASEAN, urged Myanmar on Friday to release more prisoners, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying a recent mass amnesty was a positive step toward inclusive national dialogue. In a statement issued in its capacity as chair of
BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 — Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) has expanded self-service fueling at its PTT Station network, offering motorists discounts while raising concerns that wider automation could threaten jobs for pump attendants. The company said drivers using self-service pumps would receive a discount of 40
In international politics, perception often matters as much as reality. For smaller states especially, media narratives can shape diplomatic standing, investor confidence and national reputation long before facts are fully established. Cambodia has experienced this repeatedly in recent years. One prominent example was reporting surrounding Ream Naval Base. Claims that
BANGKOK, April 24, 2026 — Thailand’s Council of Engineers has come under scrutiny after a senior member alleged that its computer system was hacked, potentially exposing the personal data of more than 300,000 members and raising fears of follow-on fraud. Chulert Jitjuejun, a senior professional engineer and prominent council member,
BANGKOK, April 17, 2026 — Civil society groups and lawmakers in Thailand are urging the government to fast-track a stalled bankruptcy reform bill aimed at helping small debtors, warning that delays could deepen financial hardship for millions. The proposal, backed by advocacy group Fair Finance Thailand, seeks to revive amendments
