Cambodia suffers third COVID-19 community outbreak

Cambodian authorities detected 32 new COVID-19 cases in Phnom Penh on February 20, mostly in Koh Pich island area and some apartment buildings near the Olympic stadium.

Saturday, February 20, 2021 14:06

Cambodia suffers third COVID-19 community outbreak ảnh 1

Many areas in Phnom Penh have been put into lockdown (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodian authorities detected32 new COVID-19 cases in Phnom Penh on February 20, mostly in Koh Pich islandarea and some apartment buildings near the Olympic stadium.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen confirmed theinformation in a live TV programme the same day.

This is the third wave of COVID-19 outbreak in the SoutheastAsian nation.

Initial information showed that the outbreak relates to somepeople escaping the quarantine site at Sokha hotel to live in a number ofapartment buildings.

PM Hun Sen underlined the need to strictly implementpreventive measures, but no plan to close schools and public places in PhnomPenh has been issued.

The Cambodian Government leader stressed the need forauthorities, accommodation and service facilities as well as shops toconduct pandemic preventive solutions to avoid the spreading of the virus.

As of early morning of February 20, a number of apartmentbuildings in Phnom Penh, especially Koh Pich island, N8 Vlub bar and nearbyrestaurants had been locked down./.

VNA

#COVID-19 #Phnom Penh #Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen #Koh Pich island #pandemic preventive solutions #Vietnam #Vietnam news #Vietnam News Agency Cambodia

See more

A wind power project in Lam Dong province. (Photo: VNA)

Energy security – critical concern for fast growing Southeast Asia economies: Malaysian researcher

14/04/2026 03:17

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, energy security is emerging as a critical concern for fast-growing Southeast Asian economies, including Vietnam, as they pursue green transition goals, said Ei Sun Oh, a senior fellow at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia.

Thailand's Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (Photo: Royal Thai Government)

Thailand implements emergency relief package to protect economy

13/04/2026 17:16

The Thai Government has allocated more than 7.74 billion THB (about 241 million USD) from the central budget to support citizens in coping with rising energy prices, subsidise transport costs, and implement measures to reduce the cost of living nationwide.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow says Thailand is still not ready for JBC talks with Cambodia, stressing internal procedures must come first. (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand holds off on Joint Border Committee meeting with Cambodia

13/04/2026 16:32

Sihasak said Thailand had already informed Cambodia that the Thai side must first go through domestic procedures, including approval for the reconstitution of its JBC team because the Thai membership needs to be changed.

Party General Secretary To Lam (R) welcomes Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in Hanoi in April 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Top Vietnamese leader’s visit highlights strategic importance of bilateral ties: Chinese newspaper

13/04/2026 15:29

The newspaper noted that To Lam announced his visit to China just two days after being elected State President of Vietnam. Earlier, in August 2024, shortly after assuming the position of Party General Secretary, he also chose China as the destination for his first overseas trip. That both of his first state visits in his new roles have been to China is a clear indication of the strategic nature and elevated importance of China–Vietnam relations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang (first, right) attends the seminar on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in Vienna on April 10. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam stresses nuclear non-proliferation treaty as cornerstone of global security

13/04/2026 08:47

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang emphasised the necessity of strengthening trust among member states and maintaining a balance between the treaty’s three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian (in green shirt) and Housing and Settlement Minister Maruarar Sirait (white polo shirt) visit Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands District, North Sulawesi (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia to renovate housing, narrow regional gap

13/04/2026 06:26

The initiative is being implemented under President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to enhance social equity, strengthen the resilience of remote areas, and foster national cohesion.

Thailand eyes major investment law reform

13/04/2026 05:21

The Thai economy remains imbalanced, relying heavily on exports and services such as tourism, which together account for roughly 70% of GDP. Meanwhile, domestic investment aimed at strengthening the country’s production structure and keeping pace with global changes remains insufficient, said Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

Indonesia tightens management of forest resources

13/04/2026 03:26

The total value of recovered assets is equivalent to nearly 10% of Indonesia’s 2026 state budget, estimated at about 240 billion USD, highlighting the large scale of past violations in the forestry sector.

Thailand faces inflation control challenge amid energy crisis

13/04/2026 00:27

Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), was quoted by local media as saying that this round of inflation has its roots in the supply side, meaning an interest-rate increase may not be the most effective answer.

Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia works to address rising prices of medicines, medical equipment

12/04/2026 23:24

Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on April 11 that the government’s priority is to ensure stable supplies to prevent disruptions to the healthcare sector.

Mr Varawut aims to address plastic shortages through environmental measures, including recycling unused plastics. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand boosts plastic recycling amid supply shortages

12/04/2026 20:33

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said promoting plastic recycling would help ease short-term supply shortages while supporting long-term environmental protection.

Thailand seeks to offset fertiliser supply shortfall

12/04/2026 19:12

Thailand's Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit reaffirmed the policy to suspend farmers' debts for three years, which was announced during his party's election campaign, though details of the measure will be finalised after consultations with state agencies, including the Finance Ministry.

Cargo vessels wait off the coast of Oman to transit the Strait of Hormuz following a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Photo: Anadolu Agency/VNA)

Middle East tensions: ASEAN, World Bank warn of global economic fallout

12/04/2026 06:15

Finance ministers and central bank governors of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 10 expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their potentially serious impact on the global economy.

Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) Photo: https://thainews.prd.go.th/)

Thailand revises growth outlook with four scenarios amid Middle East tensions

12/04/2026 04:27

Thailand’s economic outlook is facing mounting uncertainty as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on global energy markets, prompting authorities to reassess growth projections and warn of rising stagflation risks.

The suspect arrested in the crackdown. (Photo:nationthailand.com)

Thailand cracks down on online scam and gambling networks

11/04/2026 07:01

Thai authorities have intensified a crackdown on online scam and gambling networks, arresting a suspected ringleader and freezing assets worth billions of THB linked to transnational criminal activities.

President Prabowo Subianto signs an inscription at the inauguration of PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas' electric commercial vehicle assembly plant in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia targets ending fuel imports within three years

11/04/2026 05:11

In addition to electrifying power plants, the Indonesian government is promoting electric vehicles and the utilisation of other renewable energy sources. Solutions include processing palm oil and used cooking oil into aviation fuel to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.