See more
Thailand's births fall below 500,000 for first time in nearly 80 years
Thailand's population has declined by 100,000 in 2024 to 65.95 million, marking a historic demographic shift as annual births fell below 500,000 for the first time since 1949, despite the government's efforts to promote childbearing through the Having Children for the Nation campaign.
Malaysia’s economy on solid recovery path
Amid global economic challenges, Malaysia's economy maintained robust recovery throughout 2024, providing momentum for continued growth in 2025.
Flash floods, landslide in Indonesia claim at least 16 lives
A landslide in Pekalongan, Central Java of Indonesia has claimed at least 16 lives and left 10 others injured, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNBP) on January 21.
Fire destroys over 500 homes in central Jakarta
As many as 543 houses were destroyed in a blaze in Kemayoran sub-district of Central Jakarta early January 21.
Thai council urges ASEAN unity in US trade talks
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) of Thailand has recommended that Thailand collaborate with other ASEAN nations to negotiate trade agreements with the US to avoid high import tariffs and penalties.
Indonesia welcomes WTO ruling on EU curbs on palm oil biofuel
Indonesia has welcomed a recent ruling by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which found that the European Union (EU) discriminated against Indonesian palm oil-based biofuel, giving it unfair and detrimental treatment, in setting biofuel regulations, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
Indonesia launches 37 energy projects
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto kicked off 37 strategic projects related to the construction of power plants on January 20 as the country is on track to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
ASEANAPOL enhances crackdown on scam call centres
The Asean National Police (ASEANAPOL) will prioritise the elimination of scam call centres linked to trafficking in persons and forced criminal activities as part of its regional action plan this year, Director for Plans and Programmes of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat Police Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc has said.
Continuous earthquakes shake northern Thailand
The Earthquake Observation Division of the Thai Meteorological Department said 15 quakes Wiang Nuea tambon, Pai district in Thailand's northern province of Mae Hong Son from 9.56pm on January 19 to 3.46pm on January 20.
Indonesia to build 5,000 homes for disaster-prone areas
The Ministry of Housing and Settlement in collaboration with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) will provide 5,000 housing units in disaster-prone areas across several regions.
Thailand eyes cryptocurrency to boost economy
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced the government’s decision to allow the use of payment products and services through digital assets in storage areas in Phuket, a popular island destination in the country.
Thailand prepares to respond to US policy changes
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called for thorough preparations to address potential trade challenges resulting from the US’s policy changes.
Thailand launches crime crackdown, seizes largest-ever drug haul
Thailand’s Government is putting together a six-month campaign tackling drug problems, call centre gangs, and human trafficking, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on January 20.
Indonesia optimistic about ending fuel imports in five years
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is optimistic that Indonesia can halt fuel imports within five years, aligning with the government's goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Malaysia, EU resume FTA negotiations
President of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von der Leyen and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on January 20 announced the resumption of negotiations for an ambitious, modern, and balanced EU – Malaysia free trade agreement (FTA).
Czech media covers PM Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit
The Czech media has highlighted the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, particularly the elevation of the bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, which is expected to open up opportunities for the two countries to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, and other fields.
Indonesia bolsters financing for agriculture, fisheries enterprises
Indonesia's Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is seeking to strengthen financing for MSMEs in the agriculture and fishery sectors to support food self-sufficiency.
Australia to become ASEAN tourism partner
ASEAN tourism ministers have unanimously agreed to establish the ASEAN-Australia Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, a new initiative aimed at fostering deeper collaboration in the tourism sector.
Indonesia to tender new oil & gas blocks, reduce LPG imports
Indonesia aims to tender all 60 oil and gas working areas by 2027 to increase oil lifting and support energy security, said its Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
Indonesia’s deficit can surpass target
Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia's senior economist Fithra Faisal Hastiadi has cautioned that President Prabowo Subianto's priority programme for providing free nutritious meals can significantly widen the country's 2025 budget deficit.