India, Thailand set to bolster defence cooperation

Defence ties between India and Thailand are expected to receive a boost as India’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan is set to visit Thailand from July 23-26.
Defence ties between India and Thailand are expected to receive a boostas India’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R.K. Dhowan is set to visitThailand from July 23-26.

The PTI news agencyquoted Indian Ambassador to Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla as sayingthe visit takes place at a time when the two countries are seeking waysto strengthen the already close cooperation.

The two navies are also exploring measures to strengthen their relationship in line with India’s Act East Policy.

India and Thailand share a common 1,000-kilometre maritime border inthe Andaman Sea where most of the trade between the two countries takesplace.

Cooperation between the two navies is the leading component in the two countries’ defence ties.

During his three-day visit, Admiral Dhowan is scheduled to hold talkswith his Thai counterpart Admiral Kraison Chansuwanit and meet with theDeputy Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and the Chief of DefenceForces of the host country.-VNA

See more

A Petronas filling station in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: VNA)

Malaysia tightens controls on border-town fuel stations

Deputy KPDN Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh said the government is currently reviewing existing policies to further restrict fuel purchases in high-risk zones, acknowledging that current limits have not completely stopped the leakages.

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

Thailand implements emergency relief package to protect economy

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.

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

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.

Thailand eyes major investment law reform

Thailand eyes major investment law reform

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

Indonesia tightens management of forest resources

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 seeks to offset fertiliser supply shortfall

Thailand seeks to offset fertiliser supply shortfall

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.

 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

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.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Indonesia's first melamine project, invested by PT GEABH Joint Technology, is held in the Gresik Special Economic Zone, East Java Province, Indonesia, April 8 (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia develops strategic chemical industry

Indonesia's first melamine plant in the Gresik Special Economic Zone is seen as a strategic step to boost the development of the country’s chemical industry and enhance domestic value creation.