Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 23, 2025
1.UNEASE GROWS OVER TNI, POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN CIVIL GOVERNANCE -- THE JAKARTA POST
2.INDONESIA SEIZES MILLIONS OF ILLEGALLY IMPORTED TOOLS FROM CHINA TRACKED THROUGH TIKTOK ADS -- JAKARTA GLOBE
The growing presence of active police and military officers in executive and legislative posts under President Prabowo Subianto has sparked concerns among analysts, who warn that the trend signals a shift away from Indonesia's post-Reform commitment to civilian supremacy in governance.
Indonesian authorities have seized millions of illegally imported tools and hardware products from China, with an estimated value of Rp 18 billion (approx. US$1.1 million), following a tip-off triggered by TikTok advertisements, Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced on Thursday.
1.SOUTHEAST ASIA'S LARGEST WIND FARM OPERATIONAL SOON -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos will launch its first RM3.9 billion (US$930 million) wind farm by year-end. All 133 turbines are now fully installed. The 600-MW power project is spread across 68,000 hectares of Xekong and Attapeu provinces.
2.SWISS TECHNICAL EXPERTS TO TRAIN LAO YOUTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos and Switzerland vocational education experts are jointly working to strengthen curriculum development for technical training institutions and enterprises in Laos. The project aims to provide knowledge and skills for unemployed youth.
MYANMAR
1.NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGY BEING FINE-TUNED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government, along with the Private Trade Promotion Council are working on the National Export Strategy 2026-2030 draft that will propel the domestic trading sector. Both parties held the second council meeting yesterday.
2.COCONUT GROWERS ADVISED TO TARGET SOUTH KOREA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Local associations advise growers and suppliers to export dry coconut shells to South Korea. There is a growing demand for dried and fresh coconut that is widely used in the cosmetic and Asian food industries. They are currently exported to Bangladesh, China and Thailand.
SINGAPORE
1.CROP OF NEW OFFICE-HOLDERS LARGEST SINCE 2001; RESHUFFLE PROVIDES FOR MINORITY SUCCESSION IN CABINET -- THE STRAITS TIMES
In 2001, seven new MPs took political office in a fresh injection of talent by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
2.TALLER BUILDINGS COULD BE ALLOWED NEAR SINGAPORE AIRPORTS WITH HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS REVIEW: CHEE HONG TAT -- CNA
Height restrictions on buildings near airports could be revised later this year, potentially paving the way for taller residential and commercial developments, said Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 22).
THAILAND
1. SUPREME ADMIN COURT ORDERS YINGLUCK TO PAY 10BN BAHT FOR G-TO-G RICE DEAL DAMAGE -- THE NATION
Supreme Admin Court orders Yingluck to pay 10bn baht for rice pledging scheme damage, overturning lower court ruling and adjusting asset freezes.
2. COUP RISK REMAINS, WARNS PHUMTHAM -- BANGKOK POST
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has refrained from ruling out the possibility of a future coup and asked all sides to learn from history to strengthen democratic institutions.
VIETNAM
1.THIRD EDITION OF 'HAPPY VIETNAM' LAUNCHED -- VIETNAM NEWS
Vietnam launched the third edition of its 'Happy Vietnam' media award, which will capture the true meaning of happiness and how it connects to national identity. The campaign is a nationwide move to celebrate national pride and promote human rights.
2. RELIEF FOR VIETNAMESE DURIAN EXPORTERS TO CHINA -- VIETNAM NEWS
The General Administration of Customs of China has recognised 829 growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes for Vietnamese durians. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment considers this is a positive move to address the decline in durian exports to China recently.
-- BERNAMA
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