TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN THAILAND, CAMBODIA, MYANMAR, VIETNAM SINGAPORE & INDONESIA: JAN 18, 2025

THAILAND

1. ISOLATED HEAVY RAINS AND FLOOD WARNING ISSUED FOR SOUTHERN THAILAND -- THE NATION

The northeast monsoon prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea will strengthen over the weekend, bringing isolated heavy downpours to the lower South, the Thai Meteorological Department warned on Friday.

2. BANDWAGON TO GET ANCIENT TEMPLE UNESCO STATUS GROWS -- BANGKOK POST

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on is preparing to propose to the cabinet that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat be given the backing it needs to secure Unesco World Heritage status.  

CAMBODIA

1.HUN SEN URGES CAMBODIA-MALAYSIA TO RAISE TRADE TIES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

During a meeting with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen urged Cambodia and Malaysia to build more trust and promote trade. He said the two countries should set a RM9 billion (US$2 billion) bilateral trade target. 

2.RAISING TOURISM BAR TO WOO MORE TOURISTS -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

The Ministry of Tourism aims to attract more than seven million international tourists in this year. Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million foreign visitors last year. Its strategic plan includes developing the Muslim tourism market and enhancing e-visa and e-arrival systems.

MYANMAR

1.BUSINESS LOANS TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The National Economic Promotion Fund will provide loans to potential micro, small and medium enterprises to spur economic growth. This will help to produce quality processed products from industrial raw materials such as cotton, bamboo, rubber and coffee.

2.NEW LAW PERMITS FARMERS TO BUY LIVESTOCK INSURANCE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department has allowed livestock farmers to buy insurance to protect their financial losses from contagious diseases. The Animal Health and Livestock Development Amendment Law, enforced on January 15, allows farmers to claim damages. 

VIETNAM

1.NUCLEAR RESEARCH CENTRE TO SUPPORT HEALTHCARE -- VIETNAM NEWS 

A Nuclear Science and Technology Research Centre to be built on 97 hectares in the country’s southern Dong Nah Province. The facility will house a 10 MWt (megawatts thermal) research reactor that will help in promoting nuclear medicine. 

2.VIETNAM TAPS POLAND’S CYBER SECURITY EXPERTISE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam is studying Poland’s cyber security technology as the country rapidly moves into the digital space. The aim is to prevent potential cyber-attacks due to the proliferation of information and communication technology, the intern

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE ‘PARATA’ AND MERLION: MUCH FONDNESS FOR THE REPUBLIC IN TRICHY -- THE STRAITS TIMES

It is past midnight, but the Tiruchirappalli International Airport is coming alive.

2.'SAFE CHOICE': WHY IS CHINA SENDING VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG TO TRUMP’S INAUGURATION? -- CNA

China is “breaking precedent” by sending Vice President Han Zheng to Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, making him the most senior leader in Chinese history to attend the event.

INDONESIA

1.PRABOWO TARGETS MEAL PROGRAM TO REACH 6 MILLION PEOPLE BY AUGUST, PROMISES BUDGET INCREASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

President Prabowo Subianto aims to expand the Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) to benefit 3 million children and mothers by April 2025, with plans to double the coverage to 6 million by August 2025, according to National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Dadan Hindayana.

2.REGIONS END PUBLIC TRANSIT FUNDING CITING SHORTFALLS -- THE JAKARTA POST

The beginning of 2025 marked an end or temporary halt to public transportation services in several regions, including Bali and Yogyakarta, due to lack of funding from both central and regional governments.

-- BERNAMA

KTK VIJ NAAA MI VMP