TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN SINGAPORE, CAMBODIA, LAOS, MYANMAR, INDONESIA & THAILAND : NOV 20, 2024

SINGAPORE

1."WE WANT TO BE AT THE TABLE, WE WANT TO HAVE A SAY": PM WONG ON WHY PLATFORMS LIKE G-20 MATTER -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore has to be realistic and adapt to the current shape of global trade, as it continues to work with like-minded countries to strengthen support for multilateralism, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Nov 19.

2.HIGH STAKES IN INDONESIA’S REGIONAL ELECTIONS FOR PRABOWO, MEGAWATI AMID POWER PLAY -- CNA

Indonesia will hold simultaneous regional elections next Wednesday (Nov 27), the largest in its history, to elect local leaders who will be instrumental in driving Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

CAMBODIA

1.CAMBODIA-FAO PROPOSE TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE WOES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

Cambodia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) propose to cooperate to mobilise resources to address climate change issues at the community level. The Kingdom has designed long-term policies and strategic plans to overcome climate change challenges.

2.CAMBODIA-VIETNAM TO FIRM UP BILATERAL TIES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The visit of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam’s President Chin Thanh Minh to Cambodia this week will continue to build mutual trust in bilateral cooperation. During the 56 years of diplomatic relations, cooperation between the government and people-to-people has blossomed.

LAOS

1. BUDGET TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE, POVERTY REDUCTION -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government’s proposed new budget for 2025 will focus on poverty reduction, addressing natural disasters, improving socio-economic infrastructure and developing rural areas. The budget will include improving roads, enhancing services related to the Laos-China railway and developing infrastructure to support tourism. 

2.UXO KILLS NINE PEOPLE IN FIRST 10 MONTHS -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Parliament was told that nine people were killed while 30 were injured in Unexploded Ordnance (UX) related accidents in the first 10 months. During the period, 5,256 hectares of land were cleared of UXO devices, 70 per cent of the target figure.

MYANMAR

1.CHINA SUPPORTS MYANMAR’S POLITICAL REFORMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

China has said it supports Myanmar's Five-Point Roadmap of the State Administration Council to bring stability and political reforms to the country. Beijing also pledged to provide necessary aid for the election and wants Nay Pyi Taw to manage China-Myanmar border trade posts.

2. INNOVATIVE ECO-FRIENDLY COOKING STOVE USES ENGINE OIL -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

An innovative Myanmar manufacturer has introduced cooking stoves that function like gas stoves but instead rely on used engines or cooking oil. The company is selling about 70 stoves every month and demand is rising for the newly designed stoves.

INDONESIA

1.JOKOWI AIDS STRUGGLING KIM-BACKED CANDIDATES -- THE JAKARTA POST

With ruling coalition-backed candidates facing tough competition in the key battlegrounds of Jakarta and Central Java, former president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has officially stepped out onto the campaign trail in a final push to boost his preferred candidates’ chances of winning the Nov. 27 regional head elections.

2.MARSELINO FERDINAN’S BRACE LEADS INDONESIA TO 2-0 WIN OVER SAUDI ARABIA -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Indonesian national football team secured a 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in their third-round 2026 World Cup Qualifier, Group C, held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday. The match started with high intensity as Indonesia came out strong, trying to break through Saudi Arabia’s defense.

THAILAND

1. YINGLUCK MUST COMPLY WITH LAW IF SHE IS TO RETURN, THAWEE SAYS -- THE NATION Minister of Justice Thawee Sodsong has addressed the possible return to Thailand of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra after remarks by Thaksin Shinawatra, also a former prime minister, who stated in an interview that she plans to return for next year’s Songkran festival. 

2. HOTEL BOOZE RULES RELAXED OVER NY -- BANGKOK POST Hotel guests will be allowed to order alcoholic drinks to their rooms from in-house bars and restaurants around the clock over the New Year, according to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

-- BERNAMA