TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN LAOS, MYANMAR, THAILAND & INDONESIA : NOV 27, 2024

LAOS

1.LAOS-US EXTEND LEGAL AID TO ABUSED WOMEN, KIDS -- THE VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and the United States signed a partnership to promote justice for women and children under the project “Promotion of Gender Equality and Empowerment of Citizens’ Access to Justice.” The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development.

2.CHINA CAN PROMOTE REGIONAL SECURITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Lao government says China can be critical in promoting security in Loas and ASEAN that will benefit  international communities. During the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Vientiane last week China and the grouping strengthened cooperation in defence and security.

MYANMAR

1.CASH CROPS FAIR TO ASSIST LOCAL FARMERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Chilli, Onion and Ginger Crops Fair will be held in southern Shan State on 11 and 12 December to help farmers learn to trade in groups and sources for potential markets. Buyers can also buy directly from farmers at fair prices. 

2.ASEAN MEETING TO EMPOWER WOMEN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The 5th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women yesterday discussed on gender affairs and empowering women, sustainable development, social justice and economic growth. The programme is in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 that  emphasis inclusivity and gender equality.

THAILAND

1. UNEMPLOYMENT RISES BY 1.02% IN THIRD QUARTER -- The Nation

Thailand’s unemployment rate in the third quarter this year stood at 1.02%, increasing from 0.99% recorded for the same period in 2023, with about 410,000 Thais unemployed, a 3.2% increase year on year, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) said in its report on Thai society’s outlook for Q3/2024.

2. GOVT PLANS A 'GRAND' TRAVEL YEAR -- Bangkok Post

The government is gearing up for its "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025", with events and special privileges planned to attract more visitors.  

INDONESIA

1.INDONESIA BALKS AT APPLE’S $100M INVESTMENT PLAN, SEEKS BETTER DEAL -- THE JAKARTA POST

A US$100 million investment bid from Apple Inc. has failed to convince the government to revoke a ban on sales of the new iPhone 16 in Indonesia. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita told reporters on Monday that the offer received on Nov. 18 paled in comparison with Apple’s investments in smaller markets of the region, such as Vietnam and Thailand.

2.AGRICULTURE MINISTER REPORTS FOUR FERTILIZER COMPANIES FOR SELLING FAKE PRODUCTS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced on Tuesday that his office has filed a police complaint against four fertilizer companies accused of supplying farmers with counterfeit products. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Amran revealed that fertilizers produced by these companies lack essential macronutrients, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

-- BERNAMA