By Vijian Paramasivam
INDONESIA
1.HOUSE VOWS OPENNESS IN POLICE LAW REVISION -- THE JAKARTA POST
House of Representatives lawmakers have pledged to involve the public “meaningfully” in the deliberation of future bills, including a proposed revision to the 2002 Police Law, amid mounting public anger over a recent hasty, closed-door revision of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law.
2.WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: INDONESIA DEFEATS BAHRAIN 1-0 TO KEEP WORLD CUP HOPES ALIVE -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Indonesia secured a crucial 1-0 win over Bahrain in the second round of the AFC World Cup 2026 qualifiers at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, strengthening its hold on fourth place in Group C with nine points.
LAOS
1.CRACKING DOWN ON MONEY LAUNDERING -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government will tighten laws on anti-money laundering and anti-financing of terrorism as Laos prepares to exit the Financial Action Task Force grey list. Illegal financing is transnational crimes linked to drug trafficking, the arms trade, human trafficking, illegal gambling, and corruption.
2.COUNTRYSIDE THREATENED BY AIR POLLUTION -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment warned that 30 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in Laos is caused by the burning of garbage, forests and farmland. Vehicle emissions in urban localities and industrial plants using unclean energy are another source of pollutants.
MYANMAR
1.MOVING TOWARDS PAPERLESS GOVERNMENT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Policymakers are working towards achieving the Myanmar e-government Master Plan 2030 that will help to improve efficiency of the civil service. Building ICT infrastructure, e-procurement, government and private collaboration and training skilled personnel are some of the initiatives outlined.
2.COCONUT PRICES RISE DURING RAMADAN -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Coconut prices have increased nearly 20 percent due to rising demand during the month of Ramadan. Muslims purchase more coconuts to make sweets and for cooking their traditional cuisine. Coconut suppliers enjoying a brisk business despite the seasonal shortage in supply.
SINGAPORE
1.MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN SINGAPORE DETAINED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN SECRET SOCIETY ACTIVITIES -- THE STRAITS TIMES
There has been a spike in the number of young people locked up in Changi Prison for their involvement in secret society activities, under a law that allows detention without trial.
2.GE2025: MILITARY OFFICERS BRING LEADERSHIP TO POLITICAL ARENA BUT HAVE TO LEARN GROUND DYNAMICS, SAY ANALYSTS -- CNA
Earlier in March, Singapore’s Chief of Army handed over command to his successor.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND OFFERS EXPAT TAX BREAKS TO REVERSE BRAIN DRAIN -- THE NATION
The government has unveiled groundbreaking tax incentives designed to entice skilled Thai expatriates back to their homeland in a bid to reinvigorate the economy and reverse the brain drain.
2. TRANSPORT AGENCIES BEEF UP SERVICES FOR SONGKRAN FESTIVAL -- BANGKOK POST
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has instructed all relevant agencies to prepare for a surge of travellers during the upcoming Songkran Festival.
VIETNAM
1.VIETNAMESE CARRIERS BAN POWER BANKS ON AIRLINES -- VIETNAM NEWS
The national carrier Vietnam Airlines and the budget carrier Vietjet Air have banned passengers from using lithium-based power banks during flights effective March 21. Passengers are not allowed to use backup power banks on the plane unless they are removed from their carry-on luggage.
2.HO CHI MINH WOOS 1.6 MILLION TOURISTS IN Q1 -- VIETNAMPLUS
Foreign visitors to Ho Chi Minh City increased by 18.2 per cent to reach 1.64 million in the first quarter of the year. The city’s tourism department is actively promoting the city's regular destinations and tourism products, and improving the quality of tourism services.
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