TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN INDONESIA, LAOS, MYANMAR, THAILAND & VIETNAM: JUNE 9, 2025
INDONESIA
1.GOVERNMENT SPLIT OVER RAJA AMPAT MINING CONCESSIONS -- THE JAKARTA POST
The government’s commitment to environmental protection is now in question after two key ministries and local officials gave conflicting accounts of alleged environmental violations by nickel mining operations on Gag Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago, one of the world’s top marine biodiversity hot spots.
2.ANTONSEN CLINCHES FIRST INDONESIA OPEN TITLE AS EUROPEAN PLAYERS MAKE HISTORY IN JAKARTA -- JAKARTA GLOBE
Denmark’s Anders Antonsen finally captured his first Indonesia Open men’s singles title on Sunday, defeating Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen in straight games, 22-20, 21-14, at the iconic Istora Senayan in Jakarta. The victory marks a long-awaited milestone for the world No. 3, who had previously fallen short in two finals -- in 2019 and again last year.
LAOS
1.CABINET OVERHAUL BEFORE GOVT TENURE ENDS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Nine ministers and the central bank governor have been replaced and reassigned in a cabinet reshuffle. The restructuring is done as the current government's five-year term is soon to end. Changes also involved in the merger of several ministries and state agencies.
2.LAOS-SOUTH KOREA FARMING SUCCESS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The just-concluded Laos–Korea Agro Fair 2025 in Vientiane marks 30 years of strong diplomatic relations between Laos and South Korea. The event also showcased the success of agricultural cooperation, rural development between the two countries and income generation for farmers.
MYANMAR
1.MYANMAR FIRM ON ONE-CHINA POLICY POSITION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar reaffirmed its commitment towards the One-China policy that remains a cornerstone of its diplomatic ties with Beijing. Its decision has helped to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and contribute to regional peace and stability.
2.PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM UNFAIR PRACTICES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Myanmar Consumer Protection Commission has established 51 information and complaint centres nationwide to address consumers’ grievances and protect their rights. The commission will ensure price stability in the market, eradicating illegal trade and the implementation of Consumer Protection Law.
THAILAND
1. TPSO REVEALS WHAT THAI HOUSEHOLDS SPEND ON MOST -- THE NATION Housing and utility costs top Thai household spending in May, with food and transport close behind, says Trade Policy and Strategy Office.
2. SUSPECT LIST GROWS AS SAO BUILDING PROBE WIDENS -- BANGKOK POST As investigations into the deadly collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building continue, the Metropolitan Police have signalled that more senior figures, including former and current top executives, may face criminal charges.
VIETNAM
1.VIETNAM-JORDAN ELEVATING BILATERAL TIES -- VIETNAMPLUS
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on the sidelines of the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France yesterday. Both leaders discussed expanding diplomatic and trade ties between both countries.
2.HO CHI MINH’S INDUSTRIAL GROWTH REMAINS ROSY -- VIETNAMPLUS
Ho Chi Minh City’s Index of Industrial Production rose by 8.2 per cent in the first five months of 2025. It was largely driven by growing food production and consumer goods sectors. The processing and manufacturing sectors contributed to the industrial expansion.
-- BERNAMA