42nd ASEAN Summit

Laos and Vietnam continue to deepen existing economic ties. Vietnamese investments are concentrated in renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, telecommunications, finance, logistics, digital transformation and mineral processing.

2.STEMMING ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Officials in Bolikhamxay province are trying to end hunting and the sale of protected wild animal species in rural areas. They are carrying out regular inspections at markets and roadside stalls, and urging vendors and the public to abide by the laws.

 MYANMAR 

1.BEEKEEPING TO STRENGTHEN RURAL ECONOMY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Integrated beekeeping is being promoted in oilseed fields to boost the rural economy and improve farmers’ income. The integrated model will contribute to oil crop cultivation, help cross-pollination and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises.

2.UNLOCKING AQUACULTURE ECONOMIC POTENTIALS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanmar Fisheries Federation will launch a long-term aquaculture plan to transform the country’s fish and shrimp farming sector into a key driver of economic growth. This sector would boost the economy, exports, and strengthen food security.  

PHILIPPINES

1.GOV’T HAS SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR QUAKE RESPONSE, RELIEF OPS – PALACE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY  Malacañang on Monday assured the government has sufficient funds to support emergency response and relief operations following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake off the coast of Sarangani that triggered tsunami warnings in several parts of Mindanao.

2. UN ASSESSING MINDANAO QUAKE DAMAGE, READY TO BACK RECOVERY EFFORTS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY The United Nations (U.N.) in the Philippines announced on Monday that it is actively assessing the impact of the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, and stands ready to support national and local recovery efforts.

SINGAPORE

1. US, CHINA IN ‘MUTUALLY ASSURED DISRUPTION’ DYNAMIC, BOTH SIDES WORSE OFF IF THEY CONTINUE IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON ONE ANOTHER: PM WONG - CNA

While the United States and Soviet Union were caught in a state of “mutually assured destruction” during the Cold War, the US and China could now be in a dynamic of “mutually assured disruption”, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday.

2. SINGAPORE MUST BECOME MORE COHESIVE AS GLOBAL OUTLOOK REMAINS UNCERTAIN: PM WONG --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore’s first-quarter growth was solid and reflects the diversity and strength of its economy, but the global outlook remains uncertain, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

THAILAND 

1. GOVERNMENT CUTS POWER TARIFF TO 3 BAHT FOR FIRST 200 UNITS -- THE NATION

The government will cut electricity tariffs to no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units in the June 2026 billing cycle, in a cost-of-living relief package expected to benefit more than 20 million households.

2. ASSOCIATION URGES PM TO EXPAND CO-PAY SCHEME -- BANGKOK POST

The Thai Restaurant Association plans to submit an open letter to the prime minister, calling for the expansion of the "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" (Thais Help Thais Plus) co-payment scheme to include larger restaurant operators.

VIETNAM

1.DA NANG READY TO WELCOME SUMMER TOURISTS -- VIETNAMPLUS

The coastal city of Da Nang has entered the summer tourism season with a series of events to woo more visitors. It is creating a vibrant atmosphere, with sightseeing, entertainment and leisure, to meet  tourists’ demands.

2.VIETNAM AIRLINES’ DISCOUNT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam Airlines is offering a 15 per cent fare discount for passengers aged 60 and above. The discount applies to Economy Class tickets on domestic flights and bookings made through the airline’s website.

-- BERNAMA