Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand & Singapore: Sept 27, 2024

INDONESIA

1. SEA SAND EXPORT PLAN CAUSES ALARM -- THE JAKARTA POST

A recent decision made by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration to lift a decades-old ban on sea sand exports has raised concerns that it may jeopardize the country's islands and the people living on them.

2. TWO PDI-P LAWMAKERS TO LOSE SEATS OVER ELECTION FRAUD -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Two elected lawmakers from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) will not be inaugurated next month after an internal investigation found them guilty of election fraud, a party official said on Thursday.

CAMBODIA

1. FORMER PM HUN SEN WISHES CHINESE PRESIDENT ON 75TH ANNIVERSARY -- FRESH NEWS 

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 75th anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. He stressed that Cambodia is ready to pursue the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to deepen the Diamond Cooperation and build strong bilateral ties.

2. WATER SUPPLY PROJECT COSTING US$184.9 MILLION -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

A five-year water supply and sanitation project costing US$184.9 million, with financing from the World Bank, the private sector and the government is being implemented. It includes the construction of a new water supply and fixing the depleting water resources caused by climate change. 

LAOS

1. TYPHOON YAGI DAMAGES COST US$32 MILLION -- VIENTIANE NEWS

The damages inflicted by Typhoon Yagi are estimated at US$32 million in 15 provinces in Laos that suffered severe floods and strong winds. The typhoon destroyed 29,659 hectares of farmland, 137 houses and 11,866 animals were killed during the monsoon season.

2. LAOS HOSTS CARBON MARKET FORUM -- VIENTIANE NEWS

Laos, with the support of Australia and the Global Green Growth Institute, hosted the first Carbon Markets Forum to expose the country to international carbon markets. The forum allows Laos to share its updates on national policy and strategic directions on carbon trading. 

MYANMAR

1. CHINA-MYANMAR BOLSTER MILITARY TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Top military officials from Myanmar and China expressed their commitment to strengthen military cooperation during a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. Joint military training and defence collaboration were discussed to promote friendly ties between both the armed forces.

2. NEARLY 100,000 HECTARES OF FARMLAND SUBMERGED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Agriculture Department is providing technical assistance to assist farm recovery and replanting crops in flood-hit areas. More than 55,000 acres of various crops and 50,000 monsoon paddy fields were submerged in the national capital Nay Pyi Taw during recent floods.

THAILAND

1. 58 THAI HOTELS AWARDED MICHELIN KEYS -- THE NATION

Thailand earns its place in the 2024 Michelin Key Guide, which rewards hotels that offer an outstanding experience.

2. PM PUTS POVERTY IN CROSSHAIRS -- BANGKOK POST

Eradicating poverty and building a prosperous economy are among the goals the government plans to achieve during the rest of its term, an adviser to the prime minister said.

SINGAPORE

1. TRAIN DISRUPTION ON EWL TO LAST SEVERAL MORE DAYS; SMRT AIMS TO RESTORE SERVICES ON SEPT 30 -- THE STRAITS TIMES

The disruption of train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations on the East-West Line will last several more days, with rail operator SMRT aiming to restore services fully on Sept 30.

2. MORE THAN 300 ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS WORKING TO REPAIR 'EXTENSIVE' DAMAGE ON EAST-WEST LINE, SAYS CHEE HONG TAT -- CNA

More than 300 engineers and technicians have been working to repair the damage to tracks and equipment on the East-West Line, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said late on Thursday (Sep 26).

-- BERNAMA