Top News Headlines In Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam: Oct 29, 2024

SINGAPORE

1.OIL SPILL DURING BUNKERING OPERATIONS OFF CHANGI: MPA -- CNA

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Tuesday (Oct 29) it was alerted to an oil spill off Changi during bunkering operations between a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier and a licensed bunker tanker. 

2. OIL SPILL OCCURS OFF CHANGI ON OCT 28 DURING BUNKERING OPERATION -- THE STRAITS TIMES

An oil spill took place off Changi on Oct 28 during a bunkering operation between a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier and a licensed bunker tanker.

THAILAND 

1. TRANSPORT MINISTRY PUSHES FOR SIX NEW AIRPORTS -- The Nation

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has again pointed to the need for six new airports if Thailand is to become a regional transport hub. Her comments came on the heels of the 59th Asia and Pacific DGCA Conference, held from October 14 to 18 in the Philippines.

2. PANEL TO REVIVE ECONOMY -- Bangkok Post

A joint state-private committee will be set up to come up with measures to address the country's economic problems and boost GDP growth, according to the chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), Sanan Angubolkul.

INDONESIA

1.SURVEY SHOWS SOLID BACKING FOR PRABOWO’S GOVERNMENT -- THE JAKARTA POST 

A large majority of Indonesians are confident in the capability of President Prabowo Subianto to lead the nation for the next five years, the latest survey by pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia has revealed. In the survey that took place about a week before Prabowo took office, about 85 percent of respondents said they were confident that he could lead the country to a better future.

2.INDONESIAN AUTOMOTIVE SALES TARGET REVISED DOWN AS MARKET WEAKENS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) has revised its vehicle sales target for 2024 from 1.1 million units to 850,000 units. Gaikindo Chairman Jongkie Sugiarto explained that the automotive market, particularly for passenger vehicles, has been sluggish throughout 2024, prompting the downward revision.

CAMBODIA  

1.KING’S CORONATION KICKS OFF IN PHNOM PENH -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE A three-day celebration of the 20th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni’s coronation as Cambodia’s King began yesterday. About 12,000 people, including top leaders, civil servants, the armed forces, royal family members and diplomats are expected to witness the event.  

2.CAMBODIA REFUTES KOREAN TELEVISION ABUSE CLAIMS -- FRESH NEWS The Ministry of Tourism refuted claims of a Korean television channel that reported its citizens were subject to illegal detention, forced labour and threats while in Cambodia. The ministry urges all tourists to have confidence in the government’s actions to combat crimes. 

LAOS  

1.LUANG PRABANG A MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION -- VIENTIANE TIMES  About 1.58 million local and foreign tourists visited Luang Prabang in the first nine months of this year, crossing the 900,000 target set for 2024. Better services, cultural traditions, ease of travelling to the province plus lifestyle attractions contributed to the rise in tourists. 

2.CHINA TURNS TO LAOS FOR MORE DURIANS -- VIENTIANE TIMES China is eyeing Laos to import durians to meet the growing demand among Chinese consumers. Chinese buyers have proposed the establishment of the Lao Durian Business Association, the Lao Durian Vocational Association and the Lao Durian Research Centre to improve export quality. 

VIETNAM  

1.VIETNAMESE AIRLINES POOR PUNCTUALITY -- VIETNAM NEWS 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam revealed that 25.8 per cent of all Vietnamese flights were delayed in the first nine months of this year. Out of 194,027 flights operated, 50,031 were delayed, mainly due to aircraft late arrivals. Vietnam Airlines topped the poor punctuality list.

2.VIETNAM-UAE UPGRADING BILATERAL TIES - - VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership to bolster ties across various areas. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s recent visit to the UAE paved the way for the new partnership.

-- BERNAMA