Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Thailand: Feb 24, 2025

INDONESIA

1. STUDENT RALLIES TEST PRABOWO’S LEADERSHIP -- THE JAKARTA POST

President Prabowo Subianto is facing a major test of his leadership as signs of dissent against his new government have appeared in the form of student protests and the possible emergence of an opposition party.

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2. 68 INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS DEPORTED FROM MALAYSIA VIA DUMAI -- JAKARTA GLOBE

Malaysian immigration authorities have deported 68 Indonesian migrant workers through Dumai Port in Riau, an official said on Sunday.

LAOS 

1. LAOS-CUBA PROMOTE MULTIFACETED COOPERATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and Cuba strengthen ties by cooperating in health, education, sport, commerce, investment, agriculture, and cultural affairs. Both nations agreed to support each other at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 and China groupings.

2. ELEPHANTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN LAO CULTURE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Elephant Festival in Xayaboury province displayed the symbolic bond between local communities and elephants, demonstrating the animals’ influence on Lao culture and history. A grand procession of 50 elephants from 11 districts paraded at the festival showcased their multiple skills.  

MYANMAR

1. MEKONG-GANGA FESTIVAL PROMOTES FRIENDSHIP  -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Mekong-Ganga Food Festival was held in Yangon yesterday to promote bilateral friendship between Myanmar and India. It was jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Yangon, the Indian Women’s Association in Yangon and the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network.

2. FLUSHING OUT FOREIGNERS FROM SCAM CENTRES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Since January this year, Myanmar detained 2,220 illegal foreign nationals involved in cybercrime. Among them, 673 were deported through Thailand, while 1,547 are waiting for repatriation and placed under detention. The government is eradicating online fraud, gambling and other cybercrime.

SINGAPORE

1. ATTITUDES HAVE IMPROVED, BUT FEAR OF MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AT WORK STILL PERSISTS -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Stuck in a toxic relationship, Amanda suffered a miscarriage while still reeling from the loss of someone dear to her during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. SINGAPORE'S SMALLER OPPOSITION PARTIES STAKE EARLY CLAIM TO WARDS AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION -- CNA

Fringe political parties in Singapore have identified constituencies they wish to contest in a coming general election, despite the electoral map still being redrawn and the date of the polls not yet announced.

THAILAND

1. THAKSIN APOLOGISES FOR EXPIRATION OD TAK BAI CASE -- THE NATION

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sunday apologised for the expiration of the Tak Bai case with a failure to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying that people should solve the problem together.

2. PHUKET EYES B500BN IN REVENUE FOR 2025 -- BANGKOK POST

Phuket expects to achieve 500 billion baht in tourism revenue this year, said Sophon Suwannarat, the island's provincial governor.

-- BERNAMA