Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam  & Laos: March 24, 2026

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA WELCOMES MOST ADVANCED WARSHIP KRI PRABU SILIWANGI-321 -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Navy’s new warship, KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321, arrived in Indonesia on Monday after departing from Italy.  

2.INDONESIA'S DEFENSE MINISTRY, MILITARY MOVE TO CUT FUEL CONSUMPTION -- ANTARA

The Ministry of Defense and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have devised several strategies to improve efficiency in fuel consumption in anticipation of the impacts of disruptions to global oil supplies.

CAMBODIA

1.GOVERNMENT SAYS FUEL SUPPLY STABLE -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The government has assured a stable supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amid a shortage and rising prices resulting from the conflict in West Asia. Seven companies importing LPG will continue supplying the market until April.

2.CRACKING DOWN ONLINE SCAM CENTRES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

Security forces continue to eradicate online scam operations in the capital, with the arrest of dozens of foreign nationals. The suspects were involved in promoting fake schemes to lure overseas victims from Cambodia. 

MYANMAR

1.COMMITMENT TO PROTECT TRAFFICKED VICTIMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and Thailand chalked out plans for the prevention of human trafficking and protection for victims during a bilateral meeting. Both governments inked an agreement to combat human trafficking in 2009. 

2.HONEY EXPORTS TURN INTO LUCRATIVE TRADE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Honey exports generated RM5.9 million (US$1.5 million) in revenue in the last 11 months. Myanmar produces 7,000 tonnes annually and about 2,600 tonnes are exported. Beekeeping remains a lucrative business. 

PHILIPPINES

1. FAIR WEATHER, LOCALIZED THUNDERSTORMS TO PREVAIL ACROSS PH -- PNA 

The prevailing easterlies will continue to cause fair weather and localized thunderstorms across the country on Tuesday.

 2.EALA EXITS MIAMI OPEN AFTER LOSING TO WORLD NO. 14 MUCHOVA- PNA

 Filipino Alexandra Eala bowed out of the WTA 1000 Miami Open following a 6-0, 6-2 loss to world No. 14 Czech Karolina Muchova on Monday.

THAILAND 

1. THAILAND'S BTS GROUP CHAIRMAN CALLS FOR 40-BAHT RAIL FARE TO EASE CITY COSTS AMID OIL SURGE -- THE NATION

Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of the BTS Group, said persistently rising oil prices are increasing the cost burden on the public and raising costs across the wider economy. Although the government is still using measures to subsidise energy prices, he acknowledged that this is a burden on the budget and not a long-term solution.

2. HOTELS SLASH RATES TO LURE SONGKRAN MARKET -- BANGKOK POST

Concerned by a nosedive in European arrivals and low confidence due to fuel shortages among local travellers, hotel operators have started to offer discounts of 20-40% to attract tourists during the upcoming Songkran holiday.

VIETNAM

1.PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM DIGITAL THREATS -- VIETNAMPLUS

Authorities are stepping up efforts to protect children from cyber crimes. All education institutions are expected to deploy cybersecurity solutions and internet service providers will block harmful content on their networks by 2030.

2.TAPPING RUSSIAN LNG EXPERTISE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam plans to work with Russia’s Novatek Group to accelerate cooperation on liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and energy development. It includes the construction of large-scale LNG storage facilities in Vietnam.

LAOS

1.THONGLOUN RE-ELECTED AS PRESIDENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Members of the 10th National Assembly unanimously re-elected Thongloun Sisoulith as the President of Laos. The National Assembly selects the nation’s new leadership and sets policy over the next five years.

2.TARGETING SIX PER CENT GROWTH UNTIL 2030 -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government targets a six per cent growth and aims to stabilise the economy, cut public debt and strengthen financial security. This was tabled at the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.

 -- BERNAMA