Top News Headlines In Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : May 31, 2026

MYANMAR

1.PRESIDENT PRIORITISES CLOSER INDIA TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, where they discussed improving bilateral cooperation. They also touched on trade, defence, security and border issues.

 2.OIL DEPOTS FORTIFIED AGAINST NATURAL HAZARDS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers’ Association is taking proactive measures to protect oil depots from seismic hazards nationwide. Industry players are working to ensure safety measures during the rainy season as well.

PHILIPPINES

1. ASEAN WRAPS UP TALKS ON DIGITAL ECONOMY DEAL, TARGETS NOV. SIGNING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the region’s first comprehensive digital economy pact, have concluded, paving the way for its signing in November this year.

SINGAPORE

1. ASEAN SET TO SIGN LANDMARK REGIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT IN NOVEMBER 2026 - CNA

ASEAN member states are set to sign a landmark regional digital economy agreement at the 47th ASEAN Summit in November after concluding negotiations on the pact this week.

THAILAND 

1. THAILAND PIVOT TO 'VALUE TOURISM' TESTED BY GLOBAL ECONOMIC STORMS -- THE NATION

Thailand’s strict new visa controls target security and premium travellers, but worsening global headwinds spark a downgrade in arrival forecasts.

2. GO-PAY SCHEME MISSES 30M TARGET -- BANGKOK POST

Registration for the government's "Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40" co-payment scheme closed nearly four million places short of its 30 million target, despite attracting more than 26.04 million applicants in five days.

VIETNAM

 1.MAJOR AMNESTY FOR PRISONERS ANNOUNCED -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government has granted amnesty to 9,950 inmates serving prison sentences, effective on June 1. The list includes 63 foreign nationals, comprising 56 men and seven women.

2.GREENING RAILWAYS TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam's rail transport is emphasising technological solutions and eco-friendly initiatives to boost its economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state operates 258 locomotives, 14,000 carriages and about 2,600 kilometres of track.

-- BERNAMA