Top News Headlines In Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam : Dec 17, 2025

LAOS

1. SOLAR POWER PLANT COMMISSIONED -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The 1,000-megawatt solar power plant in northern Oudomxay province, which was officially commissioned last Friday, will strengthen Laos’ clean energy capacity. It is expected to be a model for future renewable energy projects.

2. JAPAN, LAO TACKLE CHILD MALNUTRITION -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Japan Dietetic Association and the University of Health Sciences in Laos will jointly address child malnutrition and strengthen national nutrition systems. Both parties signed an agreement in Vientiane on Monday to pursue the project.

MYANMAR

1. ACTION AGAINST ELECTION SABOTEURS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Home Affairs Ministry has taken action against 229 individuals for allegedly sabotaging the election process ahead of the national polls on December 28. Security for the local and foreign observers, and media during the election period are being planned. 

2 . RECOGNISING TRADITIONAL MEDICINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The 24th Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference and Myanmar Traditional Medicine Symposium kicked off in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. The government is giving priority to traditional medicines and training qualified practitioners in the field. 

PHILIPPINES

1. FOUR WEATHER SYSTEMS TO DAMPEN MOST OF PH ON WEDNESDAY-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 Most areas in the country will experience rains on Wednesday due to four prevailing weather systems.

2 .GOV'T TROOPS RECOVER HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS IN CAMARINES NORTE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Police and military personnel recovered a New People's Army (NPA) arms cache containing high-powered firearms in Labo, Camarines Norte, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) reported on Tuesday night.

SINGAPORE

1. FIRE AT TERRACE HOUSES IN JOO CHIAT; 1 TAKEN TO HOSPITAL, 40 OTHERS EVACUATED -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A fire broke out at a row of terrace houses in Joo Chiat in the early hours of Dec 17.

2. HOW A SINGAPOREAN INVESTOR PLANS TO REBUILD AN ENGLISH FOOTBALL CLUB AND REVITALISE ITS TOWN -- CHANNEL NEWSASIA

 In the unglamorous world of English football's sixth tier, where crowds number in the hundreds rather than tens of thousands, Joseph Phua is attempting something unusual: building a football club that will also revitalise its small town.

THAILAND 

1. COOLER MORNINGS ACROSS UPPER THAILAND AS LOWER SOUTH BRACES FOR HEAVY DOWNPOURS -- THE NATION

The TMD’s forecast for Tuesday (Dec 16) states that the weather will remain cooler across the North, Northeast, and Bangkok, with temperatures dropping by a further 2°C and a lowest temperature of 16°C.

2. CALL FOR REFORM AS GROWTH CRATERS -- BANGKOK POST

Political parties are being urged to demonstrate their commitment to economic reform, as next year Thailand's GDP is expected to expand by only 1.5 per cent.

VIETNAM

1. ENDANGERED TORTOISES UNDER PROTECTION -- VIETNAMPLUS

A resident handed over five elongated tortoises, an endangered reptile species, to authorities in the central province of Gia Lai yesterday, which were found along the roadside. They are precious and rare wildlife subjects to protection.

2. REVAMPING SUGAR CANE VALUE CHAIN -- VIETNAM PLUS

Tay Ninh Province in Southern Vietnam will establish a large-scale sugar cane farm supported by advanced cultivation techniques. A modern sugar processing plant and logistics warehouse will be built to improve the sugar cane value chain.

-- BERNAMA