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Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: March 18, 2026

18/03/2026 09:41 AM

CAMBODIA 

1. DIGITAL MANAGEMENT OF VACCINATION -- FRESH NEWS

The Electronic Immunisation Registry was launched to improve vaccination services and the health supply chain. The registry will create individual immunisation profiles, track vaccination schedules and monitor records across all vaccine types.

 

2. NATIONAL QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The roadmap for Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures was introduced to enhance the safety and quality of locally made products. It will help to enhance the competitiveness of Cambodian products in regional and global markets.

 

INDONESIA 

1. GOV'T ENSURES INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS CONTINUE AMID MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS -- ANTARA

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has ensured that international flight operations continue amid the dynamic situation in the Middle East.

 

2. PRESIDENT PRABOWO WANTS ALL TRAIN STATIONS TO BE MODERNISED -- ANTARA

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that all railway stations nationwide be modernised starting this year to improve the quality of public transportation, a senior official said.

 

LAOS

1. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON GREEN ALUMINIUM PARK -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Chinese and Lao investors are exploring the construction of an AI-powered green aluminium industrial park in Oudomxay province. The planned project covering 6,279 hectares is expected to become a green industrial hub in northern Laos.

 

2. MASSIVE LOSSES DUE TO WEATHER CALAMITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Authorities have revealed that 111 people died due to weather-related hazards, while over a million people were affected in the country over the last five years. Losses amounted to millions of dollars during the period.

 

PHILIPPINES

1. MANUFACTURERS: NO PRICE INCREASES IN NEXT 30 TO 60 DAYS - PNA

Manufacturers of basic and prime commodities have committed to keep prices at current levels for the next 30 days, amidst the impact of higher oil prices.

 

2. FUEL SURCHARGE SPIKES TO LEVEL 8 ON APRIL 1-15 - PNA

Fuel surcharge jumps to Level 8 on April 1-15, 2026 as a result of the continued volatility of fuel prices, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) posted on its website on Tuesday.

 

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPOREAN WHO ABSCONDED WHILE ON BAIL DEPORTED FROM THAILAND, TO FACE VICE CHARGES -- CNA

A Singaporean man has been arrested after being deported from Thailand and will be charged over vice-related offences and absconding while on court bail, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said on Tuesday. 

 

2. MOH’S PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT FOR ECZEMA WELCOMED BY PATIENTS --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Patients living with eczema welcomed the Health Ministry’s plans to study whether to include the chronic condition in a scheme that will provide them with government subsidies and allow them to tap their MediSave savings for treatment.

 

THAILAND 

1. ENERGY BUSINESS CHIEF APOLOGISES AFTER FUEL SHORTAGES AT SOME STATIONS, INSISTS THAILAND HAS 101 DAYS OF RESERVES -- THE NATION

Department of Energy Business director-general Sarawut Kaewtathip apologised for disruption after reports of stations running dry, saying Thailand still has at least 101 days of fuel reserves and is working to speed up deliveries and prevent hoarding.

 

2. OIL PRICE SPIKE FORECAST TO SLASH THAI GDP GROWTH -- BANGKOK POST

Every US$10 increase in the oil price per barrel is expected to reduce Thai GDP by 0.2 percentage points, according to caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

 

VIETNAM

1. PM SAYS. ENERGY SECURITY UNDER CONTROL -- VIETNAMPLUS

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced that there are sufficient crude oil stocks for domestic refineries and petrol supplies for the coming months. Petrol prices remain stable despite the turmoil in West Asia. 

 

2. HANOI’S RETAIL MARKET SHINING AGAIN -- VIETNAMPLUS

Hanoi’s retail market is recovering strongly, buoyed by the modern city of Starlake in Tay Ho Tay. Integrated planning and enhanced infrastructure is attracting international brands, which is helping to improve demand and rental yields.  

-- BERNAMA


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