Top News Headlines In Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore & Vietnam: Dec 26, 2025

LAOS

1.FIFTH LAO-THAILAND FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and Thailand on Thursday opened the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River that will boost regional connectivity, trade and investment. The bridge spanning 1,350 metres links Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244. 

2.STRENGTHENING BORDER SECURITY -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos and Thailand are drafting a security roadmap to ensure border stability ahead of a bilateral summit next year. Military officials participated in the General Border Peacekeeping Cooperation Committee meeting this week. 

MYANMAR

1.REMEMBERING SPORTS JOURNALISTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Various sports organisations in Myanmar reached out to veteran sports writers and provided cash aid to those who are ill. About 16 veteran writers were acknowledged for their contributions to the sports industry. 

2.POETRY UNITES MYANMAR, CHINA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

A China-Myanmar poetry recitation was held at Myanma Radio and Television studio in Yangon Region to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Myanmar-China diplomatic relations. The event was titled “Poetry Hearts Move Together”.

PHILIPPINES

1.‘AMIHAN’, EASTERLIES CONTINUE TO AFFECT PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The northeast monsoon (amihan) and easterlies will continue to affect the country, the Philippine Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

2.BOI ENDORSES P125B WORTH OF INVESTMENT PROJECTS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has endorsed 29 investment projects worth PHP124.81 billion through the Board of Investments (BOI).

SINGAPORE

1.MAN WHO ADMITTED TO TAKING DRUGS WITH EX-LAWYER M. RAVI TO BE CHARGED ON DEC 26 -- THE STRAITS TIMES

A 40-year-old Singaporean who allegedly consumed drugs with former lawyer M. Ravi prior to his death is set to be charged on Dec 26 with arranging a gathering where controlled drugs were consumed.

2.SERVICE ON NORTH-SOUTH LINE BETWEEN ANG MO KIO AND WOODLANDS RESUMES AFTER DELAY: SMRT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Train service along an eight-station stretch on the North-South Line has resumed after a delay due to a train fault, train operator SMRT said on the morning of Dec 26.

VIETNAM

1.RISING MONEY LAUNDERING REPORTS -- VIETNAMPLUS

The number of suspicious transaction reports is growing by 30 per cent yearly since the Anti-Money Laundering Law was enacted in 2022. The government is strengthening vigilance amid rising digital assets to stop money laundering. 

2.PROPERTY SUPPLY SURGING IN CITIES -- VIETNAM NEWS

Vietnam’s property supply jumped 50 per cent this year — making it the fastest growth in seven years. The surge was due to regulatory reforms that unlocked stalled projects and fuelled a rise in property prices.

-- BERNAMA