Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: March 17, 2026

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA MOVES TO CUT FUEL USE AMID RISING MIDDLE EAST ENERGY CRISIS -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said it is ready to carry out President Prabowo Subianto’s directive on energy conservation amid the threat of an energy crisis stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.  

2.INDONESIA ENSURES FUEL SUPPLY FOR EID, STOCKS SECURE FOR 28 DAYS -- ANTARA

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung ensured that the national fuel oil supply is secure, with national stock reaching up to 28 days, to meet the needs of the Eid homecoming.

LAOS

1.ROYAL VISIT BOASTS THAI-LAO TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES

King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana arrived in Vientiane on Monday for a three-day state visit, aiming to strengthen the long-standing cooperation between Laos and Thailand.

2.FRESH POLICIES TO EASE FUEL PRICE PRESSURE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will reduce the import tax on premium gasoline to ease pressure on retail fuel prices. Motorists in Vientiane and several provinces are facing problems when petrol stations are temporarily closed.

MYANMAR

1.NEW PARLIAMENT CONVENES IN NAY PYI TAW -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar’s first parliamentary session or the Pyithu Hluttaw opened in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday. Representatives elected the speaker and deputy speaker during the session.

2.LOOMING HOT SEASON IN MARCH -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Authorities have cautioned that temperatures may surge this week, with daytime highs expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius. Farmers have been advised to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their crops during the intense heat.

PHILIPPINES

        1. MALACAÑANG: GOV’T TO EXPAND P5K FUEL AID PROGRAM BY APRIL -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The government will expand its fuel subsidy program by April to help nearly 400,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers cope with the rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang announced Tuesday

           2. GOV’T CONTINUES TO MONITOR MIDDLE EAST CRISIS – MARCOS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The government continues to closely monitor developments in the Middle East, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public Tuesday, expressing readiness to provide support should the conflict escalate.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE, 9 OTHER COUNTRIES BACK PERMANENT BAN ON TARIFFS ON DIGITAL TRANSMISSIONS AHEAD OF WTO MEETING -- CNA

Singapore and nine other economies on Monday backed the creation of a permanent World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium that prevents countries from imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions such as software downloads, streaming content and other digital products.

2. SINGAPORE COURTS WARNS OF FAKE ‘COURT ORDERS’ ASKING FOR TRANSFER OF MONEY --  THE STRAITS TIMES

If you receive a “court order” instructing you to transfer money to a bank account to avoid legal action, do not respond to it.

THAILAND

1. 20 CREW MEMBERS FROM MAYUREE NAREE RETURN SAFELY TO THAILAND -- THE NATION

20 Thai crew members of the Mayuree Naree arrived safely in Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday (March 16) at 6am after receiving coordinated assistance from the Thai and Omani governments following the attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. TRADERS FEELING WAR PINCH -- BANGKOK POST

The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is sending ripples across global markets, with Thai exporters reporting disrupted trade flows and increased fuel and transport costs.

VIETNAM

1.MARINE PRODUCT EXPORTS FACE UPHILL TASK -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam’s fisheries sector is grappling with challenges ranging from stringent quality control requirements to difficulties in shipping marine products. Escalating logistics costs due to tensions in West Asia is  compounding the sector’s difficulties.

2.FRAGRANT RICE POPULAR IN EUROPEAN MARKETS -- VIETNAM NEWS

More Vietnamese fragrant rice is entering the European Union (EU), with nine varieties eligible for tariff-free entry. More than 380 metric tonnes of shipments are eligible for tariffs under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

-- BERNAMA