Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 12, 2026

CAMBODIA

1.CAMBODIA-LAOS WIDEN ECONOMIC TIES -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

Cambodia and Laos have pledged to enhance cooperation in trade, transport infrastructure, agriculture, electricity, and defence and security. Phnom Penh and Vientiane are preparing to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

2.AZERBAIJAN-CAMBODIA RELATIONS ENTER NEW PHASE -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE 

Private sector participation will drive Azerbaijan-Cambodia bilateral relations by expanding economic and trade activities. Business forums will be used as a platform to deepen private-sector involvement.

INDONESIA

1.INDONESIA REPORTS NO HUMAN HANTAVIRUS SPREAD SINCE 1991-- ANTARA

Indonesia has recorded no hantavirus transmission from rodents to humans since 1991, the Health Ministry said, distinguishing local strains from recent cruise ship cases involving a different virus type.

2.INDONESIA TO DEPLOY 742 PEACEKEEPERS TO LEBANON -- ANTARA

Indonesia is set to deploy 742 National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel to Lebanon on May 22 as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

LAOS

1.BUREAUCRATIC REFORMS TO SPEED UP GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Reforms are being introduced to speed up project approvals, improve transparency and strengthen the oversight of development projects. These reforms are to woo more domestic and foreign private investors.

2.LAO-VIETNAM LEVERAGING BORDER TRADE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Lao’s Champasak province and Vietnam’s Da Nang City will focus on regional connectivity to further develop cross-border commercial activities. It will boost tourism, agriculture, and processing industries.

MYNAMAR

1.APRIL SEAFOOD EXPORT SURGE TO RM67 MILLION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

About 10,000 metric tonnes of fish worth US$17million (RM67 million) were exported to nearly 40 countries in April alone. Exports include hilsa, rohu, river catfish, seabass, eel, shrimp and crab. 

2.CORPORATE TAX DEFAULTERS SUSPENDED --THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration has deregistered 400 companies for failing to submit their annual returns. A total of 7,300 companies were suspended in 2025 for similar offences. 

PHILIPPINES

1.ICC CONFIRMS WARRANT OF ARREST VS. DELA ROSA -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed on Monday night that the warrant of arrest against Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, which circulated in the media, “is indeed a formal ICC document.”

2.FULL PNP MOBILISATION ORDERED TO FIND ATONG, ZALDY, OTHER FUGITIVES -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fully mobilize its 225,000-strong force in the intensified nationwide manhunt for high-profile fugitives.

SINGAPORE

1.WHAT IS STILL MISSING FROM SINGAPORE'S DEBATE ON FALLING BIRTH RATES -- CNA

In conversations about marriage, parenthood and ways to raise fertility rates described as an “existential challenge” in Singapore, one aspect is often missing – pregnancy loss.

2.WORKSITE TESTING AI TO PROVIDE EARLY HIGH HEAT ALERTS TO KEEP WORKERS SAFE --  THE STRAITS TIMES

A major traffic worksite in Pasir Ris recently began using artificial intelligence to alert its 400 workers to high heat stress levels hours in advance.

THAILAND

1.THAILAND INFLATION MAY HIT 4-5% AS ENERGY COSTS WARRANT LOAN DECREE -- THE NATION

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said at Government House on Monday (May 11, 2026), in response to the People’s Party’s petition to the Constitutional Court over THB200 billion in borrowing for the energy transition under the THB400 billion emergency borrowing decree, and objections that the plan did not meet the criteria for urgent necessity or a crisis, that Thailand’s current economic situation was facing a complex crisis whose end could not yet be clearly predicted.

2.PM SIGNALS CHANGES TO VISA POLICY -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday signalled a review of Thailand's visa-free entry policy following the arrest of a Chinese national linked to a suspected illegal arms network in Pattaya.

VIETNAM

1.CROSS-BORDER COMMERCE CATALYST TO GROWTH -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam and Cambodia will strengthen supply chain connectivity to promote sustainable border trade. The two neighbours are working to achieve bilateral trade of US$20 billion (RM79 billion) by 2030.

2.PUSHING HALAL ECONOMY AGENDA -- VIETNAMPLUS

The HalalViet Promotion and Experience Centre will make its debut in Hanoi on May 15. It will serve as a platform for product promotion, business networking and halal cultural experiences.

-- BERNAMA