Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore & Vietnam: May 31, 2025
The Tourism Ministry launched the "Visit Cambodia " campaign during the green season to woo more tourists to the Kingdom. The aim is to boost tourism during the green season, usually the rainy season when tourist numbers drop.
The Health Ministry has reported a decline in the national stunting rate among children, from 21.5 per cent in 2023 to 19.8 per cent last year, marking progress toward reaching President Prabowo Subianto's 14 per cent target although experts warn substantial efforts are still needed to maintain progress.
2. PALACE CLARIFIES: PRABOWO TOASTED MACRON WITH APPLE JUICE, NOT ALCOHOL -- JAKARTA GLOBE
The Presidential Palace clarified on Friday that President Prabowo Subianto was drinking non-alcoholic apple juice -- not wine -- during a toast with French President Emmanuel Macron, following online speculation about the beverage's contents. The two leaders were photographed clinking glasses during a state dinner at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, with golden-coloured drinks in hand.
MYANMAR
1. GOVT OUTLINES STRATEGY TO RESET ECONOMY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government will focus on three key pillars to reboot the economy following the March 28 earthquake. The first is humanitarian relief and social protection and the second and the third pillars relate to infrastructure reconstruction and economic revival and reform.
2. MINISTRY TO TIGHTEN E-CIGARETTES RULES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The Health Ministry said a survey last year revealed tobacco users in Myanmar have declined. Still, there is a rise in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes. The ministry called for stricter control measures to curb the vice.
SINGAPORE
1. MACRON TOUTS 'POSITIVE NEW' ASIA-EUROPE ALLIANCE AMID US-CHINA RIVALRY -- THE STRAITS TIMES
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Asia and Europe to work together in a new coalition based on common principles to push back against the inevitability of being caught between global superpowers.
2. FRANCE'S MACRON CALLS FOR ASIAN COALITIONS AS HE WARNS OF US-CHINA DIVISIONS -- CNA
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (May 30) that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasised the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
THAILAND
1. RTA ISSUE STATEMENT TO RESOLVE CLASH POINT IN CHONG BOK AREA -- THE NATION
The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is preparing to issue a statement on Friday to resolve the recent clash point in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani province.
2. PM VOWS B157BN FOR TOURISM POT -- BANGKOK POST
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she aims to inject 157 billion baht to stimulate the tourism sector, with a focus on improving safety and convenience for visitors, along with efforts to boost the sector in general.
VIETNAM
1. QUANG NINH TO TAP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM -- VIETNAMPLUS
The northern province of Quang Ninh wants to transform into a Muslim-friendly tourist destination by building a halal tourism sector. The aim is not only to woo foreign visitors but also to showcase Vietnam's religious diversity.
2. LARGE-SCALE VIETNAMESE LYCHEE PROMOTION -- VIETNAMPLUS
Hai Duong province launched the 2025 Thanh Ha lychee harvest season and trade conference yesterday to promote the fruit. Hai Duong has 8,800 hectares of lychee with an estimated production of 65,000 metric tonnes.
-- BERNAMA
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