A Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge (Photo: laotiantimes.com)
Vientiane (VNA) – Laos and Thailand h🐎ave agreedto reopen border crossings and checkpoints as soon as possible, reported theLaotian Times on February 24.
The decision was made following a courtesy call on Thai PrimeMinister Prayut Chan-o-cha by Lao Ambassador Seng Soukhathivong. The two sides spoke of the need to reopen cross-bordercheckpoints as soon as possible and increase the value of border trade to boosteconomic recovery. The Thai PM urged Laos to consider streamlining its customsprocedures and revising fees at the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane LogisticsPark near the Nong Khai Border in order to attract more Thai investment. Prayut also requested that the Lao government considerdeveloping the R12 road connecting Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, which wouldassist local communities in each of the three countries. He welcomed a plan for Lao PM Phankham Viphavanh to visitThailand in the middle of the year, saying this would be a good opportunity toelevate relations to a strategic partnership for growth and sustainable development./.
Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to allow four groups of migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar to legally stay and work in Thailand until July 27 next year, in order to allow them to sort out their employment status and work permits as required by a previous order, according to local media.
Thailand and Laos have agreed to promote the development of public infrastructure between the two countries to support connectivity and transportation, including two new bridges over the Mekong River.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and related operators have recently tested the new dual-track rail service from Rayong province’s Map Ta Phut station to Tha Na Laeng station in Laos.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
A Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge (Photo: laotiantimes.com) 
