Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 18, 2025

INDONESIA

1. FOREIGN WORKER PERMIT SCANDAL: INDONESIA’S ANTI-GRAFT BODY DETAINS FOUR SENIOR OFFICIALS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Corruption Eradication Commission on Thursday announced the detention of four suspects in an alleged bribery and extortion scheme involving foreign worker permit services at the Manpower Ministry. The four suspects are all current or former senior officials at the ministry, accused of delaying work permit approvals for foreign nationals until payments were made through intermediaries.

2. PARTIES LOOK FORWARD TO TRIPLING OF STATE FUNDING -- THE JAKARTA POST

Political parties have welcomed a recent Home Ministry proposal to increase state financial assistance for them, in the hope of reducing their dependence on business interests, but analysts warn stronger oversight and systemic reform are needed to prevent taxpayer’s money going down the drain.

LAOS 

1. MONSOON FLOOD DISASTER PREPAREDNESS -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

A flood preparedness drill was held at the Ang Nam Houm Reservoir in Vientiane on Tuesday amid flood threats. The exercise focused on underwater rescue, evacuating people in high-risk areas and the timely coordination of assistance.

2. LAOS-BELARUS EXPAND BILATERAL TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos and Belarus firmed up their diplomatic ties established in 1994 by promoting key areas — trade, investment and tourism. Both governments have waived visas to promote tourism and ease travel of official delegations. 

MYANMAR 

1. POSITIONING TANINTHAYI AS PREMIER TOURIST SPOT -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Authorities approved licences to build 17 new hotels and high-standard guesthouses in Taninthayi Region to promote tourism. Thirty new travel agency licences and 55 new local tour guide permits were approved to promote the southern state, which is popular for its marine tourism.

2. MYANMAR-RUSSIA TIGER CONSERVATION STAMPS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Myanma Post will release commemorative stamps featuring tigers to mark Myanmar-Russia cooperation in tiger conservation on July 20. The stamps are part of Myanmar’s contribution to the International Forum for Tiger Conservation. 

SINGAPORE

1. TRUMP DIAGNOSED WITH VEIN CONDITION CAUSING LEG SWELLING, WHITE HOUSE SAYS -- THE STRAITS TIMES/REUTERS

The White House said on July 17 that US President Donald Trump is experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, after photographs emerged of Mr Trump with swollen ankles and makeup covering the afflicted part of his hand.

2. 'THERE'S NO MOVING ON': 8 MONTHS ON, PARENTS OF TEEN WHO DIED IN MALDIVES STILL SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS -- CNA

Eight months after their daughter's death on a school trip to the Maldives, the parents of 15-year-old Jenna Chan say they are still waiting for answers. 

THAILAND

1. THAI PROPERTY SECTOR FACES CRISIS AS DEBT BURDEN SOARS -- THE NATION

Experts warn of potential collapse as household debt reaches 90% of GDP amid cash flow crunch.

2. DOZENS OF ILLEGAL BORDER-CROSSERS ARRESTED IN ARANYAPRATHET -- BANGKOK POST

Soldiers have arrested 38 people for illegally crossing the Thai-Cambodian border in this eastern province, most of them are Cambodian migrants returning to Thailand because they could find no jobs at home.

VIETNAM 

1. ONLY VALID BANK ACCOUNTS TO AVOID FRAUDS -- VIETNAMPLUS

The State Bank of Vietnam announced that over 86 million bank accounts that do not have biometric authentication or have been dormant for a long time will be deleted starting September 1. The move is to prevent fraud and cybercrime.

2. RISING DENGUE CASES DEMAND COMMUNITY HELP -- VIETNAMPLUS

Health officials are encouraging community participation to control the rising dengue fever cases in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces. The Cu Chi Regional General Hospital has admitted 20-30 dengue patients per day in the last two months.

-- BERNAMA