Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: Dec 5, 2025

CAMBODIA

1. PROJECTS WORTH RM39 BILLION APPROVED -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The Council for the Development of Cambodia approved 609 investment projects valued at about RM39 billion (US$9.5 billion) in the first eleven months. These projects are expected to create about 24,000 jobs. 

2. MORE JOINT EFFORTS TO CLEAR LANDMINE -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre and APOPO, which trains rats and dogs to detect landmines, will clear more contaminated land in Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. The project is supported by about RM1 million (US$281,490) budget.

LAOS

1. LAO-VIETNAM TRADE TOUCH RM12 BILLION -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos and Vietnam’s bilateral trade reached nearly RM12 billion (US$3 billion) this year. Both governments will focus on energy cooperation, investments, transport networks and the agriculture sector next year.  

2. LAOS-CHINA RAILWAY MAJOR LAND CONNECTOR -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Laos-China Railway has transported more than 62.5 million passengers and 72.5 million tonnes since its launch four years ago. The high-speed rail line connects Kunming in China and Vientiane. 

MYANMAR

1. BUILDING SMART VILLAGES IN PIPELINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government will pursue rural transformation to uplift 69 per cent of its population living in remote areas. Rural infrastructure, modernising agriculture, financial aid, vocational training, social protection and environmental conservation will be prioritised. 

2. LOWER FUEL PRICES IN THE MARKET -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Ministry of Energy will continue distributing RON 68 petrol directly to consumers instead of selling it to the private sector through a tender system. Various domestically produced petrol will be sold at lower prices.

PHILIPPINES

1. PBBM VOWS STRONGER SUPPORT FOR TROOPS, TIGHTER SECURITY IN MINDANAO -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering support for government troops and strengthening security operations in Mindanao.

2. COMELEC ACTIVATES IREHISTRO FOR OVERSEAS VOTER'S REGISTRATION -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 Filipinos overseas who would like to register as voters may start accomplishing applications digitally, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has opened its iRehistro program. 

SINGAPORE

1. PM WONG LOOKS FORWARD TO CONTINUE WORKING CLOSELY WITH MALAYSIA; TO ENGAGE ON COMPLEX ISSUES AS 'GOOD NEIGHBOURS' -- CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

Singapore and Malaysia should be proud of what the two countries have accomplished in the last 60 years, both bilaterally and in the region, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday (Dec 4) at a joint press conference with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

2. S’PORE POLICE INVESTIGATING 268 SUSPECTED SCAMMERS, MONEY MULES LINKED TO MORE THAN $4.66M IN LOSSES -- THE STRAITS TIMES

 A 15-year-old is among 268 people being investigated for their suspected roles in ruses linked to more than $4.66 million in losses, following a two-week operation by the police.

THAILAND

1. ANUTIN CANCELS EMERGENCY SITUATION IN SONGKHLA, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 5 -- THE NATION

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed a decree to cancel the emergency situation declaration in Songkhla province, with the order taking effect on December 5.

2. PM TELLS NORTHERN GOVERNORS TO MAKE AIR POLLUTION FIGHT A PRIORITY -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the governors of all provinces in northern Thailand to tackle seasonal air pollution, while signalling flexibility on work-from-home arrangements for government employees.

VIETNAM

1. BOOMING DURIAN EXPORTS TO CHINA -- VIETNAMPLUS

Durian exports reached a record RM14 billion (US$3.33 billion) in the first 10 months, making it the largest contributor to Vietnam's total agricultural export value. Over 90 per cent of the exports are for the Chinese market. 

2. HO CHI MINH HOSTS TOURISM, SHOPPING TO SPUR ECONOMY --  VIETNAM NEWS

The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025 and the Shopping Seasons - Binh Dưong Mega Sale programme opened at the World Trade Centre on Wednesday. The year-end programme is to stimulate domestic consumption.

-- BERNAMA