Top News Headlines In Laos, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam : Dec 15, 2025

LAOS

1.JAPAN ASSISTING FLOOD-HIT COMMUNITIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Japan provides RM26 million (¥1 billion) to assist communities impacted by severe weather. The funds will be used to acquire heavy machinery needed to repair and improve bridges and roads.

2.NOVEMBER INFLATION DOWN TO 4.8 PER CENT -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Inflation fell to 4.8 per cent in November as the government achieved its revenue target for 2025 and maintained steady fiscal management despite uncertainties. The government has also repaid domestic and foreign debts on schedule.

PHILIPPINES

1. SENATORS FLAG MAIFIP HIKE, WARN VS. PATRONAGE IN HEALTH AID -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Senators have raised alarm over the sharp increase in the proposed 2026 budget for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), warning that it could weaken the country’s push for universal, system-based healthcare and entrench political patronage.

2. CONSULTATIONS DELAY 2ND DAY OF 2026 BUDGET BICAM -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Senate and House leaders on Sunday explained the delayed start of the second day of the bicameral conference committee on the 2026 national budget, saying the pause was needed to address concerns on several budget items before talks could resume.

SINGAPORE

1. MIGRANT WORKERS TO GET BETTER CLINIC ACCESS; MOM TO LAUNCH PORTAL FOR HEALTH PLAN ENROLMENT -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Most migrant workers will have a clinic within 2km of their residence, as part of plans being rolled out over the next few years to bolster their health and well-being.

2. MOH ACTS TO CURB GROWING INFLUX OF PRIVATE PATIENTS INTO PUBLIC SECTOR WITH NEW IP RULES: ONG YE KUNG -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore is trying to slow down the migration of private healthcare patients to the public sector – a trend that is likely to gather pace as more Integrated Shield Plan (IP) policyholders are increasingly giving up their riders due to rising premiums.

THAILAND  

1. CURFEW IMPOSED IN FIVE TRAT DISTRICTS AFTER M79 ATTACK -- THE NATION The Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defence Command (CTBDC) on Sunday (December 14) declared an emergency curfew covering five districts in Trat province, effective immediately.

2. EVACUEES UNDER RISING STRESS LEVELS -- BANGKOK POST Public health authorities have warned of mounting psychological strain among evacuees displaced by unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, as the total number of people in shelters rose to more than 263,000.

VIETNAM

1.AIRPORT TO WELCOME 20 MILLIONTH TOURIST -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam is ready to welcome its 20 millionth foreign tourist this year for the first time at Phu Quoc International Airport in An Giang province in mid-December. Vietnam welcomed 19.15 million international visitors in the first 11 months.

2.HAI PHONG HANDLES RECORD TWO MILLIONTH TEU -- VIETNAMPLUS

Hai Phong Port handled its two millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in 2025, a milestone in the port’s 150-year history. Improved port efficiency, digitalisation and automation are helping the port to woo international shipping lines.  

-- BERNAMA