Top News Headlines Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 26, 2026

LAOS

1. EFFORTS TO SAVE VILLAGERS TRAPPED INSIDE CAVE -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Rescue operations have been continuing to save seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Phonxay village, Longchaeng district, Xaysomboun province, since May 20. Lao and Thai rescue teams are trying to rescue the victims.

2. BAN ON FUEL-POWERED VEHICLES IMPORT THIS YEAR -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will temporarily suspend imports of fuel-powered vehicles this year to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Loa wants to promote clean energy vehicles, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen the country’s automotive sector.

MYANMAR

1. DISASTER ALERT AHEAD OF MONSOON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is urging the public to be extra alert to natural disasters ahead of the monsoon season. The threat of El Niño conditions in some parts of Myanmar is also imminent.

2. PROPOSAL TO USE YUAN IN INVESTMENT, TRADE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar is mulling the use of Chinese yuan to speed up investment and trade. It is part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor cooperation. Officials are ironing out administrative matters to introduce the Chinese currency.

PHILIPPINES

1. PRO-10 FETES COPS FOR P5-M ILLEGAL MINING, P1.7-M SMUGGLING BUSTS-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 The Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) on Monday honored its officers for successful intensified operations against illegal mining and smuggling in the region.

2. SC JUNKS DELA ROSA’S TRO PLEA FOR 'LACK OF MERIT'-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The Supreme Court (SC) has voted 9-5-1 to deny Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa’s application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or status quo ante order (SQAO) against his possible arrest over the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) “for lack of merit.”

SINGAPORE

1. COMMENTARY: STRAIT OF HORMUZ DISRUPTIONS CREATE A ‘FOSSIL PREMIUM’ FOR CONSUMERS - CNA

The prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves across fuel markets, electricity prices, shipping routes and industrial supply chains. 

2. SINGAPORE COURTS NOW IN AN ‘ERA OF TRUTH DECAY’: CHIEF JUSTICE --  THE STRAITS TIMES

In an age of truth decay, where there is a blurring of the line between opinion and fact, many people comment on court decisions even though they do not know much about the case.  

THAILAND 

1. SEVEN THAI PROVINCES WARNED AS CHAO PHRAYA DAM DISCHARGE SET TO RISE -- THE NATION

Regional Irrigation Office 12 has warned seven provinces in the Chao Phraya River Basin to prepare for rising water levels as runoff from upstream areas continues to flow into the area above Chao Phraya Dam at an increasing rate.

2. NEW SUBSIDY SPARKS SURGE IN SIGN-UPS -- BANGKOK POST

The government hailed the overwhelming first-day response to its new 'Thais Help Thais Plus' co-payment subsidy scheme, with more than 23 million people registering within hours.

VIETNAM

1. BAC NINH PRODUCES OVER 4,000 METRIC TONNES OF LYCHEE -- VIETNAMPLUS

Bac Ninh province has sold roughly 4,010 tonnes of lychee so far. About 1,000 metric tonnes were exported, while the balance was sold locally. Safe farming has preserved the quality of the early crop despite unfavourable weather.

2. VIETNAM TOP 10 WORLD STEEL PRODUCER -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam has emerged among the world’s top 10 crude steel producers for the first time. Crude steel output was estimated at 2.1 million metric tonnes in April, while production in the first four months was 8.5 million metric tonnes.  

-- BERNAMA