2. EX-LABOUR MINISTRY SEC-GEN NAMED NINTH SUSPECT IN FOREIGN WORKER EXTORTION CASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Corruption Eradication Commission has named Heri Sudarmanto, the former Secretary-General of the Manpower Ministry, as the ninth suspect in an alleged extortion scheme targeting foreign nationals applying for work permits.

LAOS 

1. LIVING COST HIGH DESPITE DIP IN INFLATION -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos continues to grapple with the high cost of living despite inflation dropping to four per cent in October. The cost of many essentials, especially housing, utilities, health and education, remains high, which adds pressure on families. 

2. LUANG PRABANG WINS GREEN DESTINATION AWARD -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Luang Prabang City was awarded the Green Destinations Silver Award for 2025–2027 by Green Destinations organisation, accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. It became the first city in Laos to win the accreditation. 

MYANMAR

1. KOREANS EYEING MYANMAR FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

A South Korean business delegation is visiting Myanmar to explore investment opportunities. Representatives from the construction, real estate, medical, cement and power cable manufacturing sectors are holding talks with Myanmar officials. 

2. MYANMAR-LAOS TACKLING LABOUR ISSUES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and Laos are considering the establishment of a working group to tackle labour issues. Discussions centred on the issuance of a certificate of identity to undocumented Myanmar citizens living and working in Laos.

PHILIPPINES

1. LPA SPOTTED OUTSIDE PAR; 4 WEATHER SYSTEMS TO DAMPEN PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY                                                                                                     

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday said a low pressure area (LPA) is being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

2. PBBM GRACES ‘THRILLA IN MANILA 2’ -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night joined boxing fans in celebrating the 50th anniversary celebration of the “Thrilla in Manila,” the legendary 1975 bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE AND VIETNAM INK DEAL TO SUPPORT RICE TRADE ON THE SIDELINES OF APEC MEET IN SOUTH KOREA -- THE STRAITS TIMES

Singapore has inked an agreement with Vietnam to support the flow of rice to the island state.

2. A TOKEN OF SINGAPORE-US PARTNERSHIP: PM WONG PRESENTS TRUMP WITH CUSTOMISED RSAF BOMBER JACKET IN SOUTH KOREA -- CNA

 Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong presented US President Donald Trump with a customised Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) bomber jacket on Wednesday (Oct 29) as a token of appreciation for America's longstanding support of the army's training in the US.

THAILAND

1. IMMIGRATION BUREAU DENIES CLAIMS OF 11 SOUTH KOREANS KIDNAPPED IN THAILAND -- THE NATION

Immigration Bureau denies reports of 11 South Koreans kidnapped in Thailand, revealing discrepancies in the claims and enhancing border security.

2. PM, XI TO MULL THAI RICE DEAL -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to expedite China's consideration of purchasing 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice when the two leaders meet at the APEC summit in South Korea.

VIETNAM

1. HANOI-LONDON FORGE ROBUST BILATERAL TIES --  VIETNAMPLUS 

Vietnam and the United Kingdom have elevated their bilateral cooperation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations adopted the Strategic Partnership framework in 2010 and diplomatic relations was established in 1973.

2. TEXTILE, GARMENT EXPORTERS AIMING GLOBAL MARKET -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam’s textile and garment exporters are enhancing their competitiveness by adding value to their products, investing in smart factories and streamlining operations. The sector generated RM146 billion (US$34.8 billion) in exports during the first nine months of this year. 

-- BERNAMA