Cambodia marked its Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Week, which is entering a “new Golden Decade”. Sustainable water resource management, enhanced regional connectivity, economic integration, green development and digital transformation are areas of cooperation.

2.PHILIPPINES LEADS ASEAN OBSERVER TEAM -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

The government is committed to promoting peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border and supporting the ASEAN Observer Team. Malaysia handed over its role as the outgoing leader of the team to the Philippines.

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA’S HAJJ PREPARATIONS FOR 2026 NEAR 100 PER CENT COMPLETION -- ANTARA

Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, emphasized that Indonesia's operational preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage are on track, with progress nearing 100 percent.

2.BALI IMMIGRATION THWARTS ESCAPE ATTEMPT OF BRITISH INTERPOL FUGITIVE -- ANTARA

Indonesian immigration officers arrested a British fugitive listed on Interpol’s Red Notice shortly after he arrived at Bali’s main international airport, authorities said on Saturday.

MYANMAR

1.MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government is carrying out earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, with about 84 per cent of the work completed. A ceremony was held yesterday to commemorate the first anniversary of the March 2025 earthquake, which devastated the country.

2.ENSURING FUEL SUPPLY FOR FARMERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Myanmar Rice Federation is discussing ways to provide farmers with sufficient fuel for paddy harvesting and the operation of rice mills. The federation is also focusing on expanding exports and importing machinery for rice mills.

PHILIPPINES

1.PH, CHINA DISCUSS OIL, 'PRACTICAL' COOPERATION IN RESUMED SCS TALKS -- PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY 

The Philippines and China have made “initial exchanges” on a potential oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, nearly four years since previous talks were terminated in 2022.

2.DTI: COMMODITY PRICES ON HOLD UNTIL APRIL 16 -- PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY 

Prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) will increase only starting April 17, following a meeting among officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), manufacturers and retailers Saturday.

SINGAPORE

1. INSIDE THE RSAF REPATRIATION MISSIONS THAT BROUGHT SINGAPOREANS HOME AMID THE MIDDLE EAST WAR -- CNA

A box of chocolates – that was one thing that stayed in First Sergeant Pang Jingwen's mind weeks after being part of the crew that brought home hundreds of Singaporeans and their families from Saudi Arabia amid the Middle East war.

2. NINE PEOPLE REPORT GASTROENTERITIS SYMPTOMS ON DISNEY CRUISE; SFA INVESTIGATING --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Nine people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after travelling on board the Disney Adventure cruise from March 16 to 19.

THAILAND

1. EKNITI SAYS NO MORE SUBSIDIES TO KEEP FUEL PRICES ARTIFICIALLY LOW -- THE NATION

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said Thailand can no longer subsidise fuel to keep prices artificially low as the Iran war prolongs the energy shock.

2. GOVT'S VISA-FREE POLICY 'TOO EASY' -- BANGKOK POST

The 60-day visa-free entry policy, which was intended to boost tourism recovery, is now under review as authorities weigh its economic benefits against security concerns.

VIETNAM

1.PROTECTING DOMESTIC ENERGY SECURITY -- VIETNAMPLUS

Measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of costly oil prices. Freezing petrol prices for 15 days, using the oil fund to subsidise retailers and seeking additional fuel sources are steps being taken.

2.NEW VIETNAM-LAO RAIL CONNECTIVITY -- VIETNAMPLUS

A railway linking Thakhek township in Khammouane province in Laos and the Mu Gia border gate in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province has been approved by the Lao government. It will be implemented under the build–operate–transfer model.

-- BERNAMA