2. INDONESIA REMOVES EV TAX EXEMPTIONS DUE TO FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: GOVT -- ANTARA

Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza cited Indonesia’s fiscal conditions as a primary consideration for the government to remove tax exemptions for electric vehicles (EV).

LAOS

1. ECONOMY ENJOYS 5.5 PER CENT GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos’ economy grew by 5.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, while inflation stood at seven per cent. But officials are concerned that inflation may rise due to rising fuel costs.

 2. HOTLINE RECEIVES 700 FRAUD CASES -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Anti-Online Fraud Centre has received more than 700 complaints since late 2025. Most of the complaints were related to financial losses from online fraud, bogus investment schemes and social media scams.

MYANMAR

1. NEIGHBOURS RAMPING UP SECURITY TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar’s new government and Thailand have agreed to expand their ties in sensitive security areas. They include border security, anti-narcotics cooperation, tackling online scams and illegal gambling, and reducing cross-border haze pollution.

2. FISH WORTH OVER A BILLION RINGGIT EXPORTED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar exported more than 326,300 metric tonnes of fish from April 2025 to March this year, earning US$404 million (RM1.6 billion)  in revenue. The bulk of the fish was exported via sea and followed by land routes.

PHILIPPINES

1. FAIR WEATHER TO PREVAIL ACROSS PH THURSDAY -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

 Generally fair weather will continue to prevail across the country on Thursday, the weather bureau said.

 2. DATA CENTRE EXEC CITES CHALLENGES ON AI SHIFT-- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Many Philippine companies are firm on using artificial intelligence (AI) in their processes, but challenges such as structural issues and talent pool hamper the successful transition to full automation.

SINGAPORE

1. SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA 'STRATEGICALLY ALIGNED' IN KEEPING STRAIT OF MALACCA OPEN: VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN -- CNA

Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have a shared strategic interest to keep the Strait of Malacca open, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Wednesday as Middle East tensions put global maritime routes under strain.

2. RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS CAN BE POWERFUL FORCE IN EMPOWERING CLIMATE ACTION: RAVI MENON --  THE STRAITS TIMES

South-east Asia is expected to be the most affected by climate change, and faith-based organisations can play an important role in shaping individual choices as Singapore adapts, Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action Ravi Menon said.

THAILAND

1. SURIYA WARNS FARM BURNERS OF LEGAL ACTION, AID BAN -- THE NATION

Agriculture Minister Suriya says illegal burning in farm areas will face strict legal action as Thailand steps up efforts to curb PM2.5 and hotspot-linked haze.

 2. DEBT HIKE A 'LAST RESORT' -- BANGKOK POST

Raising the public debt ceiling or issuing emergency borrowing decrees will be considered as a "last resort", only if global volatility persists and domestic fiscal resources prove insufficient, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas says.

VIETNAM

1. ADVANCING CANCER VACCINE RESEARCH -- VIETNAMPLUS

Vietnam plans to join international clinical trials of mRNA-based cancer vaccines and other next-generation vaccines this year.  It is to advance the country’s biomedical research and treatment expertise.

 2. PANGOLINS RETURN TO THE WILD -- VIETNAMPLUS

Conservationists have released nine Sunda pangolins or Manis javanica into the wild. The pangolins, rescued from poachers and traffickers, were treated at the Bach Ma National Park in the city of Hue.

-- BERNAMA