The Information Ministry launched the second phase of the "Say No to Fake News" campaign to curb the spread of false information. The campaign aims to improve media and information literacy among school students.

2.CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS FOR EFFICIENCY -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

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The government plans to reduce three general departments and 30 departments across 16 ministries as part of its institutional reforms. It is to improve work systems and restructure civil service functions.

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA SET EXPORT REFORM OF NATURAL RESOURCES INTO FORCE ON JUNE 1 -- ANTARA

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reported to President Prabowo Subianto regarding the government’s plan to enforce export reform of natural resources run by PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) starting June 1, 2026.

2.INDONESIA ALLOWS EXPORTERS TO HOLD YUAN FOR COMMODITY EARNINGS -- ANTARA

Bank Indonesia (BI), the country's central bank, has expanded its natural resource export revenue framework to allow exporters to deposit non-US dollar foreign currencies—specifically Chinese yuan—into domestic state-owned banks.

LAOS

1.EXPANDING DIGITAL PAYMENT SYSTEM -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Lao is modernising its financial infrastructure by enabling transactions through messaging platforms. This initiative will establish a digital payment ecosystem by linking digital wallets and bank accounts to these platforms.

2.ROADMAP TO PROTECT TIGERS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos approved a 10-year National Tiger Recovery Action Plan to protect the wildlife. Restoring habitat, prey and protection systems, and strengthening transboundary collaboration, particularly with Thailand, will be key measures under the plan.

MYANMAR

1.PHILIPPINES, MYANMAR DEEPEN DIPLOMATIC TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The 5th Myanmar-Philippines Foreign Policy Consultations were held on May 18 to bolster diplomatic ties. Both governments discussed ways to expand ties in trade, investment energy and combating transnational crimes.

2.SEEKING CHINESE CUSTOMS APPROVAL FOR DURIANS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar will seek registration with the General Administration of Customs of China to export durians to the world's largest buyer. At present, Myanmar’s durian market relies on domestic consumption.

PHILIPPINES

1.PBBM DECLARES MAY 27 AS REGULAR HOLIDAY FOR EID’L ADHA -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday declared May 27 as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

2.DOE CHIEF URGES CONSUMERS TO ADOPT ENERGY CONSERVATION LIFESTYLE -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has called on power consumers to adopt energy conservation as a habit, which, once it becomes a lifestyle, will benefit not only individuals but the whole country.

THAILAND

1. FUEL COSTS FORCE CANCELLATION OF OVER 200 CHINESE CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THAILAND -- THE NATION

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says surging global fuel prices have led to the cancellation of more than 200 Chinese charter flights to Thailand, prompting the agency to consider extending its Thailand Summer Blast campaign until September.

2. ECONOMISTS STRESS INFLATION WARNING FOR THAI ECONOMY -- BANGKOK POST

Escalating inflation poses a significant risk to the Thai economy, especially if the US-Iran war drags on until the second half of the year, as domestic consumption remains fragile and small businesses in provincial markets face a liquidity crunch, say economists.

SINGAPORE

1. FROM NEAR-EXTINCTION TO 120 STRONG: SINGAPORE'S SAMBAR DEER MAKE A QUIET COMEBACK - CNA

Once thought to be nearly gone from Singapore, the sambar deer is making a quiet comeback, with its population surging from 15 to 120 in five years.

2. CARBON MARKETS, CLIMATE ADAPTATION AMONG GREEN FOCUS AREAS FOR S’PORE AS 2027 ASEAN CHAIR: RAVI MENON --  THE STRAITS TIMES

The agency coordinating Singapore’s climate policies will focus on carbon markets, nature-based solutions and climate adaptation as Singapore takes on the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027, said the nation’s Ambassador for Climate Action, Ravi Menon.

-- BERNAMA