Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat aims to extinguish all forest and land fires in less than a month, as joint teams continue firefighting operations across several affected areas.

2.FORESTRY MINISTRY HANDLED 290 WILD ANIMALS HIT BY FOREST FIRES -- ANTARA

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Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry had handled 290 wild animals affected by forest and land fires as of October 8, 2026, with 272 of them were located in four provinces in Kalimantan.

LAOS

1.INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING TO BE REVIEWED -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The government will review investments in road infrastructure projects to ensure funds go to strategic roads nationwide. Laos seeks to improve transport links and support economic development.

2.CRACKING DOWN ON FAKE BEAUTY CLINICS -- VIENTIANE TIMES

The Health Ministry has identified 183 beauty clinics providing medical procedures without licences. Authorities are stepping up efforts to ensure that private clinics comply with licensing requirements.

MYANMAR

1.GEMS EXPO SELLS 474 BATCHES OF JADE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The 61st Myanma Gems Emporium continued its sixth-day exhibition yesterday at Maniradana Jade Hall in Nay Pyi Taw, with 474 batches of jade sold to local and foreign buyers.

2.FISH PRICES FALL DUE TO OVERSUPPLY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Sea fish prices at the Yangon fish market continue to fall due to abundant supply this season. Prices are lower compared to last year. Supply of freshwater carp and rohu has increased.

PHILIPPINES

1.DTI REMINDS CONSUMERS ANEW AGAINST SUBSTANDARD, UNREGISTERED PRODUCTS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY 

With tonnes of products now sold online, the Philippines’ Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on reminded consumers to remain discerning in the things they buy and ensure that these pass proper certification. 

2.ICC PROSECUTION IN DUTERTE TRIAL TO PRESENT 5 WITNESSES FOR 2026 -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution is planning to fly in and present five witnesses in the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte before the court for 2026.

SINGAPORE

1.SINGAPORE'S ECONOMY GROWS 5.4% IN Q3, DOWN FROM 6.2% IN PREVIOUS QUARTER: ADVANCE ESTIMATES - CNA

Singapore’s economy grew 5.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, slightly slower than the 6.2 per cent reported in the second quarter of the year, according to advance estimates from the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) on Wednesday.

2.SINGAPOREANS ADVISED TO POSTPONE UMRAH PILGRIMAGE TO SAUDI ARABIA AMID SECURITY CONCERNS: MUIS -- THE STRAITS TIME

Singaporeans planning their umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia are advised to postpone their travel plans due to heightened security risks there, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

THAILAND  

1.IMF-WORLD BANK MEETINGS GIVE THAILAND FRESH YEAR-END TOURISM BOOST -- THE NATION

Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul expects the IMF-World Bank meetings to lift spending and support Thailand’s year-end tourism recovery.

2.PM SAYS TEXT OF CENSURE MOTION HAZY -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has criticised the wording of the opposition's no-confidence motion, suggesting it may be why the House speaker has yet to formally notify the government and saying the language may need to be polished to make it more 'civilised".

VIETNAM

1.TOURISM ISLAND GOES GREEN -- VIETNAMPLUS

Co To island, which attracts around 300,000 visitors annually, is promoting green and sustainable production by linking agriculture with resource conservation and environmental protection to support tourism-led growth.

2.EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO CLEAN UP PROPERTY MARKET -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government wants to expedite long-stalled projects and the launch of viable ones to increase supply. It also stressed close market monitoring, flexible credit and tax policies, and firm action against speculation and price manipulation.

-- BERNAMA