On September 1, a crackdown on suspected online fraud in Sihanoukville led to the detention of 37 people, including 35 foreign nationals, after officials searched a residential villa believed to be linked to scam activities.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Culture and Society Correspondent, SEA Daily
Vietnam Aims to Raise the Bar at Asian Games with 348 Athletes
On August 28, the Sports Authority of Vietnam (SAV) confirmed that Vietnam’s national delegation is aiming to improve on its previous Asian Games performance after naming a 348-strong athlete contingent for this year’s competition in Japan.
Manila Steps Up Assistance for Filipinos Caught in Nepal Floods
On August 28, Philippine authorities moved to assist citizens who may have been caught in the devastating floods that have hit parts of Nepal, as the death toll from the disaster continued to rise.
Cambodia and Cameroon Eye Broader Cooperation Ahead of Francophonie Summit
On August 29, Cameroon is preparing to send a high-level delegation to Phnom Penh for the 20th Francophonie Summit in November, signalling continued efforts to deepen relations with Cambodia and strengthen cooperation within the French-speaking community.
Hanoi Prepares for Mid-Autumn Festival with Six Cultural Spaces
Hanoi will host a month-long cultural programme celebrating the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, with Lưu Trăng Phố Cổ 2026 taking place from August 27 to September 30 across six heritage and cultural venues in the capital.
Thailand Launches “Year of Transformation” for Tourism in 2027
Thailand is set to reposition its tourism sector in 2027 as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launches “The Year of Transformation” on August 24. The strategy designed to move the industry beyond visitor numbers and towards higher-value, sustainable travel.
Thailand Expands Water Management as Flood and Drought Risks Intensify
Thailand is strengthening nationwide water management as flash floods and landslides affect northern provinces. Authorities prepare for increased water flows into the central region and enhance early warning and disaster response.
Forest Fire in Indonesia’s Way Kambas National Park Extinguished, Elephants Safe
On August 23, a fire that swept through part of Way Kambas National Park in East Lampung was fully extinguished with authorities reporting no direct impact on the park’s Sumatran elephant population.
Indonesian President’s State of the Nation Address Turns Targets Into Achievements
On August 14, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s 2026 addressed the country through a State of the Nation speech in anticipation of the Independence Day celebration on August 17. The message was simple, that after 21 months in office, his government claimed to be delivering results. He offered a long-list of numbers to support that message: 1,931 trillion Indonesian rupiah (109.7 billion US dollar) in investment, 5.61% economic growth, 121 “transformative” policies, 71,744 renovated schools and tens of millions reached by the flagship Free Nutritious Meals programme.
Laos Deepens Tourism Outreach in Japan as Visitor Numbers Rise
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism formalised the initiative on August 17 by signing a Terms of Reference (TOR) with Jumping Tour Co., Ltd. at Muang Thanh Hotel in Vientiane. Under the three-year agreement, with a possible one-year extension, Jumping Tour CEO Shigeyoshi Abe will serve as the Laos’ Tourism Representative in Japan.