On July 13, Thailand officially opened a new road linking the Sadao Customs House in Songkhla Province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia, marking a significant step towards improving cross-border tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Culture and Society Correspondent, SEA Daily
Myanmar’s Fruit Gathering Won Crystal Globe at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
On July 11, Myanmar filmmaker Aung Phyoe won the Crystal Globe, the highest award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), for his debut feature Fruit Gathering. The prestigious prize was presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Indonesia’s Candrani Yulis Showcases “Passage” Solo Exhibition Ahead of Lyon Biennale Debut
Indonesian contemporary artist Candrani Yulis will present Passage, a solo exhibition at the Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI) Yogyakarta from 14 to 24 July, ahead of her appearance at the 18th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art later this year. Organised by the Embassy of France in Indonesia, IFI and Ellipse Art Projects, the exhibition marks a significant milestone in the Yogyakarta-based artist’s growing international career.
Philippines’ Marriage Rate Falls as More Couples Delay Weddings
On July 7, the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development (CPD) announced that the number of registered marriages in the country has continued to fall over the past decade, suggesting that more Filipinos are changing how they build families. Instead of marrying early, many couples are choosing to delay marriage or live together without formalising their relationship.
Sara Duterte’s Trial Is A Test of Philippine Political Status Quo
In early July, The Philippine Senate officially opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the start of a historic political and legal process in the country. As the first sitting vice president in the country’s history to face an impeachment trial, Sara Duterte stands accused of misusing millions of dollars in confidential government funds and making threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She has firmly denied all allegations, with her legal team arguing that the case is politically motivated and aimed at removing her from office.
Indonesia Government Responds to Criticism Over LGBTQ Regulation
On July 9, the Indonesian government sought to reassure the public that a recently issued presidential regulation on national defence should not be interpreted as legitimising discrimination against LGBTQ people.
Vietnam Seeks to Expand Halal Tourism
Vietnam is looking to strengthen its foothold in the global Halal tourism market, with government officials and industry leaders highlighting new opportunities to attract more Muslim travellers during a conference in the central province of Khanh Hoa on July 8.
Laos Recorded 2.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Early 2026
On July 6, Laos reported strong tourism growth during the first five months of 2026, welcoming more than 2.1 million international visitors, according to a government report presented at the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8% and reaches 47% of the country’s annual target of 4.46 million foreign arrivals.
BINI Named Philippines’ Newest Tourism Ambassador
On July 3, The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Filipino girl group BINI will serve as its newest tourism ambassador, marking a fresh effort to promote domestic travel through the country’s growing entertainment industry.
Indonesia Pushes Inclusive HIV and Tuberculosis Healthcare
On July 5, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for more inclusive healthcare services for people affected by HIV and tuberculosis (TB), warning that stigma, discrimination and fragmented care continue to prevent vulnerable groups from receiving timely treatment.