On April 17, Bangkok authorities set out an ambitious plan to elevate the city’s Songkran or the Thai new year celebrations into a globally recognised festival, with major improvements planned for infrastructure, urban management and environmental sustainability.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Correspondent
Myanmar grants amnesty to over 4,000 prisoners
On April 17, Myanmar’s former junta leader and newly appointed president, Min Aung Hlaing, announced an amnesty to mark the country’s traditional New Year, in one of his first major decisions since formally assuming the presidency earlier this month.
Indonesia stages high-level visits to Moscow, Paris and Washington in a show of hyperactive hedging
In mid-April 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embarked on a wave of state visits which represents Jakarta’s attempt to navigate an increasingly uncertain global condition.
Malaysia prepares for 1447H Hajj season with safety measures
On April 15, Pilgrims Fund Board of Malaysia (Tabung Haji) has assured Malaysian pilgrims that preparations for the 1447H/2026M Hajj remain firmly on schedule, while it continues to monitor developments to ensure a safe and well-organised pilgrimage season.
Laos revives ‘Lo Lat’ market to celebrate Lao New Year
Celebrations for Pi Mai Lao in Luang Prabang were marked by the return of the traditional “Lo Lat” public market on April 14, held on the 12th day of the waning moon of the fifth lunar month (B.E. 2568) after being absent for some years.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto highlights US$672 million asset recovery
On April 10,Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the handover of administrative fines, recovered state funds and the sixth phase of reclaimed forest areas during a ceremony at the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office in Jakarta.
Vietnam celebrates Francophonie Day 2026 in HCM City
Francophonie Day 2026 was officially launched on April 11 at Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai High School in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a range of educational and cultural activities designed to introduce local students more closely to the global Francophone community. The event brought together pupils, educators, and representatives from diplomatic and cultural institutions to celebrate the diversity and influence of the French-speaking world.
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni diagnosed with prostate cancer
On April 10, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and he is currently undergoing a treatment in Beijing. The diagnosis was confirmed following a thorough medical examination conducted by a team of specialists at one of a state hospital in the capital of China. Based on the doctors’ recommendations, the king will remain hospitalised while receiving treatment.
Energy Minister: Thailand has enough oil reserves to cover domestic demand
Thailand’s oil reserves were sufficient to cover domestic demand for 109 days as of April 9, according to the Ministry of Energy. The reserves consist of 25 days of legally required strategic stock, 22 days of commercial reserves, 31 days of crude currently in transit and another 31 days already secured for delivery.
Philippines to provide fare discounts and fuel subsidies for public transport
On April 9, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the government will implement a nationwide transportation programme that includes subsidised fares and fuel discounts. The scheme will be implemented on April 15 in order to prevent the pressure caused by surging oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.