On September 7, Thailand and the US reached agreement on the key elements of a proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), with technical teams working to finalise the remaining details.
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Singapore, China Hold Joint Maritime Exercise as Regional Naval Cooperation Expands
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) have commenced their 5th bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) in Zhanjiang, China, as the two countries continue naval training and professional exchanges from September 5 to 9.
Quezon City Court Issues Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Arrest Warrant Amid Impeachment Proceedings
On September 4, the Quezon City (QC) Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued an arrest warrant against the Philippine Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte after finding probable cause to proceed with three counts of grave threats arising from remarks she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Southeast Asia’s Defence Partnerships Are Expanding Beyond Bilateral Alliances
On August 30, the Philippines and US marked the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT), reaffirming an alliance that has evolved from a Cold War security pact into an expanded defence partnership. The relationship now covers military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while increasingly coupling the Philippines with wider regional security networks.
Vietnam Arrests Deputy Health Minister Thuấn Over Alleged Bribery in Smuggling Probe
On September 2, Vietnamese authorities arrested and prosecuted Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn on allegations of receiving a large amount of bribes, as part of an expanded investigation into alleged accounting violations and smuggling.
US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Thailand After Record 286-Day Deployment
On September 2, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand for a scheduled port visit as the US and Thailand continue their longstanding defence and maritime cooperation.
Vietnam Revises Cross-Border Trade Rules Following US Trade Review
Vietnam will introduce revised regulations governing cross-border trade from September 5, alongside a new prohibition on imports of goods produced wholly or partly using forced labour under Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP.
Thailand to Revive 450-Baht Tourist Entry Fee for High-Value Tourism
Thailand, one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, is attempting to leap to the next stage of tourism development by shifting its focus towards enhancing travel quality and safety. A chief endeavour currently underway is a proposal to revive an entry fee for foreign visitors, amounting to 450 Thai baht (17 US dollar).
Singapore, Japan Strengthen Naval Cooperation Through Exercise Singapan
On August 28, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) concluded Exercise Singapan, a bilateral naval exercise aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and supporting efforts towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Thai PM Anutin Reviews Navy Readiness Amid Thailand’s Maritime Security Focus
On August 27, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul visited a Royal Thai Navy training exercise in the Upper Gulf of Thailand as the navy reviews its readiness for maritime and national security missions.