On October 5, Laos appointed Saleumxay Kommasith as the new Prime Minister (PM) and elected Sonexay Siphandone as the new Chairman of the National Assembly. The succession was made following the death of former National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane in August. The leadership changes come as the government sets priorities for the final months of 2026.
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Thailand Approves 4bn Baht Flood Aid as Cabinet Backs Major Water Project
On September 29, Thailand’s government allocated more than 4 billion baht (about 121 million US dollars) in emergency funds to help people affected by flooding nationwide, while approving a major 160 billion baht (about 4.7 billion US dollars) project aimed at improving long-term water management.
Vietnam, North Korea Deepen Defence Cooperation Through New Commitments
On September 28, Vietnam and North Korea agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, with their defence ministries discussing the implementation of commitments reached under a 2025 cooperation agreement.
ADMM-Plus Marks Largest Exercise in a Decade With Multinational Disaster Response Drills
Defence forces from ASEAN and its partner countries are taking part in two major ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) exercises, with training focused on maritime cooperation, disaster response and regional resilience in Banten, Indonesia from September 20 to 26.
Global Town Hall 2026 Discusses Palestinian Statehood at Centre of Debate, Echoing ASEAN Position
On September 19, the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) brought together diplomats, former officials, academics and civil society representatives for its Global Town Hall 2026, under the theme “Calling for a Global U-Turn: Recentering Development, Reclaiming Humanity, Restoring Justice in a Crazi(er) World,” with a special session focusing on the prospects for Palestinian independence and statehood.
South Korean Coast Guard Ship BADARO 3011 Arrives in Manila Amid Growing ASEAN Engagement
South Korea is expanding practical maritime security cooperation with ASEAN as the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) training ship BADARO 3011 arrives in the Philippines for a four-day port visit with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) from September 14 to 17.
Indonesian President Prabowo Replaces Finance Minister as KPK Probes Land Corruption
On September 14, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appointed Suahasil Nazara as the new Finance Minister, the same day the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an operation targeting officials linked to the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN).
Philippine President Marcos Takes ASEAN Priorities to BRICS as Philippines Joins Resilience Coalition
On September 12, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, representing ASEAN as its 2026 chair while also advancing the Philippines’ infrastructure resilience agenda through membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Indonesia, Malaysia Step Up Cooperation Amid Regional Climate and Haze Risks
Satellite imagery showing transboundary haze across Southeast Asia. (Wikimedia/Adam Voiland) On September 9, Malaysia offered to provide assets to help Indonesia tackle forest and land […]
Indonesia, US Deepen Digital Cooperation on Child Protection and AI Governance
On September 8, Indonesia and the US discussed child protection in digital spaces and artificial intelligence (AI) governance as the two countries explore wider cooperation in science and technology.