On May 25, the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) as the country marked the 2026 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM). The IACM is one of the world’s longest-running movements dedicated to HIV and AIDS awareness and advocacy.
Category: Society
WHO supports Vietnam’s Ebola preparedness despite low global risk
On May 23, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the global threat posed by the recent Ebola outbreak as low, including for Vietnam, while commending Vietnamese health authorities for swiftly strengthening preparedness and response measures.
Police investigation finds taxi driver responsible in Indonesia train collision
On May 21, traffic investigators in West Java, Indonesia, concluded that negligence by a Green SM taxi driver was the primary cause of the deadly railway crossing accident involving a commuter train in East Bekasi last April.
Why Thailand’s roads keep killing
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Thailand ranks among the highest in the world for road fatalities as traffic accidents claim approximately 20,000 lives annually, meaning an average of 50 deaths per day.
Timor-Leste marks healthcare milestone 24 years after independence
On May 20, Timor Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta highlighted major improvements in the country’s public healthcare sector since the restoration of its independence in 2002.
Indonesia’s Digital Education Boom Has a Child Safety Gap
On 2 May 2026, Indonesia marked its National Education Day under the theme “Strengthening Universal Participation to Realise Quality Education for All.” It is a theme that carries weight beyond ceremony.
Lao-Thai community marks traditional new year with food and dances in Paris
On May 17, several hundred members of Paris’s Lao and Thai communities gathered at the TEP Agnès Tirop sports ground in the city’s 10th arrondissement for the Fête populaire du Nouvel An lao/thaï, or the Lao-Thai New Year community festival, a one-day festival organised by the association Khao Niao Solidarité, which is the Lao diaspora association in France.
Ocean Week Brunei returns with competitions and grants for ocean advocates
On May 20, organisers of Ocean Week Brunei announced the opening of submissions for several initiatives aimed at promoting marine conservation and public engagement ahead of the annual event later this year. The programmes include the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026, the Ocean Voices: Video Competition 2026, as well as nominations for the Ocean Hero Award 2026 and applications for the Ocean Youth Grant 2026.
Cambodia and China deepen tourism cooperation by launching Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour
On May 18, the start of the Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour was marked by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism’s partnership with relevant stakeholders. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation in the tourism sector between Cambodia and China.
Bangkok train driver tests positive for drugs after fatal collision
On May 18, Thai revealed that the driver of a freight train involved in a fatal collision in Bangkok had tested positive for drug use and allegedly did not hold a valid railway operating licence.