The Bali Spirit Festival, widely recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s pioneering international yoga and wellness gatherings, returns this year under the theme “Welcome Home.”
Category: Society
Filipino girl group BINI debuts at Coachella 2026
The Filipino pop girl group BINI continues to break records in the Philippines’ music scene as they concluded their Coachella 2026 feature on April 10 and 17. Composed of eight members: Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena, the group has rapidly risen to prominence, becoming the most successful female Filipino artists in the country’s history and the second biggest overall act in the national music landscape.
Cambodia attracts holiday crowds during Khmer New Year
More than 4.3 million domestic and international visitors poured into Phnom Penh during the celebrations of Khmer New Year, traditionally celebrated between April 13 and 14, far exceeding expectations and reinforcing the capital’s reputation as a leading holiday destination.
Bangkok to elevate Songkran into world-class festival
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.
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.
Indonesia-Russia sign strategic deals in high-level Moscow visit
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto departed for Moscow, Russia, on the night of April 12. The president plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss several global agenda and trends.
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.
Indonesia to build 400,000 homes in 2026 under Prabowo’s housing program
The Indonesian government is set to build 400,000 houses in 2026, as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s 3 Million Homes Construction and Renovation Program.