On July 29, thousands of Buddhists visited temples across Laos to commemorate Boun Khao Phansa, the annual festival that marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent and the three-month Rains Retreat.
Category: Society
Myanmar Approves Death Sentence for Cybercrime Offences
On July 28, Myanmar’s military-backed Union Parliament passed a green light to an “Anti-Online Scam Bill,” a law that regulates capital punishment for those who run online scam centers and force, violate or torture another person to commit to the scam.
Indonesia’s Bintan Hosts Annual Durian Festival to Promote Culinary Heritage
On July 26, hundreds of visitors gathered in Bintan, Riau Island Province, Indonesia, for the 2026 Bintan Durian Feast and Festival, an annual event aimed at celebrating the island’s renowned durian daun (Durio oxleyanus) while promoting its tourism and cultural heritage.
Malaysia Reaffirms Israeli Entry Ban, Dismissing US Call for Review of Bilateral Ties
Malaysia has once again defended its longstanding policy of barring Israeli citizens from entering the country after several US lawmakers called on Washington to review its security and economic ties with Kuala Lumpur over the issue.
Thailand to Launch World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 to Boost Regional Tourism
Thailand has announced the launch of the World Travel & Culture Expo (WTCE) 2026, an international exhibition aimed at expanding tourism, trade and investment while strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for tourism and entertainment.
25 Foreign Nationals Held in Phnom Penh Following Online Scam Raid
On July 22, Cambodian authorities detained 25 foreign nationals after uncovering what investigators describe as an illegal online investment scam operating from a villa in Phnom Penh.
Indonesia Seeks Return of Cultural Artefacts Held Overseas
On July 23, the Indonesian government reaffirmed their commitment to repatriate several Indonesian cultural artefacts which had been illegally smuggled overseas. Speaking at a press conference in Jakarta, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon stressed that the authorities were still working to secure the return of numerous artefacts currently held abroad.
DIFF and US Embassy to Launch Freedom 250 Film Programme
The Dili International Film Festival (DIFF) has partnered with the US Embassy in Dili to launch Freedom 250: The Spirit of America in Film, a cultural initiative that will bring a series of film screenings and educational workshops to Timor-Leste over the coming months.
Protected Cambodian Wetland Welcomes Early Return of Rare Greater Adjutant
On July 21, the endangered Greater Adjutant stork arrived earlier than expected at Cambodia’s Boeung Prek Lapov Landscape Protected Area, with conservationists describing the sighting as a positive sign for the species’ recovery.
Cambodia Rescues 100,000 Hectares of Rice Fields Amid El Niño Drought
On July 21, Cambodia’s National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) announced that it has successfully alleviated catastrophic 100,000-hectare crop failure attributed to an intense El Niño.