On July 19, Hanoi was recognised as one of the world’s leading cities for customer service, reinforcing Vietnam’s growing reputation as a destination known for its warm hospitality.
Category: Society
Saving the People Who Save Us: Close the Fiscal Gap in Indonesia’s Primary Healthcare
On May Day 2026, a young doctor named Myta Aprilia Azmy died in an intensive care unit in Palembang, Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Mount Semeru Remains on Alert After Spewing Hot Ash
On July 18, Mount Semeru, locatedin the province of Jawa Timur, Indonesia, erupted and released a hot pyroclastic flow that travelled approximately 3.5 kilometres down its slopes.
Laos Faces Australian Criticism Over Backpacker Poisoning Case
On July 17, the Australian government criticised Laos over its handling of the investigation into the deaths of six foreign backpackers, including two Australians, who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Over 500 Missing After Two Rohingya Boats Sink off Myanmar
On July 16, more than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly disappeared or sank off the coast of Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Bangkok Pub Fire Death Toll Reaches 32 as Investigation Continues
On July 15,The death toll from the deadly fire tore at a Bangkok pub has risen to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, as police continue investigating whether negligence played a role in the incident.
Manhunt Underway After US Marine Scientist Slain in Philippines
On July 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) established a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to probe the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist Kent Carpenter and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipina partner at their home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Sadao Border Link Strengthens Thailand–Malaysia Tourism Connectivity
On July 13, Thailand officially opened a new road linking the Sadao Customs House in Songkhla Province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia, marking a significant step towards improving cross-border tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Myanmar’s Fruit Gathering Won Crystal Globe at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
On July 11, Myanmar filmmaker Aung Phyoe won the Crystal Globe, the highest award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), for his debut feature Fruit Gathering. The prestigious prize was presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Indonesia’s Candrani Yulis Showcases “Passage” Solo Exhibition Ahead of Lyon Biennale Debut
Indonesian contemporary artist Candrani Yulis will present Passage, a solo exhibition at the Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI) Yogyakarta from 14 to 24 July, ahead of her appearance at the 18th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art later this year. Organised by the Embassy of France in Indonesia, IFI and Ellipse Art Projects, the exhibition marks a significant milestone in the Yogyakarta-based artist’s growing international career.