Philippines seeks 1. 5-billion-USD ADB loan to cushion impact of Middle East crisis
Manila has expressed interest in accessing the ADB’s Countercyclical Support Facility, a financing instrument designed to help member countries cope with unexpected economic shocks.
Thailand warns public about dangers of ‘pink cocaine’23/06/2026 10:39A Thai official described 2C-B as a complex mixture of synthetic substances sold under the name “pink cocaine” and available in powder, tablet and capsule forms. The drug has gained popularity among patrons of nightlife and entertainment venues. Malaysia adjusts diesel subsidy from July 123/06/2026 09:36Around 700,000 private diesel vehicle owners will receive a monthly fuel quota of up to 200 litres shared between diesel and RON95. Eligible diesel pickup truck and SUV owners can apply for an extra 100 litres, increasing their monthly quota to 300 litres. Indonesia reduces train, plane ticket prices to stimulate summer tourism23/06/2026 06:34The support programme includes a 30% discount on all commercial economy-class train services from June 20 to July 5 and on economy-class passenger sea transport routes from June 20 to August 15, Indonesian Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said on June 21. Thai authorities crack down on nominee firms, illegal foreign workers23/06/2026 03:26Thai authorities are intensifying inspections of businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders for foreign investors and employing foreign workers illegally in Bangkok, as part of efforts to strengthen investment oversight and ensure fair competition. Myanmar deactivates more than 140,000 phone SIM cards linked to online gambling23/06/2026 02:44The SIM cards were permanently disabled between March 2025 and May 2026 after authorities found they had been used to distribute large volumes of identical messages promoting online gambling. Thailand expands probe into illegal crypto mining operations22/06/2026 23:04In 2025, the DSI’s Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau dismantled three major networks accused of illegally using electricity for digital currency mining. Authorities seized more than 6,390 cryptocurrency mining machines and found total damage to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of more than 953 million THB. ASEAN strengthens sci-tech cooperation for sustainable growth22/06/2026 21:16Participants reviewed progress on key initiatives under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI)'s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for 2025 and 2026. Indonesia releases liquefaction hazard map for disaster-prone areas22/06/2026 20:33The map is not a prediction of when an earthquake will occur, but rather an overview of potential hazard levels if a quake strikes the area. Laos targets completion of commune-level administrative system by 202722/06/2026 20:22Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith said newly established communes must quickly become fully operational, serving as the primary level for delivering public services, addressing citizens’ concerns and implementing Party policies at the grassroots level. ASEAN, China look toward deeper cooperation22/06/2026 17:59ASEAN-China trade surpassed 1 trillion USD in 2025, and the two sides are striving to bring the figure to 2 trillion USD by 2030. Thailand boosts cooperation with Europe to advance semiconductor, high-tech industries22/06/2026 15:30Yotchanan said discussions with international partners helped Thailand identify two promising areas for future development: photonic chip technology and advanced chip packaging. Philippines: Three students killed in school shooting22/06/2026 14:48Three students were killed and seven others injured in a shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City in the central Philippines on June 22. Thailand attracts over 4. 7 billion USD in FDI in first five months of 202622/06/2026 13:50The top five foreign investors in Thailand during the reviewed period were the US, mainland China, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong (China). Investment activities are concentrated in sectors such as engineering, industrial manufacturing, software development, data centres, logistics, electronic components, electric vehicles, and high-tech services. Thailand busts million-dollar online gambling network22/06/2026 10:51The Thai police on June 20 announced the arrest of an administrator of the online gambling website “PHAYAK789,” which processed transactions worth more than 15 million USD annually. Thailand to host world’s major energy exhibition and conference22/06/2026 06:08According to the Ministry of Energy, Gastech 2026 is one of the world’s largest and most influential energy forums, focusing on natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), low-carbon technologies, power generation systems, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector. Malaysia, Thailand advance negotiations to address temporary suspension of shrimp imports21/06/2026 22:11Malaysia’s core target is to protect the country’s rights and interests, while the Thai side will provide clarification on matters related to fish and shrimp exports to Malaysia. Malaysia sees neutrality as lever to attract foreign investment21/06/2026 20:35PM Anwar said Malaysia's ability to maintain cordial relations with diverse partners has helped attract investments and create new opportunities for economic expansion. Thailand increases international passenger service charges at six airports21/06/2026 18:44The increase applies to outbound international passengers and raises the charge by 390 THB from the previous rate of 730 THB. MSCI keeps Indonesia in emerging market category, lowers transparency rating20/06/2026 06:27MSCI acknowledged the Indonesian Government’s recent efforts to improve market accessibility and the investment climate. Thailand forecasts sharp decline in longan, lychee output due to El Niño20/06/2026 05:25Thailand’s longan production is forecast at around 1. 4 million tonnes in 2026, down nearly 9% from the previous year. The harvested area is expected to reach about 1. 61 million rai (over 257,000 hectares), a decline of 1. 27%, while average yields are projected to fall by 7. 57% to 867 kg per rai.