TOP NEWS HEADLINES IN LAOS, MYANMAR, THAILAND & VIETNAM: APRIL 2, 2025

LAOS 

1.ENERGY-MINING SECTOR TO BE MAJOR REVENUE GENERATOR --  VIENTIANE TIMES

The energy and mining sector will soon become a significant economic pillar in Laos, contributing 25 per cent of the gross domestic product. Authorities will implement sustainable energy expansion programmes, enforce responsible mining practices, and resolve debts in the electricity corporation. 

2.LAO ARMY MOBILISES EARTHQUAKE MISSION TO MYANMAR -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Laos sent 33 Lao army personnel to Myanmar on Monday to help with rescue and recovery operations following last Friday’s earthquake. A team of firefighters, soldiers and other support personnel will focus on the Mandalay region to carry out their mission. 

MYANMAR

1.EARTHQUAKE CLEAN-UP WORKS IN PROGRESS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The government said that efforts are underway to clean the areas affected by last Friday's earthquake. The process will involve clearing debris, restoring transportation and communication routes and removing unstable structures at risk of collapsing.

2.RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE BADLY DAMAGED BY NATURAL DISASTER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The recent earthquake badly damaged railway infrastructure — including the historic Inwa Bridge, tracks, bridges and stations in Bago, Sagaing and Mandalay regions, Shan State, capital Nay Pyi Taw. Authorities are restoring services along the crucial Yangon-Taungoo-Nay Pyi Taw-Thazi-Mandalay route.

THAILAND 

1. BANGKOK ENDS DISASTER ZONE ANNOUNCEMENT AS OVERALL SITUATION IMPROVES -- THE NATION

BMA’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division assessed the situation and concluded that the overall situation had improved.

2. CHINESE FIRM PROBED -- BANGKOK POST

The government is stepping up its probe into other construction projects linked to the Chinese contractor of the State Audit Office's (SAO) under-construction building that collapsed in Bangkok during last Friday's earthquake.

VIETNAM

1.LOWER TAX ON IMPORTED CARS IN THE PIPELINE -- VIETNAM NEWS

There are plans to adjust the Most-Favoured Nation import tax on selected automobile models. The aim is to diversify the supply of imported vehicles, promote domestic competition and align tax policies to match the changing trends in the automotive industry. 

2.NATIONAL RESERVE RICE DISTRIBUTION DURING LEAN SEASON -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government will distribute 1,450 metric tonnes of rice from its national reserves to three northern provinces to help local people during the poor harvesting season this year. Finance and health ministries have been instructed to distribute the grains and monitor the situation.

-- BERNAMA