COVID-19 remains complicated in Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia
Thailand on September 23 reported 13,256 new COVID-19 infections and 131 fatalities, raising the national counts to 1.52 million and 15,884, respectively.
Taking samples for COVID-19 testing in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand on September 23 reported 13,256 newCOVID-19 infections and 131 fatalities, raising the national counts to 1.52million and 15,884, respectively.
On September 22, additional 13,829 patients in Thailand weregiven the all-clear. At present, more than 3,400 patients are in criticalconditions.
The country has to date administered over 46.6 million dosesof vaccines against COVID-19, with 22.6 percent of the population receiving twojabs. It has set a target to raise the figure to 70 percent by the end of thisyear.
In the Philippines, 17,411 new cases and 177 new deaths wereadded to the national tallies on September 23, bringing the total numbers to2.43 million and 37,405, respectively.
Meanwhile, as of the end of September 23, Cambodia had sofar recorded 106,619 new infections and 2,176 fatalities, with 638 cases and 22deaths detected on the day.
Amidst complicated developments of the pandemic, Phnom Penhdecided to temporarily suspend all mass religious gatherings in theCambodian capital until further notice.
Earlier,Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen said the possible spread of COVID-19during the 15-day Pchum Ben festival was of great concern and could lead tomany infections if the celebration is left unmanaged.
He noted thatin just two days since the festival kicked off on September 22, there have beenmany cases reported at some pagodas. At Chom Pus Ka-ek pagoda alone, 45 infectionshave been detected, prompting its temporary closure./.
The Thai Customs Department is preparing to reduce import duty on alcoholic beverages and cigars by 50 percent for five years in line with the government's economic stimulus and investment promotion package.
Indonesia may allow foreign tourists to travel to the resort island of Bali and other parts of the country by October, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has said.
Cambodia’s number of vaccinated people had exceeded 12 million, while Thailand has set a goal of injecting about 50 million people or 70 percent of its population by the end of this year.
Doctors in Thailand have been given the go-ahead to start giving COVID-19 vaccine booster shots under the skin, rather than injecting them into muscles, in an effort to strengthen immunity and stretch vaccine supplies.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Taking samples for COVID-19 testing in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: VNA) 
