Vietnam

  • Business NewsAll aboard: Vietnam charts a 7.2 billion baht track to China

    All aboard: Vietnam charts a 7.2 billion baht track to China

    Vietnam announced an estimated cost of 179 trillion dong (US$7.2 billion) to build a new railway connecting it with China‘s Yunnan province. The proposed 427-kilometre railway will traverse from Lao Cai province, through Hanoi, and extend to the port city of Haiphong and Ha Long City, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The country is actively pursuing the upgrade of…

  • Tourism NewsKo Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards

    Ko Samui sails into bronze in the most beautiful beach awards

    Ko Samui had to settle for third behind Vietnam’s Phu Quoc and Bali in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ Most Beautiful Island in Asia. In a survey by Condé Nast Traveller, Phu Quoc trailed behind Bali, Indonesia’s tropical paradise, with Thailand’s Koh Samui claiming third place. Phuket, famous for its white-sand beaches, took sixth. Malaysia’s Penang, known as the Pearl of…

  • Bangkok NewsSmell of trouble: Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis

    Smell of trouble: Bangkok busts 7 Vietnamese for selling cannabis

    The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested seven Vietnamese men at a house in Bangkok for illegally selling cannabis after residents complained about the unpleasant, intoxicating smell. Locals in the Bueng Kum district of Bangkok filed a complaint with the ONCB, stating that a group of Vietnamese nationals had disturbed the peaceful community by using cannabis and releasing…

  • Business NewsVietnam records highest GDP growth in two years despite typhoon

    Vietnam records highest GDP growth in two years despite typhoon

    Vietnam achieved its highest economic growth in two years during the quarter ending in September, driven by robust exports, industrial production, and an increase in foreign investment. This positive development comes despite the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s strongest typhoon this year. The General Statistics Office reported a 7.4% year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP) for the third…

  • Thailand NewsTourist trap: Fake guides from Vietnam rob compatriots in Thailand

    Tourist trap: Fake guides from Vietnam rob compatriots in Thailand

    A Vietnamese man faces legal punishment after he and his friends posed as tour guides to trick Vietnamese victims into travelling to Thailand and later robbing them, causing over 1 million baht in damages. The theft occurred at a rented house in Soi Sukhumvit 101 in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok at around 11.30am on August 21 of last…

  • Thailand NewsIsland hopping: Thailand’s new maritime route to revolutionise tourism

    Island hopping: Thailand’s new maritime route to revolutionise tourism

    Thailand spearheads an ambitious project to link its stunning islands with Vietnam and Cambodia, promising to boost investment, trade, and tourism across the region. The Governor of Trat province, Natthapong Sanguanjit, recently chaired a meeting that gathered officials and business leaders from six provinces of the three countries. This initiative is part of the Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand Economic Corridor (CVTEC) Trat Business…

  • Business NewsVietnam considers ceasing decade long gold import ban

    Vietnam considers ceasing decade long gold import ban

    Vietnam may soon allow companies to import gold for the first time in over a decade. Aiming to bridge the gap between local prices and international benchmarks, this development comes as the Vietnam Gold Traders Association (VGTA) continues its extended discussions with the government to address the supply and demand imbalance for gold. Huynh Trung Khanh, vice chair of VGTA,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand eyes MICE supremacy in Southeast Asia

    Thailand eyes MICE supremacy in Southeast Asia

    Thailand is pulling out all the stops to become the epicentre of MICE tourism in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a potential powerhouse partner. This ambitious vision, spearheaded by Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), aims to harness the post-pandemic resurgence in the MICE sector to bolster Thailand’s economy. “The MICE segment…

  • Business NewsVietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges

    Vietnam prioritises economic growth despite global challenges

    Vietnam will focus on bolstering economic growth despite ongoing challenges from weak global demand, announced Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai. Addressing the National Assembly during its summer session, Khai noted that while gross domestic product (GDP) growth has improved, significant hurdles remain. Industrial activity is recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Vietnam, now a manufacturing hub benefiting from shifting…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s dominance in durian exports to China under threat

    Thailand’s dominance in durian exports to China under threat

    Thailand‘s reign as the leading exporter of fresh durians to China is teetering, as reported by an industry insider to Xinhua News Agency. The news has emerged in the wake of a report that China’s major land border checkpoint, Youyiguan, has received 48,000 tonnes of durian shipments in this year’s first quarter. The shipment detailed 35,000 tonnes of durians from…

  • Business NewsJorakay to invest 300 million baht in Vietnam factory

    Jorakay to invest 300 million baht in Vietnam factory

    Jorakay Corporation, a renowned producer of tile adhesive, grouting products, and various construction chemicals under the Crocodile brand, announced intentions to invest 300 million baht in a Vietnam factory in 2028. The investment is earmarked for the establishment of a factory in Vietnam, driven by robust demand and the company’s aspiration to expand its export reach to the Philippines and…

  • Thailand NewsElderly Thai man’s x-ray reveals 42 bullets from Vietnam War (video)

    Elderly Thai man’s x-ray reveals 42 bullets from Vietnam War (video)

    An elderly Thai man’s chest x-ray displaying 42 bullets lodged in his lung for 40 years dramatically reveals his survival from a near-fatal error during the Vietnam War. The x-ray, uploaded to TikTok by user @chanakan355 showcases the shrapnel-filled lungs of a man who was mistakenly shot and has lived with the remnants of the war inside him for four…

  • Thailand NewsThailand and Vietnam strategic partnership for mutual growth

    Thailand and Vietnam strategic partnership for mutual growth

    Thailand and Vietnam have forged a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a relationship focusing on meeting bilateral trade objectives, implementing sustainable development plans, strengthening political-diplomatic and defence security collaboration, and enhancing benefits in people-to-people areas. The announcement was made during the 5th Joint Commission on Thailand-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation held in Bangkok, co-chaired by Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Parnpree Bahiddhanukara, and Vietnam’s Foreign Minister,…

  • Thailand NewsVietnam’s tourism website triumphs over Thailand

    Vietnam’s tourism website triumphs over Thailand

    Vietnam’s national tourism promotion website, vietnam.travel, has emerged victorious, outshining Thailand’s counterpart and climbing above numerous regional competitors. According to March rankings by the prestigious website rating platform SimilarWeb, vietnam.travel seized the impressive spot of #132,676 globally, overtaking Thailand’s travel hub ranked at #136,108. The Philippines trails at #808,295 and Malaysia lags at #881,886 in its wake. The triumph doesn’t…

  • Business NewsVinfast challenges Chinese targeting Southeast Asia’s EV market

    Vinfast challenges Chinese targeting Southeast Asia’s EV market

    Vinfast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) producer, is contending with Chinese automobile manufacturers to market its EVs within Southeast Asia, leveraging the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA). The firm eyes Thailand as the initial export venue, based on the country’s fast-growing EV market which promises lucrative business opportunities, according to Vu Dang Yen Hang, chief executive of Vinfast Auto (Thailand).…

  • Thailand NewsThai products flood Vietnam: Mini Thailand Week 2024

    Thai products flood Vietnam: Mini Thailand Week 2024

    Hundreds of Thailand’s finest commodities are set to make waves in Vietnam as the third Mini Thailand Week 2024 kicks off in the seaside city of Ha Long. The event, part of Thailand’s strategic push to integrate its businesses into Vietnam’s booming economy, kicked off yesterday, March 28, at the Centre of Planning Fair and Exhibition in Ha Long, Quang…

  • Thailand NewsDiscover the health benefits of lemon slices in your bedroom

    Discover the health benefits of lemon slices in your bedroom

    The simple practice of placing sliced lemons in a bedroom has emerged as a surprisingly beneficial health tip, as revealed by a woman from Thanh Xuan District in Hanoi, Vietnam. Observing her mother’s nightly routine, the woman discovered that this common fruit not only enhances culinary dishes but also offers significant health advantages when used in a domestic setting. Lemons,…

  • Business NewsVietnam’s rice exports projected to decline amid quality shift

    Vietnam’s rice exports projected to decline amid quality shift

    A downward shift is projected for Vietnam’s rice exports in the current year, with estimates ranging between 6.5 and 7.0 million metric tonnes. This is a noticeable drop from the previous year’s record high of 8.1 million tonnes, as reported by the Vietnam Food Association. Vietnam, ranking third globally in rice exports after Thailand and India, indicated a strategic shift…

  • Thailand NewsVietnam’s rice exports soar towards 178 billion baht milestone

    Vietnam’s rice exports soar towards 178 billion baht milestone

    Vietnam’s rice sector is projected for a remarkable milestone of US$5 billion (approximately 178 billion baht) in turnover. Anticipating a rollercoaster ride in the global rice market, experts emphasise the pivotal role of innovation and adaptable export strategies in propelling Vietnam towards its ambitious growth targets. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development underscores the industry’s resilience despite a shrinking…

  • China NewsBride’s dowry of 60kg dried tangerine peel rivals gold’s value

    Bride’s dowry of 60kg dried tangerine peel rivals gold’s value

    A wedding dowry, traditionally consisting of gold, silver, and jewellery, took an unexpected turn when a bride’s father prepared 60 kilogrammes of dried tangerine peel as the dowry for his daughter’s marriage. This unconventional gift, typically reserved for monetary or valuable assets, has raised eyebrows and curiosity regarding its true worth. Parents universally dream of their children finding love and…

  • Business NewsVietnam cuts bank stake limits to curb market manipulation risks

    Vietnam cuts bank stake limits to curb market manipulation risks

    Vietnam’s legislature passed a resolution to decrease the maximum stake investors can own in domestic banks. Coming into force in July, the law will limit the equity held by institutional investors, such as pension or investment funds, to 10%, down from the current 15%. The adjustment has been made in an attempt to mitigate the risk of market manipulation. This…

  • Thailand NewsVietnam fines TikTok influencer for Angkor Wat mix-up

    Vietnam fines TikTok influencer for Angkor Wat mix-up

    In a 90-second TikTok clip that shook the social media scene, Vietnamese influencer Hua Quoc Anh found himself in hot waters after overlaying the Thai flag on an image of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. The influencer faced a hefty US$300 fine (approximately 10,000 baht) and a stern meeting with the authorities. Vietnam, known for its tight grip on social media in…

  • World NewsDecadent Vietnamese wedding stirs online buzz

    Decadent Vietnamese wedding stirs online buzz

    The wedding of a mining magnate’s daughter recently took the Vietnamese online world by storm due to its extravagance. The bride, named Hawii, is the daughter of a renowned coal businessman, and the groom, Tangkien, hails from an equally affluent family. The engagement and wedding took place on December 30 and 31 last year, in the city of Halong, Quang…

  • Thailand NewsNew year’s grape eating trend goes viral in Asia

    New year’s grape eating trend goes viral in Asia

    The start of 2024 has seen the emergence of a hot new trend on social media, centred around the consumption of 12 grapes under a table on New Year’s Eve. This trend originated from a Spanish custom in which it is believed that eating 12 grapes in sync with the 12 strokes of midnight will bring good luck for the…

  • Thailand NewsEco-friendly e-pedicabs revolutionise Vientiane’s transport scene

    Eco-friendly e-pedicabs revolutionise Vientiane’s transport scene

    In a groundbreaking move towards a greener, quieter Vientiane, the Laos-Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project has unveiled an innovative non-motorised initiative set to transform the city centre. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s Department of Transport, the project aims to combat air and noise pollution. Introducing a novel addition to the bustling streets of Vientiane, the project…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit

    PM Srettha reveals bold plans for seamless tourism and rice boost in regional summit

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed visionary plans to foster seamless tourism among Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The grand revelation unfolded during a high-profile meeting with the leaders of these nations on the sidelines of the Tokyo summit, celebrating Japan’s half-century collaboration with ASEAN countries. During a tête-à-tête with Vietnam President Võ Văn Thưởng, Srettha enthusiastically announced the revival of…

  • China NewsXi Jinping’s game-changing Vietnam visit: Unprecedented power plays

    Xi Jinping’s game-changing Vietnam visit: Unprecedented power plays

    China‘s President Xi Jinping descended upon Vietnam for a two-day spectacle, strategically timed just three months after US President Joe Biden‘s high-profile visit. The Chinese president kicked off his much-anticipated two-day sojourn in Vietnam on December 12, marking his first visit to the nation in six years. The intricate dance of diplomacy has been underway for months, with initial contemplation…

  • Tourism NewsVietnamese culinary wonderland: Thailand’s first official Vietnam town

    Vietnamese culinary wonderland: Thailand’s first official Vietnam town

    Thailand just welcomed its very own Vietnam town, officially recognised and inaugurated on December 9 by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Thailand’s northeast province of Udon Thani, about 550 kilometres from Bangkok, witnessed the grand opening of Vietnam town at Alley No. 2 on Si Suk Street. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed confidence in the town’s success,…

  • Business NewsVietnam attracts soaring Chinese investment as US trade dwindles

    Vietnam attracts soaring Chinese investment as US trade dwindles

    With a surge in Chinese investment, Vietnam has become a hotspot for economic activity this year, as figures indicate a decline in US trade and spending. Vietnam’s strategic location along the South China Sea makes it a vital link in global supply chains, particularly for Chinese components and American consumers. September saw United States President Joe Biden elevate diplomatic relations…

  • Business NewsVietnam aligns corporate tax with global 15% minimum to attract investors

    Vietnam aligns corporate tax with global 15% minimum to attract investors

    Vietnam has adopted a resolution to equalise its corporate income tax with the globally accepted minimum of 15% for multinational corporations. This move is aimed at countering the global trend of countries competing to attract investors by lowering their taxes. The resolution was supported by a vast majority, approximately 94% of the National Assembly delegates, as per the legislative records.…