Vietnam
- Business News
Vietnam to block Shein, Temu if unregistered by November
Vietnam announced plans to take action against Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu by blocking their Internet domains and mobile applications if they fail to register their operations with the Ministry of Industry and Trade by the end of November. This development arises from concerns over the influence of these Chinese platforms on local markets, particularly regarding their aggressive discounting…
- Business News
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 News
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 News
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…
- World News
Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc on Vietnam’s industrial heartland
Typhoon Yagi has crippled Vietnam’s northern industrial powerhouse, leaving factories flattened and global supply chains in peril. The most powerful storm to hit Asia this year made landfall last Saturday, September 7, but its destructive reach extended into today, with floods and landslides killing dozens and devastating vital infrastructure, including roads and power networks. The storm’s wrath could have a…
- Thailand News
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 News
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 News
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 News
Thailand’s tech exports face threats as Vietnam takes lead
Thailand’s export sector, which contributed 54.5% of GDP last year excluding services, faces potential disruption due to rapid technological advancements. Vietnam has surpassed Thailand in exporting high-tech products, emerging as a key production base for the downstream electronics industry. The global market’s recovery, particularly in computers, semiconductors, and smartphones, has driven this demand. Thailand mainly exports intermediate electronics products like…
- Business News
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 News
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 News
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…
- World News
Vietnamese woman’s kidney failure linked to daily milk tea habit
A 28 year old woman from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is undergoing regular dialysis treatment following a diagnosis of end-stage chronic kidney failure, attributed to her decade-long daily consumption of a popular beverage. The woman, referred to as W for privacy, began treatment last year after presenting with symptoms like body swelling, breathing difficulties, and reduced kidney function, culminating…
- Thailand News
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 News
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 News
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).…
- World News
Bottoms up: Oversized sex toy lands man in hospital
A medical emergency unfolded at a hospital in Kamao, southern Vietnam, where a 23 year old man required urgent medical attention after an oversized sex toy became lodged in his bottom. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, March 26, necessitated professional medical intervention to remove the 20-centimetre-long dildo safely. The mishap highlights the potential risks associated with the use of sex…
- Thailand News
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 News
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 News
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…
- World News
Hanoi man discovers he’s not the father of his son after wife’s slip
A 45 year old man from Hanoi, Vietnam, working for a government agency, has been left reeling after a DNA test revealed he is not the biological father of his 10 year old son. The shocking discovery came to light following an inadvertent comment made by his wife during a heated argument. The man, known by the pseudonym Nguyen, has…
- Business News
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 News
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 News
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 News
Vietnam’s plan to import Laos wind power
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has submitted a proposal to import wind power from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to Quang Tri Province. EVN, not one to shy away from bold decisions, has urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to review and present the proposition to the prime minister. The ambitious plan revolves around tapping into the potential…
- Thailand News
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 News
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 News
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…
- Thailand News
Thailand and Vietnam set for a strategic partnership
In a diplomatic move, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared the intention to elevate ties with Vietnam to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP). During bilateral talks with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the 61 year old Thai PM expressed optimism about the lightning-fast progress in their relations. He highlighted the effectiveness of collaboration across various sectors. Thailand and…
- Business News
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…
