US adds Bangladesh to visa bond list; travellers required to deposit up to $15,000
The list mostly included countries from Africa, Latin America and South Asia.
Policy Matters
Indonesian tourism safety in spotlight after Saudi tourist killed in jet ski accident
A lawmaker has called for a sweeping overhaul of Indonesia’s tourism safety and security standards, saying a series of fatal incidents involving both domestic and foreign…
Bangkok Council postpones enforcement of controversial pets ordinance for one year
The move delays pet limits, registration, and mandatory microchipping until January 10, 2027.
Japan’s business leaders praise PM Takaichi’s economic policies
At a New Year’s celebration held by three major economic organisations in Tokyo on Tuesday, many participants expressed a positive outlook on the administration’s push for…
China studying better benefits for gig workers, with inspiration from Singapore
In December, top lawmakers deliberated ways to offer better legal protection for the country’s workers in flexible employment, based on a report that pointed out that “issues…
Full health insurance coverage reaches all poor, elderly Vietnamese citizens from 2026
Health insurance cardholders from near-poor households will have their payment rate increased from 95 percent to 100 percent of covered medical expenses, effective January 1.
Indonesia’s new criminal code takes effect, stirring concerns over civil rights and free speech
The code criminalises insulting the president and vice president, potentially leading to imprisonment, sparking debate over free speech.
Mongolia aims for 1 million tourists and US$1bil in tourism revenue: Prime Minister
To reach these targets, PM G.Zandanshatar said the government will prioritise infrastructure in Khuvsgul province.
Indonesia’s new criminal law meets legal pushback in Constitutional Court
At least 10 judicial review petitions against the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP) have been filed with the Constitutional Court within four days…
Vietnam’s new e-commerce law expected to curb online trade fraud
Between 2020 and 2025, authorities nationwide detected and handled about 120,000 - 190,000 cases of smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods each year, with trade fraud…