Vietnam Mekong RSS News Feed by Intellasia.net

Hmong general who helped US now accused of terrorism

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

The wars of the 20th century destroyed many millions of people who once lived in the hillsides and valleys of remote rural worlds. Few were hit as hard as the Hmong, an ancient tribe whose members hewed out rough lives upcountry in Laos, west of Vietnam.

Foreigners feel the heat as China tightens controls ahead of Olympics

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:15:49 PST

Business people in China, especially in Beijing where about 250,000 foreigners live, are facing ever tightening controls as the Olympic Games approach on August 8. The protests surrounding the international torch relay, and the responding nationalist surge in China, have contributed to a more challenging environment for working and living there.

Thai cops bust fake passport ring

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Thai police on Friday seized nearly 21 000 fake passports and arrested 12 people in what they described as their biggest-ever bust of a counterfeiting ring, a senior official said.

Thailand says Malaysia to buy emergency rice supplies

Sat, 10 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Thailand said Thursday it would provide 500,000 tonnes of rice to Malaysia in an emergency purchase as the latter's national stockpile had enough supplies to last only 15 days.

BBC journalist deported from Burma: state media

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Burma has deported a BBC journalist who tried to enter the country to report on a cyclone that has killed 22,000 people, saying he had violated visa regulations, a state newspaper said Wednesday.

Thai student accused of insult to king

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

A Thai student is facing up to 15 years in jail for failing to stand up during the king's anthem on a visit to the movie theatre.

US ship off Thailand could be used for Burma relief: Pentagon

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

US Navy ships, including an amphibious assault ship with helicopters and US marines, are standing by off Thailand awaiting permission to join relief efforts in cyclone-hit Burma, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Cambodian leader tries to allay fears about creation of rice exporting cartel

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Cambodia's prime minister sought Monday to allay fears that the planned creation of a cartel of rice-exporting countries in Asia could hurt countries who must buy the grain.

Siam Cement may spend 6b baht on second Cambodia factory

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Siam Cement Pcl, Thailand's biggest producer, may spend as much as 6 billion baht (US$189 million) to build a second factory in neighbouring Cambodia to triple its production capacity there.

The Junta's criminal constitution

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Burma's military dictators now say Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest or in prison for 12 of the past 18 years, can cast her vote in the May 10 constitutional referendum—a bitter irony if ever there was one. Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy are calling on voters to reject the military-backed constitution, calling it "undemocratic."

Cyclone turns Burma city into 'war zone'

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

A cyclone killed more than 350 people in military-ruled Burma, ripping through Yangon and the Irrawaddy delta where it flattened at least two towns, officials and state media said on Sunday.

Cambodia seeks billions of dollars for 14 hydropower dams

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Cambodia is seeking private investment to build 14 new hydropower dams worth more than US$3.2 billion, according to a government report obtained Sunday.

UN urges 'inclusive, credible' political process in Myanmar

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:10 PST

The UN Security Council on Friday unanimously urged Myanmar authorities to ensure an "inclusive and credible" political process and reminded them of their pledge to ensure a "free and fair" constitutional referendum next week.

Myanmar 'forces' civil servants to vote for charter

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:04 PST

Hundreds of government workers in Myanmar have been forced to vote in favor of an army-drafted constitution in non-secret ballots held more than a week before a May 10 referendum, some of the workers said.

Myanmar: Sanctions on 3 Companies

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

The United States broadened financial sanctions against Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, to include three prominent state-owned companies. The United States already restricts most trade with Myanmar but says these sanctions would prevent even indirect dealings with the companies - Myanmar Gem, Myanmar Timber and Myanmar Pearl - on international markets.

Thailand raises minimum wage by 4.6%

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Thailand decided on Friday to raise its minimum wage by 4.6% beginning next month to cope with inflation, following a meeting between the government, employers and workers' representatives, an official said.

Lonely Planet defends Burma guidebook

Sat, 03 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

The founder of one of the world's largest travel publishing companies defended its much-criticised guide to Burma on Thursday, saying tourists going to the military-ruled country are doing more good than bad.

Burma vote a 'sham' to entrench military rule, says rights group

Sat, 03 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

Burma's referendum next week on a new constitution is a "sham" aimed at entrenching the military, which has ruled since 1962, an international rights watchdog said Thursday.

Critics: Burma biofuel drive uses forced labour

Sat, 03 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

An activist group on Thursday called a plan by Burma's military rulers to grow a biofuel crop "draconian," alleging that it was using forced labour and contributing to food shortages.

Hollywood stars launch video campaign for Burma's Suu Kyi

Sat, 03 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

About 30 Hollywood celebrities will kick off a campaign Thursday to seek the release of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and push for freedom in the military-ruled nation.