Southeast Asia
President Lee Jae Myung departs for Singapore on two-nation Southeast Asia swing
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President Lee Jae Myung departed from Seoul on Sunday, March 1, for a two-nation swing to Singapore and the Philippines to expand cooperation with the Southeast Asian nations. The visit focuses on boosting trade, investment, infrastructure, and collaboration in sectors like artificial intelligence and nuclear energy. Cheong Wa Dae hopes the trip will enhance coordination with key Association of Southeast Asian Nations members and foster deeper ties with the regional bloc.
China's Supreme People's Court chief Zhang Jun praised Myanmar's death sentences for 16 leaders of northern Myanmar crime groups during the annual 'two sessions' report, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to punishing crimes against its nationals overseas.
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Several Southeast Asian countries are introducing or maintaining tourism taxes in 2026 to fund sustainable practices and infrastructure. Thailand will levy a 300-baht entry fee on foreign visitors starting February, while Bali requires a one-time IDR 150,000 payment. Malaysia applies a nightly room tax, and Vietnam has no specific entry fee but ongoing tax discussions.
Robinhood is expanding into Indonesia by acquiring two local firms. The purchases of PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto represent the company's largest move in Southeast Asia.
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Korean food company CJ Cheiljedang has partnered with Thailand's largest retailer CP Axtra to expand its K-food business in Southeast Asia. The deal involves introducing an expanded lineup of Bibigo products through CP Axtra's sales networks. The partnership is set to broaden into neighboring markets like Malaysia and the Philippines.
The Asia Pacific Report on September 12, 2025, featured warnings from civil society leaders about crackdowns in Indonesia and Nepal undermining ASEAN's reform efforts. The report highlights concerns over state-sponsored violence in Southeast Asia.