US Defence Secretary reaffirms alliance commitment during visit to Philippines

Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

Laos' participation in the search and rescure operations not only helps Myanmar overcome post-earthquake difficulties but also demonstrates its solidarity, compassion, and sense of international responsibility.

Financial institutions continue to provide normal services for both retail and corporate clients, Deputy Governor of the the Bank of Thailand Roong Mallikamas said on March 31, describing the impact as a “short-term shock".

According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.

The deadly earthquake in Myanmar caused strong tremors in Bangkok, about 1,000 km south of the epicentre, while several other Thai provinces were also affected.

Thailand is aiming to reduce its trade surplus with the US to 20 billion USD by importing more US products, according to head of the country’s industry ministry's industrial economics office Passakorn Chairat.

In recognition of and sympathy for the damage and loss of lives caused by the earthquake, the period from March 31 to April 6 has been declared as national mourning days. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast.

Financial measures are for both individuals and businesses affected by the earthquake to provide them with immediate relief and help them maintain their livelihoods and business operations.

Rescue teams are racing against time, as over 300 people remain missing as of March 30.

Following an assessment of the situation after the recent earthquake, the TAT reported that conditions in Bangkok and other regions had returned to normal.

The State Audit Office (SAO) building is the only building in Bangkok that collapsed due to the tremor following the earthquake.

They reaffirmed their strong support and solidarity with the two countries, stressing that the ASEAN family stands resolutely with Myanmar and Thailand in moving forward to address the impacts of the earthquake.

In its flash appeal for funds, the WHO said the high numbers of casualties and trauma injuries are at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar meant the quake is likely to intensify the risk of diseases.

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.

Countries across the region and the world on March 30 swiftly launched emergency assistance measures for Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed more than 1,700 lives and left hundreds injured or missing.

Another earthquake measuring 5.1 struck the area near Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar with a population of about 1.5 million, on March 30 afternoon, just two days after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake.

"ASEAN reaffirms its solidarity with the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact," ASEAN said in a statement, extending its deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand.

The top five industries for digital ad spending in Thailand this year will remain the same as last year, including skincare at 6.1 billion THB, automobiles 2.9 billion THB, non-alcoholic beverages 2.9 billion THB, telecom services 2.5 billion THB, and daily products 2.1 billion THB.

This was the first JCC meeting presided by Vietnam as the coordinator of ASEAN-UK relations for the 2024-2027 term.