ASEAN HEADLINES: MYANMAR- Thailand to close centres issuing ID certificates to Myanmar nationals
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CAMBODIA: Cambodia-Thailand Relationship at an All-Time High
The Cambodia-Thailand relationship is at an all-time high, marked by the strategic partnership agreement reached in February this year. This significant development has ushered in a new era of cooperation, reaffirming the shared commitment to fostering good neighborly relations and reinforcing our traditional friendly ties.
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations. Since December 19, 1950, the relationship has been anchored in mutual respect, understanding, trust, and benefit. The enhancements in our relations, particularly since 2011, highlight the strength and depth of the partnership.
Our bilateral relationship is founded on a bedrock of political trust and comprehensive cooperation that spans various domains, from economic collaboration to people-to-people exchanges. This robust partnership is guided by the principles of mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual interest, ensuring that both nations benefit equally from our close ties.
In 2023, bilateral trade reached $9 billion, with a target of $15 billion by 2025. Thai exports to Cambodia include refined fuels, beverages, livestock, and vehicles, while Cambodian exports feature precious stones, fruits, vegetables, and metal products.
Thailand’s investment in Cambodia, amounting to approximately $1.6 billion, places it among the top ten foreign investors in the country. Additionally, Thailand remains a significant source of tourists to Cambodia, with over 1.8 million Thai tourists visiting last year. These economic and cultural exchanges are vital to our bilateral relationship.
To further deepen this relationship, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will pay an official visit to Cambodia today. This visit is expected to enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation, paving the way for new initiatives and agreements that will strengthen bilateral ties.
In addition, President of the National Assembly Khuon Sudary will visit Thailand on July 11-12. This visit aims to bolster parliamentary cooperation between the two nations, providing a platform for legislative exchange and collaboration on mutual interests.
These upcoming high-level visits underscore the importance of our people-centered strategic partnership, delivering more concrete outcomes for the two peoples.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingMYANMAR: Thailand to close centres issuing ID certificates to Myanmar nationals
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Advocacy groups say the move could result in a loss of workers’ rights and freedom of movement
The Thai Ministry of Labour has announced that it will be closing all centres issuing Certificates of Identification, or CIs, to undocumented Myanmar workers in Thailand from July 7.
The CIs, which allow Myanmar nationals in Thailand to legally work and travel in the country, were issued from centres in five provinces, as well as from mobile units in three other provinces.
The move comes in response to a request from Myanmar’s military junta, according to the ministry.
While the centres have reportedly received instructions to close, an official at the centre in Chonburi Province said it was unclear if the closure would be temporary or permanent.
“At the moment, the instructions only refer to the closure on July 7. No further instructions have arrived as to whether this is a temporary suspension or a permanent closure,” the official told Myanmar Now.
Last year the Thai government opened CI. . .
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SINGAPORE: 86 people fined or prosecuted for illegal short-term rentals since 2019: HDB and URA
SINGAPORE – A total of 64 people have been fined for illegally renting out their private homes for short-term stays of less than three months since 2019, with 15 others prosecuted in court for the same offence.
Seven people were also fined for renting out their HDB flats for less than six months.
Revealing these numbers in a joint statement on July 3, the Housing Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) warned the public against unauthorised short-term leases, and said they would not hesitate to take strict enforcement action against offenders.
The minimum stay duration for private residential properties is three consecutive months. It is six months for HDB flats.
The authorities’ statement follows a report by CNA in June, which found that condominium units and HDB flats were being offered for short-term rental on platform Airbnb, with some claiming to be authorised serviced apartments.
Serviced apartments have a minimum stay requirement of seven days.
The report said there were more than 15 such listings on Airbnb in areas such as Geylang, Katong and Bukit Timah. Several of them were active for months, and one had reviews from previous guests.
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