In a year that saw China import US$7 billion of the fruit – a record – upstarts Vietnam and Malaysia are eyeing Thailand’s top spot.

For government critics in Southeast Asia, fleeing abroad does not necessarily mean safety. Thailand is growing particularly dangerous for foreigners seeking protection.

Vietnam’s rice exports to Singapore grew 28.45% to S$128.9 million (US$95.2 million) in 2024, making it the city-state's third largest rice supplier, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore.

To cross the border between the two southeast Asian countries, Amelie Maurice-Jones opts for a more serene (and economical) mode of transport and discovers the Mekong in all its majesty

Thailand is legalizing same-sex marriage — the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. DW looks at what is next for Thailand and the region on LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.

Singaporean and Vietnamese youths are also the most optimistic and satisfied about their countries’ political systems, law enforcement and economic future than their peers in four other Southeast Asian countries,

Southeast Asia’s economic growth is expected to go into overdrive in 2025, with Asean markets leading the way. According to an Asia House report, Vietnam and Philippines will remain key growth drivers.

Scammers under leading telecom fraud syndicates in north Myanmar are handed over to Chinese custody, on January 30, 2024. Photo: VCG. A senior officials' meeting on Lancang-Mekong

The optimism surrounding Asia’s tourism potential is evident from the expansion plans of major global hotel chains

Government officials from Thailand and Vietnam have collaborated to advance regional tourism under Thailand’s “Six Countries, One Destination” plan, which seeks to enhance travel cooperation among ASEAN nations.

While Singapore and Malaysia continue to be top destinations in South-east Asia for Indonesian travellers, Vietnam’s growing popularity in the market has attracted the attention of outbound agencies.

Cambodian tourism players have welcomed plans for a boat link between Thailand’s Trat and Cambodia’s Kep and Kampot as well as Vietnam’s Phu Quoc, claiming it will boost regional tourism and help lure more visitors to the Kingdom’s coastal areas.