PHUKETWAN recognises the importance of Asean with the Economic Community approaching and marks what's happening around the region with a new column, Asean Today.



wsj.com Malaysian police were bracing for what is expected to be a massive weekend protest in Kuala Lumpur against Prime Minister Najib Razak's management of the economy and the growing debt problems at a state investment fund.

straitstimes.com Malaysia has added a ban on clothing that is yellow and which contains the words ''Bersih 4'' to a clampdown on printed materials promoting today's Bersih rally.

thestar.com.my The police are taking a serious view of a video titled ''We will blast Malaysia!!'' uploaded on social media as a threat that could jeopardise national security.



straitstimes.com Police said that they are aware of calls encouraging overseas Malaysians to organise and participate in events in Singapore, in relation to protests in Malaysia.



afp New restrictions on foreign journalists in Indonesia have been dumped just a day after being announced, with President Joko Widodo intervening directly to kill off the widely criticised changes.


just-drinks.com The Coca-Cola Co has opened its first bottling plant in Laos as the soft drinks maker continues to expand its presence in Asia.



eco-business.com Land concessions for large-scale agricultural plantations are stripping off Cambodia's forest cover, according to a new report by Forest Trends, a US-based environmental protection group.



cnn.com Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha visited Malacanang and was welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III himself. This is the first time the Thai leader visited the country since he assumed office a year ago. He was with his wife Nara-porn Chan-o-cha for a two day official visit in the country which ended Friday.



bbc.com Vietnam says it has granted amnesty to more than 18,000 prisoners to mark the country's 70th anniversary of independence from France. Thousands convicted of murder or drug-related offences will go free, while 34 foreigners are also among those given amnesty.



wsj.com Numerous construction projects for new hotels, offices and condominium buildings in Yangon have stalled, as investors wait for clearer investment rules and to see how the dust settles after the November election. Myanmar has been a letdown for many investors - especially Americans. Many have already pulled out after opportunities failed to materialise.



oxfordbusinessgroup.com Expectations are high for Brunei Darussalam's downstream energy sector, as Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) island prepares to welcome the country's first oil refinery and aromatics cracker complex, highlighting the Sultanate's growing potential as a destination for value-added processing.