PHUKETWAN recognises the importance of Asean with the Economic Community approaching and marks what's happening around the region with a column, Asean Today, that will cease when Phuketwan closes on December 31.



thanhniennews.com Top legislators in Vietnam approved the government's proposal to extend the validity of temporary visas for US citizens from three months to one year, local media reported.



bbc.com An air cargo company in Malaysia says it owns three Boeing 747 jets which officials said were left unclaimed at Kuala Lumpur airport. Swift Air Cargo says it has been trying to retrieve them, but Malaysia Airports disputes its paperwork.

smh.com.au Australian actor Eliza Szonert, who dramatically snatched her son from her estranged partner in a restaurant in Malaysia, says she and the boy are stranded as consular officials are refusing to provide alternative travel documents.



straitstimes.com Singapore has taken steps to give better protection to children, the lower-income and migrant workers, as well as victims of trafficking, the Government said in its national report on human rights. It will also review these measures regularly.



wsj.com Indonesia's third-richest family is pledging shares in some of its group companies to raise $1 billion from a consortium of private-equity firms including Northstar and TPG Capital, a sign of how weak equity markets are prompting big firms to seek new ways of fundraising.



cbsnews.com Cambodian health officials have been sent to a northeastern district where 10 people died and more than 100 were sickened in two separate incidents linked to the consumption of dog meat and rice wine, a medical officer said.



sbs.com.au A former chief investigator for the Thai police said he stands by his story of police intimidation and will continue to pursue his claim for asylum in Australia as Thai police said they are considering suing for defamation.



cleantechnica.com The Philippines has revealed that it will launch an investigation into whether fossil fuel companies are to be held responsible for the impacts of climate change.



channelnewsasia.com Myanmar's Sitagu International Buddhist Academy and the Institute for Global Engagement, a US-based NGO that works to promote religious freedom, have introduced a 10-day Religion and Rule of Law certificate program to promote peace building efforts in Myanmar. It is believed to be the first program of its kind in the country.



theborneopost.com Cruising is becoming a popular travel option for tourists from Malaysia and Brunei due to the increasing desire to explore the region in a unique way, said Farriek Tawfik, Director of Southeast Asia, Princess Cruises.



thediplomat.com America's top diplomat for East Asia will travel to Thailand, Laos, and Japan next week, the US State Department said. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel will travel to Asia from December 13 to 21.