The haze from forest fires in Indonesia. (Photo: PA)
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry on October 8 invited Indonesian Ambassador Lufty Raud to discuss measures to solve the haze problem.
The haze, caused by forest fires in Indonesia, has seriously affected seven provinces in the south of Thailand with airborne particulate measured at 201 microgrammes per cubic metre, 1.7 times higher than safety level.
The Thai ministry said that the country is willing to work out short and long-term solutions with other ASEAN countries to the annual haze problem, caused by slash-and-burn agriculture on Sumatra island and part of Borneo island.
Thai officials also raised the issue for discussion in an ASEAN senior officials’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur and will do the same again in the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Hanoi on October 27-29.
Thailand’s government has provided free face masks and set up a channel to guide people to protect themselves when facing haze.-VNA
Singapore’s air quality has pushed unhealthy levels as a result of forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).
The Indonesian government needs to take action against companies causing haze problem which has affected the air quality, people’s health and economies of countries in the region, said Malaysia PM.
More than 300,000 Indonesians were reportedly suffering from respiratory illnesses due to the worsening haze conditions in the dry season, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health announced on October 6.
Indonesian police have published a list of 240 individuals suspected of having set fire to forests and land, causing the haze disaster in the Sumatra and Kalimantan regions.
Indonesia has accepted Singapore's offer for a haze assistance package to deal with forest fires, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on October 7.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
The haze from forest fires in Indonesia. (Photo: PA)
