Leaders from the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations concluded a three-day summit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, endorsing a new digital trade framework aimed at reducing cross-border tariffs on technology goods by up to 18 percent over the next five years. The agreement covers e-commerce, fintech services, and semiconductor supply chains, representing the most significant multilateral trade move in the region since the RCEP came into force in 2022. Key...

You can experience two of Thailand's most memorable celebrations: Songkran in April and Loy Krathong in November, each blending lively public fun with deep religious tradition. Songkran is the Thai New Year marked by nationwide water...

Most visitors come to Paharpur to see Somapura Mahavihara, the monumental 8th-9th century Buddhist monastery that anchors the site and gave the area worldwide recognition. Somapura Mahavihara was constructed under the Pala dynasty, with patronage often attributed to King Dharmapala and his successors. The complex originally served as a major center for Buddhist learning and monastic life, hosting scholars, pilgrims, and artisans who shaped religious and architectural traditions across South and Southeast Asia. The architectural plan centers on a large square monastery surrounding a cruciform central shrine that rises above the platform. Brickwork, terracotta panels, and finely carved motifs decorate the remains, with scenes from Jataka tales, celestial figures, and geometric...

Kaohsiung bursts with maritime flavors, offering fresh catches, casual stalls, and family-run seafood restaurants that define the city's food scene. Local seafood highlights include oyster omelette, grilled squid, salt-and-pepper shrimp, sashimi, clam soup, and seafood congee; night-market vendors and nearby docks supply the freshest ingredients, so expect bright seafood flavors and simple seasonings. Liuhe Night Market in central Kaohsiung centers on a long pedestrian strip lined with dozens of stalls selling seafood snacks, full meals, and drinks; the market is reachable by MRT at Formosa Boulevard Station and peaks after sunset when crowds gather to eat and shop. Try the oyster omelette at popular stalls that prepare it to order, order grilled...

You can find fresh, regional seafood at beachfront shacks and upscale eateries in Sihanoukville, with grilled crab, steamed fish, and Khmer-style prahok sauces showcasing coastal flavors; recommended spots include Sokha Beach vendors and local night markets for authentic tastes.Premier Coastal Dining Destinations Otres Beach: Authentic Beachfront Grills Otres offers smoky beachfront grills where fishermen sell the catch daily and chefs cook simple, flavorful dishes over charcoal; expect whole grilled snapper, lemongrass prawns, and a relaxed, barefoot dining atmosphere that highlights freshness and tradition. Serendipity Pier: Upscale Seafood Experiences Serendipity presents upscale seafood with ocean-view dining, curated wine lists, and artful plating; signature items include lobster thermidor and black pepper crab, served in a...

Over the past few decades Mongolian BBQ has grown from a novelty into a popular interactive dining experience where diners build stir-fries cooked at high heat on a large circular griddle. Mongolian BBQ restaurants let guests choose bases such as noodles, rice, or lettuce wraps, add proteins like beef, lamb,...

Guide to Bangkok's most iconic landmarks highlights the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, two adjacent sites that capture Thai royal and religious history. The Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam from 1782 and features gilded spires, intricate murals, and ornate throne halls. Wat...