These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
Bloc optimistic on RCEP deal
The 10 Asean member countries and six trading partners remain optimistic about making a breakthrough on the long-delayed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal during the 35th Asean Summit in Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said.
He made the comments despite negotiators' concerns about India's reluctance to accept an RCEP deal.
India has long been the main holdout on the China-backed pact due to strong domestic opposition and fears the country would be flooded with cheap Chinese goods. India has recently frustrated other negotiators by requesting changes to the pact, sources said earlier. – Bangkok Post
Dr M heads to Asean Summit
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits from Saturday to Nov 4 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Wisma Putra said Malaysia’s participation in the 35th Asean Summit and Related Summits was important as it would reflect the country's unwavering commitment to the organisation that has contributed to peace, stability and prosperity to the region. – New Straits Times
Mandalay gem market to go online
A Myanmar and Chinese company are working together to bring the Mandalay gem market into the internet age, a company executive said.
The Myanmar Global South Internet-Tec Co and the China-based Beijing Transferring Spirit Co have signed an agreement to upgrade the Mandalay gem market using the latest digital technology, U Win Maw, a director of Myanmar Global South Internet Tec, said. – Myanmar Times
Embassy warns migrant workers over fake news
The Cambodian embassy in Thailand yesterday advised migrant workers there to continue working as normal and ignore fake news spread online that there is an influx of them coming home to coincide with Sam Rainsy’s planned return to the Kingdom this month.
In a press release, the embassy said checks show that most migrants are still carrying on working in Thailand as normal and it discredited pictures posted on social media and by some local media showing a purported exodus. – Khmer Times
Start now: Duterte orders LGUs to inspect buildings after strong quakes
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered local government units (LGUs) to inspect the integrity of buildings nationwide as three powerful earthquakes hit Mindanao in two weeks.
“Well, it is time for the LGUs to inspect all buildings. They should start now,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City on Thursday night. – Philippine Daily Inquirer