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.
Australia orders mass evacuation of fire-ravaged towns before heatwave
Thousands of tourists have been given less than 48 hours to evacuate fire-ravaged coastal communities as Australia braces for a heatwave Saturday expected to fan deadly bushfires.
Catastrophic blazes ripped through swathes of the continent’s south-east on New Year’s Eve, killing at least eight people and stranding holidaymakers as seaside towns were ringed by flames.
The New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service on Thursday morning declared a “tourist leave zone” stretching about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the popular holiday spot of Bateman’s Bay along the usually picturesque south-east coast to neighbouring Victoria state, where people are also being urged to evacuate fire-threatened areas. – The New Straits Times
Top leader’s message on Vietnam’s assumption of ASEAN, UNSC positions
As the country marks major anniversaries and great and important political events in 2020, the entire Party, people and army are striving to accomplish the 2016-20 socio-economic development plan and the resolution adopted by the 12th National Party Congress, and to hold Party congresses at all levels towards the 13th National Party Congress. For the first time, Vietnam will serve as both the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the same time.
With its central role in the evolving regional architecture, ASEAN is highly appreciated by countries in and outside the region that want to co-operate with it. Over the past four years, since the formation of the ASEAN Community – with a population of 650 million – the bloc has been developing in various areas, as well as strengthening and expanding connectivity with partners. – Viet Nam News
Arakan Army releases 16 govt bus drivers seized in Rakhine
The Arakan Army (AA) on Wednesday released 16 bus drivers working for Myanmar’s Road Transportation Administration Department who were seized from a passenger ferry in Rakhine State.
The AA said in a statement that it turned over the 16 men to the elders of Kan Thay village in Buthidaung township at around 7am on Wednesday. – Myanmar Times
Singapore's economy grew 0.7% in 2019, down from 3.1% in 2018: Flash data
Singapore's economy grew by 0.7 per cent year on year in 2019, based on flash estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Thursday (Jan 2).
The estimated economic growth for 2019 is far below 2018’s 3.1 per cent. – The Straits Times
Opposition firms plan to attack govt
The opposition Pheu Thai Party has outlined four issues to be debated in a no-confidence motion against the government that will target five cabinet ministers.
Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said the party's committee on special affairs will target the ministers over alleged policy corruption while serving as ministers in the previous coup-installed government, alleged conflicts of interest, allowing close associates to act improperly, and wrongdoings that are being committed. – Bangkok Post