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.
Boom for online retailers
Online entrepreneurs often see a surge in orders during Ramadan. Categories that perform the strongest are cookies, food and fashion. – New Straits Times
HSA issues alert on ῾weight loss᾽ products after woman suffers severe heart failure
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has raised the alarm on four health products, including three marketed for weight loss, after five consumers reported adverse reactions to them, including one woman who now has severe heart failure. – The Straits Times
Strong headwind slows growth
Major Thailand-based airlines have set modest goals for themselves by looking closer to home for a risk-limiting expansion, as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a downgrade of its 2019 outlook for the global air transport industry and a decline on 2018 net post-tax profits. – Bangkok Post
Price hike hits Indonesian airports as travellers ship out in Idul Fitri exodus
Many vacationers heading to their hometowns have no other choice but to purchase expensive airplane tickets or cram themselves into crowded ships. Domestic airfares have soared in recent months, triggering a slew of complaints from loyal customers. – The Jakarta Post
Teachers press Duterte on pay hike: ῾we are clinging to a knife’s edge᾽
Teachers’ salaries have been increased at a staggeringly lower rate compared to those of other similarly trained professionals in the government, intensifying a paradox: Education receives the largest share of the national budget, but those tasked to administer it largely remain an afterthought. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
New road paves way for development
A 32-kilometre road running from the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge to Dongphosy and Huaymarkhiew has been resurfaced – a process that took almost three years – but the recent completion of the much-needed upgrade is a great relief to the people of Hadxaifong district. – Vientiane Times