Future Southeast Asia News #279

Future Southeast Asia Facebook Group, Ho Chi Minh City's two airports' problem, Techo International Airport test flight, Indonesia designates 36 airports as international, Vientiane to launch BRT system, Ipoh Sentral, PH 'Build Better More' infra program, Changi East Urban District, Bangkok MRTA to speed up bidding on four lines, 250 projects worth $48B launched in Vietnam

Author

James Clark
August 20, 2025

The Future Southeast Asia Newsletter features transport and urban development news in Southeast Asia, edited by James Clark.

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Long Thanh International Airport is expected to open this year, but which airlines will fly there remains unclear. Dubai and Bangkok provide two models for how to proceed in the short-term and long-term.

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Yogyakarta Trip Report: Yogyakarta should look to Siem Reap's street reconstruction project, and Siem Reap should have an airport rail link like Yogyakarta.

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News

🇰🇭 Cambodia

"The $23 million Takhmao Water Treatment Plant and the $28 million Koh Norea Replacement Intake Station, officially launched on August 14, will enhance clean water supply for southern Phnom Penh and Kandal’s Takhmao city."

🇮🇩 Indonesia

"Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has set a target for the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) to complete the government apparatus in IKN, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, within the next three years."

"The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) stated that adding more international airports would have little effect on inbound traffic."

🇱🇦 Laos

"Vientiane will officially launch a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) trial in early September 2025, offering three months of free service. This marks the first time in Laos that a modern mass transit system will operate on a dedicated route, separate from regular road traffic, replacing the city’s old, noisy, and polluting bus system."

🇲🇾 Malaysia

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officiated the groundbreaking of the Ipoh Sentral project, a landmark transit-oriented development (TOD) set to transform the city into a modern, sustainable hub with enhanced connectivity."

Artist’s impression of Ipoh Sentral (via ipohecho)

 🇵🇭 Philippines

"The groups sought a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction, noting that the “mega-hike” in airport-related fees that would be implemented in September."

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇹🇭 Thailand

"MRTA governor Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi said the routes, mostly feeder lines, are the Brown Line (Khae Rai-Bung Kum), the Grey Line (Watcharaphon-Thong Lor), the Light Blue Line (Din Daeng-Sathon) and the Silver Line (Bang Na-Suvarnabhumi)."

"The rooftop park, situated atop the Dusit Central Park development, spans 11,200 square metres across the 4th to 7th floors of the mixed-use complex.

The facility can accommodate approximately 1,000 visitors daily and will require advance registration to manage capacity."

"Phuket governor Sophon Suwannarat is calling for the province to be upgraded into a special administrative area, saying the move is necessary to tackle the island’s critical infrastructure and environmental issues."

🇻🇳 Vietnam

"A total of 250 projects with a combined investment of VND1.28 quadrillion (US$48.64 billion) were inaugurated or launched across Vietnam on Tuesday, providing impetus for the country's transition into a new stage of growth."

"Metro Line 1 (New Binh Duong City - Suoi Tien) and Metro Line 2 (Thu Dau Mot City - HCMC)."

"Da Nang City leaders want THACO to participate in researching and investing in the urban railway project connecting Da Nang airport - Hoi An - Chu Lai airport."

"Spanning 244.45 ha, the complex is planned as an integrated high-end resort and entertainment hub. It will include a casino (with pilot access for Vietnamese), hotels, resorts, condotels, shophouses, offices, convention and conference centres, sports facilities, amusement parks, and premium wellness services."

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