Vietnam is set to fully establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican, highlighted by Pope Francis's expected papal tour later this year, marking a significant milestone since the severance of ties in 1975. This development follows decades of gradual diplomatic efforts, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group in 2009 and the recent appointment of Archbishop Marek Zalewski as Vietnam’s first papal nuncio. The Vatican aims to promote greater religious freedom in Vietnam, which recognizes the Catholic Church's social contributions. The anticipated papal tour is seen as a diplomatic success, potentially enhancing Vietnam's international standing and addressing concerns over religious freedom and human rights.

Cambodia is attempting to attract Western investors and goodwill, targeting countries like the US, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany, after an influx of Chinese investment and a crackdown on political opposition. Despite growth, the economy faces risks such as the slowdown in China, high private debt, and climate change. The IMF has called for governance and anti-corruption reforms to attract investment. Cambodia's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has dropped, indicating persistent corruption. The US, UK, and Canada have imposed sanctions on criminal elements. French President Macron faced criticism for hosting Hun Manet and agreeing to a $235 million aid package. Cambodia's real estate sector is in crisis, and the government is offering incentives to reboot construction. Hun Manet's government continues the hardline policies of his father, Hun Sen, and blames external factors for Cambodia's issues. A significant change in attitude and effective handling of corruption is needed before Western investment is likely to return.

The World Bank's latest report on Myanmar paints a grim picture of the country's economic situation, with inflation at 28.6% and the kyat currency falling by 18% against the U.S. dollar. The escalation of armed conflict has disrupted lives, trade routes, and heightened economic uncertainty. Over half a million people have been displaced since late October, adding to the 2 million already displaced, with the UN estimating that over 18 million people in Myanmar will need humanitarian aid in 2024. The World Bank notes the constrained fiscal space, increased migration due to conflict and economic decline, and disruptions to trade, particularly with China, Thailand, and India. Despite the bleak outlook, the report suggests potential for growth in Myanmar's garment industry.

Cambodia celebrates the return of dragon boat races at the Water Festival after a three-year hiatus, with hopes that the event will boost tourism and aid economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Gum Awng, deputy minister of international cooperation for Myanmar's National Unity Government, discusses the future of the NUG and its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force, the struggle against the military junta, and the role of Aung San Suu Kyi in the movement. He expresses optimism about ASEAN's role, despite past failures to initiate talks with the NUG, and highlights the need for ASEAN to align with Western sanctions, particularly regarding arms and aviation fuel sales.

Cambodia is creating an action plan to address over 1,100 unfinished structures in Sihanoukville, which were left by Chinese investors amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to revitalize the city, known for its gambling industry.

The Phnom Penh Post, a newspaper operating for over 30 years in Cambodia's capital, announced it will cease publishing its English and Khmer editions by the end of March 2024 due to declining revenue and readership. The closure adds to concerns about press freedom in Cambodia, which has been under pressure since the government's crackdown on political opposition about eight years ago. Founded by Americans Michael Hayes and Kathleen O’Keefe in 1992, the newspaper is recognized for its independent journalism and role in nurturing young journalists.