Myanmar’s National Committee for Setting the Minimum Wage has introduced another MMK 1,000 daily allowance for private-sector workers, bringing the total minimum daily wage to MMK 7,800 (approx. USD 3.72). Notification No. 1/2025 marks the third such increase in recent years as the government continues adjusting compensation across both public and private sectors. Although the notification was issued on October 14, 2025, it takes retroactive effect from October 1, 2025. Current Minimum Wage Structure In May 2018, the committee established a base minimum wage of MMK 4,800 (approximately USD 2.29) for an eight-hour workday (MMK 600 per hour), applying to all workers regardless of location or job type. The committee has subsequently announced additional daily allowances for private-sector workers: MMK 1,000 effective October 1, 2023, and another MMK 1,000 effective August 1, 2024. With the latest MMK 1,000 daily allowance from October 1, 2025, the total additional allowance reaches MMK 3,000, resulting in a new combined minimum daily wage of MMK 7,800. Alignment with Public Sector Increases The new allowance aligns with increases granted to government personnel. The Ministry of Finance and Revenue’s Notification No. 110/2025 previously granted monthly increases of MMK 30,000 to service and Tatmadaw personnel starting in October 2023 and August 2024. With the latest increase effective October 1, 2025, the total monthly allowance for these personnel now amounts to MMK 90,000. Daily wage employees in government departments received MMK 1,000 increases in the same periods, totaling MMK 3,000 in daily allowances—mirroring the private-sector adjustment. Key Implementation Details The latest announcement confirms several important aspects of the allowance structure: Employees are entitled to the base wage and additional allowances during their entitled leave and holidays, in accordance with the 1951 Leave and Holidays Act. The MMK 3,000 daily allowance is excluded from overtime calculations, which must

The Indonesian Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) has introduced more stringent oversight of health supplements containing probiotics with new guidelines that require clinical trials for certain products and expanded documentation standards. BPOM Regulation No. 17 of 2025 replaces the previous 2021 regulation and establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating probiotic strains used in health supplements. Assessment Requirements The new regulation expands the scope of assessment to include not only categorization and documentation but also technical procedures, strain classification, and clinical trial requirements. Unlike the previous regulation, which provided general guidance, the updated framework creates a comprehensive system for evaluating both registered probiotic strains and new or combined strains. Manufacturers must now submit supporting documentation covering strain identification and functional characterization, safety, efficacy, and product quality. The previous regulation required documentation only on safety, efficacy, and quality. Clinical Trials One of the most significant changes is the requirement for clinical trials conducted in Indonesia for applications that include benefit claims other than maintaining digestive health, or where there are modifications to benefit claims. The regulation specifies that phase 1 trials must demonstrate safety, while phase 2 trials must validate efficacy using statistically valid methods such as double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies). In addition, phase 3 and phase 4 trials may be required, and postmarket surveillance data must be submitted. Technical Assessment Framework Annex 4, a newly introduced section, establishes technical procedures for assessing health supplements containing probiotics in Indonesia. This comprehensive framework outlines criteria for evaluating new probiotic strains, including strain identification, functional characterization, safety, efficacy, and product quality. The annex introduces a clear classification of claims for health supplement products containing probiotics: General claims(e.g., maintaining digestive health). Functional claims(e.g., normal biological function or activity in the body). Risk reduction claims(e.g., lowering disease risk). The regulation restricts use of the term

On September 24, 2025, Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to approve two draft amendments to the Labor Protection Act in their first reading, aiming to enhance workers’ rights and quality of life through improved working conditions, expanded leave entitlements, and stronger antidiscrimination protections. Key provisions of the draft amendments are outlined below. Draft Bill on Workers’ Rights This draft bill focuses on improving working conditions, working hours, and annual leave entitlements. The key provisions include: Limiting normal working hours to no more than 40 hours per week, reduced from the current 48 hours per week. For hazardous work, as defined by ministerial regulations, the maximum working hours are set at 35 hours per week, reduced from the current 42 hours per week. Mandating at least 2 days off per week, with no more than 5 consecutive working days between rest days. This is an increase from the current requirement of at least 1 day off per week, with the interval between days off not exceeding 6 days. Providing annual leave entitlement of at least 10 working days after the completion of 120 consecutive working days, compared to the current entitlement of 6 days after 1 year of employment. Draft Bill on Workers’ Quality of Life This draft bill is designed to enhance workers’ quality of life and promote equality and nondiscrimination in the workplace. The new additions to the Labor Protection Act include: Menstrual leave for female employees: Up to 3 days per month, which shall not be counted as sick leave or deducted from other statutory leave entitlements. Family caregiving leave: Employees are entitled to up to 15 working days per year to care for close family members or loved ones. For absences of 5 or more days, employers may request supporting documents such as a medical certificate

On September 26, 2025, the Contract Committee under Thailand’s Consumer Protection Board issued a regulation that aims to standardize contracts and enhance consumer protection within the beauty and wellness industry. The Notification on Prescribing the Beauty Service Business as a Contract-Controlled Business B.E. 2568 (2025), which takes effect on January 24, 2026, requires business operators to use a prescribed standard contract in Thai and adhere to strict mandatory provisions and prohibitions. These regulations apply to operators across all in-person and online service channels, including via digital platforms. “Beauty services business” is defined as the provision of services under an agreement allowing consumers to receive a series of treatments, either over a set number of sessions or within a set period. This includes massage, spa, other methods for cleanliness, beauty, or care of facial or body skin, and weight control and body shaping—including services offered electronically. The law excludes surgery, liposuction, and medical treatments performed by licensed practitioners. The notification establishes the following key requirements: Mandatory contract and formatting. All contracts with consumers must use the standard contract form, in Thai, with clear, readable text (minimum font size of 2 millimeters, no more than 11 characters per inch), and include all essential terms from the annexed form. Contract execution. Contracts must be made in duplicate, with one copy given to the consumer at signing. For agreements concluded through electronic channels, the process must comply with the Electronic Transactions Act and use the same required terms. Digital platforms. Business operators who provide services facilitated through a digital platform as an intermediary are ultimately responsible for ensuring the consumer receives a compliant contract. Prohibited clauses. The law prohibits clauses that limit or exclude liability for damages to life, body, health, mind, or property resulting from breach of contract or a wrongful act;