As policies are initiated under the Thai government’s Thailand 4.0 initiative, laying the groundwork for economic growth over the next two decades, the country’s energy demands will continue increase. The Ministry of Energy’s Thailand Power Development Plan of 2015 (PDP2015) outlines the framework for dealing with the increase in energy needs, including an expansion of installed electricity generating capacity. The PDP2015 makes it clear that the government sees private investment playing a crucial role in driving this expansion.

On November 13, 2017, Thailand introduced substantial amendments to the Thai Customs Act, an act that had long been considered outdated, controversial, and lacking in clarity. Numerous important provisions therefore became effective, offering a new platform upon which Customs authorities, law enforcement officials, and the Thai courts could operate.

The much-anticipated Myanmar Companies Bill was passed by the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and assented to by President U Htin Kyaw on December 6, 2017. The newly enacted Myanmar Companies Law 2017 (MCL 2017) effectively repeals the archaic Myanmar Companies Act 1914 (MCA 1914), and will come into effect at a date to be designated by the president, currently anticipated to be no later than August 1, 2018. In the meantime, the MCA 1914 remains in effect. The main changes introduced by the MCL 2017 are detailed below.

The Laos chapter of Global Guide 2018: Doing Business In…, a guide published by Practical Law in association with Lex Mundi, presents a comprehensive Q&A-style overview of doing business in Laos.