On May 7, 2020, following a meeting of the government on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister of Vietnam decided to allow most nonessential businesses to reopen, after the country experienced a 21-day period of no new COVID-19 cases due to community transmission.

On April 27, the Government of Myanmar issued its Economic Relief Plan to Mitigate the Economic Impact from the COVID-19 Pandemic. The plan aims to improve the economic environment and ease the strain on businesses and households.The Economic Relief Plan outlines seven broad goals (for example, “Ease the Impact on the Private Sector”) supported by 76 action plans covering a range of extraordinary fiscal measures, as well as measures to support businesses, households, and the self-employed. The key measures are summarized below.

Shortly after the extension of the COVID-19 lockdown measures in Laos on May 1, 2020, the Prime Minister’s Office provided additional details on the post-lockdown period and the relaxation of certain measures in Notification No. 524/PMO.  

The Global Attorney-Client Privilege Guide, published by Lex Mundi, provides information on what constitutes attorney-client privilege in over 65 jurisdictions around the world. The Thailand chapter of the guide was written by Michael Ramirez, counsel in the dispute resolution group of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Bangkok office.

On April 9, 2020, the Cambodian General Department of Taxation (GDT) issued an official notification to clarify and widen the scope of the tax relief measures granted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, the Cambodian Department of Intellectual Property Rights (DIPR) of the Ministry of Commerce issued new requirements for trademark owners and their agents to file Affidavits of Use or Non-Use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While an official announcement has not yet been made, the new affidavit filing requirements are already in practice.

In order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, on April 27, 2020, the Central Bank of Myanmar issued Directive 8/2020 causing a reduction in bank interest rates effective from May 1, 2020, as follows:

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a devastating effect on Thailand’s aviation industry. Both international and domestic flights have been dramatically curtailed or stopped altogether. When operations do resume, it is uncertain how many passengers will actually fly because of virus fears and economic impacts. Meanwhile, while airlines’ revenue drops, their expenses continue. A lack of cash flow has resulted in airlines resorting to laying off employees or having their employees take leave without pay.