GoJek has rolled out a new, upgraded app for Thailand, replacing its previous country-specific app. This new app for Thailand will allow Gojek to reach more Thai consumers as its users could easily access over 20 services ranging from transportation to food delivery, massages, e-money, and even a loyalty program.

This Week's News Spotlight:

Singapore may ease Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks | China-Laos railway almost complete | Gojek enters Thailand | Thai government takes legal action against Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube | Fintech firms assist Indonesian government with Covid-19

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Singapore may ease Covid-19 restrictions in coming weeks  - TODAY

Education Minister Lawrence Wong chairs Singapore’s Covid-19 taskforce.

Singapore may unveil plans for the next phase of reopening the economy in the coming weeks, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong. These plans include relaxation of border control measures and allowing more people to gather when dining out, visiting homes, or going to places or worship.

China-Laos railway almost complete - Discover Laos

The Thai line has not been built.

Construction of the China-Laos railway is 91% complete, with the track laid from Vientiane Station to Vang Vieng Station. The main project is expected to finish by the end of 2020, and expected to open to the general public in December 2021. There are 33 stations in total, and the average fare from Vientiane to Boten will be approximately 15 USD/person.

Gojek enters Thailand - KrASIA

Gojek is also a unicorn, with a valuation of more than USD 1 billion. 

Indonesian ride-hailing super app Gojek has launched a new app for Thailand, following an announcement that it would unify its Thai and Vietnamese brands. The new app is positioned to challenge its main competitor, Grab. 

In February 2019, Gojek collaborated with Thai startup Get to enter the Thai food delivery market. With this new launch, Gojek is unifying its brand and fighting for market share in the growing Southeast Asian region.

Thai government takes legal action against Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube - Bangkok Post

Buddhipongse Punnakanta, minister of digital economy and society, claimed that five social media users committed sedition and put up false information. 

On Thursday, Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society filed a complaint at the Technology Crime Suppression Division. The ministry had previously sent warning letters to Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter and were told to remove information from their platform within 15 days, but did not fully comply. The posts were deemed as illegal; social media users who put up anti-government posts during the demonstrations in Bangkok last weekend were also targeted.

Fintech firms assist Indonesian government with Covid-19 - The Jakarta Post

The Indonesian government has set aside USD 46.9 billion for Covid-19 relief efforts.

Fintech firms in Indonesia are working with banks and other companies to provide public services. For instance, a P2P lending provider Investree is helping Bank Mandiri disburse national economic recovery funds to some of its customers. E-wallet startup Ovo is also working with electricity company PLN to disburse electricity subsidies.

Association leaders emphasised that Covid-19 has accelerated the digitisation process of financial services, with fintech companies playing a leading role in this process.