Showing 1 - 10 of 28
The new Covid challenge
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/07/2022
» As many Thais return to the office, entertainment venues reopen and wearing face masks is no longer mandatory in outdoor public places, new daily coronavirus cases have begun to climb lately, notably among school students.
Biden-BTS summit fuels hope
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 06/06/2022
» Perhaps Joe Biden's pursuit to engage more with Asia has just started. Just days after a trip to South Korea and Japan late last month, his first visit to Asia as US president, the 79-year-old leader followed up with a message that touched the hearts of millions of Asians, particularly those living in his country.
Challenges for Asean
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/04/2022
» Over two years after the coronavirus emerged, countries across Asia are slowly beginning to recover. In Southeast Asia, economic growth is projected to pick up to 5.1% this year, from 3.2% in 2021. With 400 million people, or 59% of the population, fully vaccinated, many economies are well on the way to reopening.
Let's all celebrate responsibly
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 31/01/2022
» The Year of the Tiger arrives tomorrow and people, particularly in East and Southeast Asian countries, are ready to celebrate Lunar New Year 2022. For many of us, however, it's going to be another year of quiet celebration under the influence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chinese policies hold back growth
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/01/2022
» When I first heard a Moody's economist discuss the cooling Chinese economy late last year, it caught my interest but not much. As we have been living with a pandemic for two years, an economic slowdown seems unavoidable, even in the country that has been the world's engine of growth for years.
Fragile, uneven recovery
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/01/2022
» The world has entered 2022 facing numerous uncertainties. After two years of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the emergence of the Omicron variant now poses challenges to economies even in countries where vaccination rates are high.
Connecting with Laos
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 20/09/2021
» Landlocked but rich in natural resources and geographically diverse, Laos has a lot to offer. Significant investments from neighbours including China have helped the country achieve economic growth of 6-7% a year over the past decade. Yet, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of a skilled workforce are among the reasons Laos has yet to fulfil its potential.
Live with Covid, be extra cautious
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 12/07/2021
» As the global death toll caused by the protracted Covid pandemic topped four million last Thursday, Japan formally decided to put Tokyo under a state of emergency through Aug 22. And Olympic organisers bowed to the inevitable, saying the Tokyo Games would be closed to spectators.
Tourism revival in doubt again
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 19/04/2021
» Most of Thailand's famous holiday destinations were nearly empty last week during the long Songkran holiday. The latest Covid-19 wave -- with daily infections climbing all week and hitting a record 1,582 on Friday -- scared tourists away from popular beach resorts close to Bangkok such as Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin, which has also become a coronavirus hotspot following a superspreader event at a local pub.
Our unhealthy holiday
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 12/04/2021
» Many Thais have hit the road to enjoy the long Songkran holidays this week, but I can't help feeling that this Thai New Year will be a weird one. Normally, people enjoy the water festival that comes at the peak of the hot summer in April by splashing each other with enthusiasm, along with more subdued observances such as pouring water on elders' hands, asking for blessings and making merit.