Showing 1 - 10 of 24
Winning the war on plastic
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 13/01/2020
» Asia is picking up the pace in tackling the plastic crisis. In Bangladesh, the High Court last Monday ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in coastal areas and in hotels and restaurants in one year. It also ordered the government to strictly enforce the ban on polyethylene -- the main ingredient in many plastic bags -- under the existing law.
Climate urgency increasing
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 16/12/2019
» While the latest UN Climate Change Conference was taking place in Madrid, smog returned to Bangkok last week with PM2.5 dust exceeding safe levels in some areas. Face masks were back in fashion, while children, pregnant women and the elderly were advised to avoid outdoor activities.
Asean balancing act
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 14/05/2018
» China's growing influence in Asia and beyond is real. Beijing's escalating confrontation with the United States and threats of a trade war between the two superpowers are also pressing, with experts saying that would put the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the most difficult position in its 50-year history.
Cambodian tourism shrugs off political turmoil
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/03/2018
» Tourism, the largest industry in Cambodia, outstripping even the garment industry, has shrugged off the impact of escalating political tensions in the country, as international visitors have been drawn by improved cultural and infrastructure links with China.
Good neighbour
Asia focus, Published on 06/02/2017
» Before I interviewed the Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, HE Dato' Nazirah Hussain, people told me she was the kindest and most humble female diplomat they have ever met. But what I did not expect was that this soft-spoken woman would make me, a professional journalist on duty, break into tears when she talked so movingly about Thailand's beloved late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Myanmar advances
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 03/10/2016
» Domestic and regional demand, low labour costs and the fast pace of economic growth have attracted huge interest from foreign investors to Myanmar with the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) becoming the prime strategic investment destination.
Korean businesses tune in to Asean opportunities
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 18/07/2016
» Amid growing awareness about the Asean Economic Community (AEC), member states are being encouraged to further strengthen their integration to draw interest from Korean companies that are exploring more opportunities in the region.
China's white-collar blues
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 04/07/2016
» Lower labour costs in Thailand and emerging Southeast Asian economies have eroded China's competitiveness, prompting a growing number of businesses to relocate their production from the mainland to Asean.
Energy evolution
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/04/2016
» Growing awareness of the impact of air pollution and global warming have been driving more investments in energy from renewable sources and moving green energy to the top of many government policy agendas.
New dawn at Dawei
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 28/03/2016
» Four hundred and eighty houses stand ready for villagers in the Bawah area affected by the construction of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) in eastern Myanmar. Built three years ago, they remain empty because the local government has yet to approve relocation and compensation plans. Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD) continues to maintain them.