Showing 1 - 10 of 16
China must rethink Zero Covid
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 25/04/2022
» It finally feels like the world, collectively, is moving in one direction. Toward reopening. Toward the new normal. Hong Kong, after some of the world's strictest quarantine rules kept Covid-19 at bay for almost two years, last Thursday reopened gyms, beauty parlours, theme parks and cinemas for the first time in more than four months.
Safe, healthy travel a priority
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/04/2022
» The hearts of all Thais are blessed and looking forward to Wednesday when the five-day Songkran holiday begins. It will be the first time in three years for us to celebrate the traditional New Year known for joyous water splashing at the hottest time of the year.
Stumbling but hopeful
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 07/03/2022
» Domestic travellers have been the lifeline for tourism-reliant countries, especially in Southeast Asia, for the past two pandemic-battered years. But even as countries start scrapping restrictions to welcome international visitors back, some pandemic uncertainties persist and now a crisis in Ukraine threatens the global economic recovery as a whole.
Coming to grips with Omicron
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 06/12/2021
» The world was shaken again last week as the latest coronavirus variant emerged. First detected in South Africa a week earlier, Omicron is now a "variant of concern" -- the most serious category used by the World Health Organization, which said it poses a "very high" risk to public health.
Has Asia lost its way?
Asia focus, W Audi Pattarapatumthong, Published on 26/07/2021
» For over seven decades, Asian countries have steered their way through all kinds of difficulties and managed to emerge stronger. Remarkably high rates of economic growth, strong trade and investment and sound development policies have all contributed to a marked improvement in the quality of life of their citizens.
Ready to deliver
Asia focus, Pattama Kuentak, Published on 23/11/2020
» Emerging from a fortnight in quarantine after returning from his home country Malaysia, Tien-long Woon is eager to get back to business in Thailand. “Fantastic” is the word he uses to describe his first reaction to the world outside and a taste of local ice-cream to celebrate.
Making travel safe again
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 26/10/2020
» Asia is slowly reopening for tourism. After months of strict border restrictions and closures since the Covid-19 pandemic began, some countries in the region are beginning to proceed with a cautious approach to inbound travel.
Travel turmoil
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 10/08/2020
» As the world faces the devastating consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism is among the sectors affected the most severely. A major source of revenue and jobs in Asia, it started to feel the pain early when the Chinese outbound market collapsed almost overnight in late January.
Don't sell Asean short
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 27/07/2020
» Like their peers all over the world, Southeast Asian nations have seen their economies hammered by the prolonged Covid-19 outbreak. Growth forecasts continue to be revised downward as exports plunge due to falling demand and supply chain disruption, while tourism income slumps as international travel slows to a trickle.
Halal travel closer at home
Asia focus, Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 20/07/2020
» Indonesia is gradually getting back to business with further relaxation of restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus, but tour operators, notably those that organise Hajj trips and minor pilgrimages (umrah) to Saudi Arabia, remain closed.