Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Sihanoukville pays the price for heavy reliance on Chinese
Asia focus, Matthias Alffram, Published on 09/05/2022
» For several years now, Cambodia has been receiving billions of dollars in Chinese investment as part of China's Belt & Road initiative (BRI). Between 2013 and 2017, Beijing invested US$5.3 billion in the Southeast Asian country. Between 2016 and 2019, the two countries signed 65 cooperation agreements to finance infrastructure projects such as seaports, highways, airports, power stations and even an oil refinery.
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.
Are the Olympics worth it?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 24/05/2021
» In an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Japan from today is barring the entry of foreign nationals who have recently travelled to Thailand and six other countries: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, Saint Lucia, East Timor and Mongolia. That brings to 159 the number of countries and regions under such restrictions by Tokyo.
Farmers vs the Indian state
Asia focus, Jayati Ghosh, Published on 21/12/2020
» India's capital is under siege from more than 2 million farmers, who are currently gathered at the city's border in a massive protest that started three weeks ago. Old and young men, women, and even children from farming families are camping on open roads in the bitter cold of a Delhi winter. They have abandoned their concerns about viral infection and come prepared for the long haul, bringing enough food to last for several months.
On guard against terror
Asia focus, Erich Parpart and Ismira Lutfia Tisnadibrata, Published on 03/02/2020
» When President Donald Trump ordered American troops to withdraw last October from northeastern Syria, critics said the decision would play into the hands of terrorists, with ramifications beyond the Middle East.
Luxembourg beckons
Asia focus, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/01/2020
» The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is looking at investment projects in Thailand to provide a springboard to the entire Southeast Asian market, a minister of the European country says.
The open secret of development economics
Asia focus, Yao Yang, Published on 04/11/2019
» This year's Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences recognises Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer for their work using randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in developmental studies. The choice has elicited mixed reactions, not least because RCTs are a source of controversy among academic economists.
Place a bet on gambling reform
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 26/08/2019
» Last week we saw some interesting developments in the gambling industries of two Southeast Asian nations that have become increasingly allied with China. While I am personally opposed to gambling and casinos, I respect the right of a country to allow them if it feels they will help the economy. But it's an industry that must be managed well in order to avoid negative effects.
Casino colony
Asia focus, Monileak Ean and Erich Parpart, Published on 26/08/2019
» Cambodia's growing ties with China have made the latter by far the biggest and most influential investor in the country. Chinese money has been pouring in, particularly to the southern coastal city of Sihanoukville where Chinese-run casinos are mushrooming, with many more planned and a lot that also have online gambling operations.