Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Digital dividend
Asia focus, W Audi Pattarapatumthong, Published on 25/07/2022
» The digital economy is playing an ever-increasing role in business, trade and human capital development. As countries emerge from the pandemic and steer through new economic headwinds, digitisation is taking on even greater importance.
Will China hit its growth target?
Asia focus, Shang-Jin Wei, Published on 09/05/2022
» In early March, Premier Li Keqiang announced that China was targeting GDP growth of "about 5.5%" this year. That would be ambitious even without Russia's war against Ukraine and the attendant increases in global energy and food prices.
Food price solutions a priority
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 02/05/2022
» Food prices are on the rise everywhere in the world. In Thailand, prices of limes have been at historical highs for months, now as much as 10 baht each in wet markets. Instant noodle makers want to hike their prices by up to 20% as raw material costs have surged, but Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit insists they can't.
Taiwan feels chill from Ukraine crisis
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 28/02/2022
» Countries across the world are feeling the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine as stock markets tumble and oil prices spike. But Taiwan is feeling a particular chill, amid concerns that it eventually could face a similar fate at the hands of China.
Blue skies: mapping Thailand's EV transition
Asia focus, Yuji Nagano, Published on 11/10/2021
» 'Unhealthy" is a common term used to describe the glittering capital city of Thailand. In 2019, Bangkok recorded extra high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above what the World Health Organization considers acceptable, causing over 9,000 deaths and 112 billion baht in economic losses from sick leave, healthcare and medical issues.
Vaccine collaboration crucial now
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 19/07/2021
» Southeast Asia has been under attack from the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant lately, and the fact that a large portion of the population is unvaccinated makes it extremely hard for countries to curb the spread.
Practical recovery strategy needed
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/07/2021
» The arrival of about 400 vaccinated international travellers in Phuket on Thursday was something to celebrate for people on the hard-hit resort island. They were the first visitors from abroad in 15 months.
Poverty, inequality and climate: defining choices of our age
Asia focus, David Malpass, Published on 14/06/2021
» The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries the hardest, worsening inequality and exacerbating existing challenges--inadequate healthcare systems, education deficits, stagnant incomes, rising conflict and violence, poorly selected debt contracts, and climate change.
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.