Showing 91 - 100 of 128
How free is Hong Kong?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 12/02/2018
» Acouple of incidents in Hong Kong caught my attention last week. The first was a report that the worsening influenza outbreak in the territory had prompted authorities to shut all kindergartens and primary schools just days before the scheduled Lunar New Year holidays. The flu has been especially severe this winter, having caused 111 deaths since January, and health experts warn it may not yet have peaked.
China's sexist tech titans
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 30/04/2018
» The news that Alibaba is pouring US$320 billion into developing a "digital hub" in the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor has not been greeted with universal applause in Thailand. Concerns are rising about the potential negative impacts on small local operators once the Chinese e-commerce giant cements its foothold.
Asean's difficult balancing act
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/08/2019
» The annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Nations in Bangkok last week drew attention from all over the world. The presence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, among others, indicated the importance of Asean as a growing focus of major-power competition.
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 needs leadership in 2019
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 07/01/2019
» The high chance that Thailand's general election will be postponed from Feb 24 is disappointing news to me. Hopes that poll-related activities will brighten the gloomy economic picture are fading and uncertainties are mounting about the country's return to democracy, long a concern of outsiders.
America's new opportunity in Asia
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 25/01/2021
» Listening to Kamala Harris's speeches is really inspiring. "I may be the first woman to hold this office. But I won't be the last," the 56-year-old half-Asian declared after being elected to the vice presidency of the United States.
Can Myanmar be saved?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 01/03/2021
» After a month under military rule, Myanmar remains gripped by anger and frustration. Despite the growing danger to their personal safety, thousands of people continue to hit the streets daily to demand the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a return to democracy.
Light behind the Covid cloud
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 03/05/2021
» Even as several countries, notably India and Southeast Asian nations, are struggling to contain a new Covid-19 wave, Asia appears on course for an economic revival on the back of a healthy global recovery and early progress on vaccines.
Vaccine confusion must end
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 10/05/2021
» As a new wave of the global pandemic creates growing urgency in many parts of the world, Covid-19 vaccines have been in short supply. Only a handful of rich economies, among them the US and European countries, along with China, have secured sufficient supplies for their domestic vaccination programmes.
Don't leave migrant workers behind
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 26/07/2021
» In many regions, migrant workers make up a significant share of the labour force, making vital contributions to the societies and economies of their destination countries.