US trade reset redraws Asia’s strategic map
Washington’s new tariff schedule lowers duties on Vietnam, Indonesia, and others while unexpectedly raising rates on the Philippines, redrawing Asia’s trade dynamics.
Thailand
A collection of 24 posts
Trump to attend ASEAN summit after call with Malaysian PM
Trump’s attendance would mark the first time a Republican president has attended an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders’ meeting, following several years of lower-level US representation.
Singapore-US tariff talks stall, as ASEAN peers gain ground
The lack of movement in the US contrasts with the global economic superpower's ongoing engagement with Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, which are reportedly in early-stage talks on tariff exemptions under the same regime.
Thai-Cambodian ceasefire holds despite border flare-up
The ceasefire was negotiated in Malaysia after 5 days of deadly clashes that killed at least 43 people and displaced over 300,000. Although the agreement was declared “immediate and unconditional”, field commanders on both sides reported violations within hours.
Thai-Cambodian clashes killed 16, displaced 120,000 before UN intervened
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened a closed-door session on 25 July at Cambodia’s request, in response to what became Southeast Asia’s most severe interstate conflict in over a decade.
Malaysia tightens US AI chip exports amid China scrutiny
“This is a safeguard to protect Malaysia’s status as a responsible trade partner,” the ministry said in a statement issued on 14 July. “Firms found violating these controls will face legal action.”
BRICS future up for debate after Xi, Putin no-shows
French economist Thomas Piketty urged Western powers to take BRICS seriously, given its rising economic weight. He noted the bloc has surpassed the G7 in purchasing power parity, accounting for more than 32% of global GDP.
Philippine digitalisation push exceeds payment targets, expands rural outreach
The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology said it had deployed 2,655 free public Wi-Fi sites across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao (i.e. nationwide) under its Broadband ng Masa programme. The scheme targets geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
EU, Indonesia strike trade deal
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto described the deal as a win for economic sovereignty. “We agreed to deepen the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA to open up greater opportunities for sustainable trade and investment in the country,” Subianto wrote on Facebook.
Rubio in Kuala Lumpur as ASEAN tariffs clock ticks
According to a White House press release, Rubio’s trip aims to highlight the strength of the US’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN and to reaffirm the commitment to building on the Comprehensive Partnership with Malaysia.
ASEAN governments urged to close policy gaps as startup ecosystems stall
ASEAN's uneven performance reflects structural problems, including talent constraints, uncoordinated capital flows and a lack of cross-border regulatory support.
ASEAN economies should look to CEE to escape middle-income trap - ex-finance minister
Bambang Brodjonegoro, dean of the ADB’s Tokyo-based think tank, said Southeast Asia’s largest middle-income economies are at risk of long-term stagnation as demographic advantages fade and productivity growth stalls.
Thai PM delays casino bill review amid protests
Thailand’s Entertainment Complex (EC) bill, which includes provisions to legalise casinos, has been delayed as Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deemed it unready for cabinet review. Speaking to reporters outside Government House on Tuesday, she said the government must consider all stakeholders’ views before the bill moves forward. A
UN report sees progress, areas of concern, in sustainable development goals report
Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore have made significant advances in economic development and infrastructure, efforts on sustainability and equality targets remain uneven, the United Nations’ ESCAP 2025 SDG (sustainable development goals) Progress Report found. Thailand leads the trio in overall SDG achievement and ranks first in ASEAN, which is comprised of
Thai economy grew 3.2% in final quarter
Thailand’s economy grew 3.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, falling short of projections, as sluggish private investment and slower government spending weighed on growth. Analysts warn that trade tensions and global uncertainties could pose further challenges in 2025, prompting calls for government stimulus measures to sustain