Thailand is the world's biggest rubber producing country and the agriculture ministry is trying to make the industry more sustainable (Getty Images)
Politics

Thailand to issue $1bn bonds to help cut rubber supply

Funds will compensate farmers and support prices, says agriculture minister

15 March 2018
The rules hammered in the TPP-11 free trade agreement signed on March 8 are at risk of not keeping pace with fast-moving developments in worlds of technology and business.
Comment

Pacific trade rules on digital data may already be outdated

TPP-11 principles to contain China could be counterproductive

15 March 2018
The rules hammered in the TPP-11 free trade agreement signed on March 8 are at risk of not keeping pace with fast-moving developments in worlds of technology and business.
Economy

The 'TPP 11' is signed, and ready to welcome more members

Despite America's withdrawal, the trade deal is set to reshape how business is done all over the Pacific

15 March 2018
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Economy

Swiss bank Julius Baer enters Thailand's wealth management market

Venture with Siam Commercial Bank aims to expand investment options for clients

15 March 2018
Supporting Thailand's farmers has become a government priority ahead of elections next year.
Politics

Thailand looks to boost rice exports with intergovernmental deals

Supporting farmers high on agenda ahead of election

14 March 2018
South Korean finance minister Kim Dong-yeon speaks at press briefing in Sejong on March 13. (Photo courtesy of Finance Ministry of South Korea)
Economy

Seoul to decide on new TPP membership by June

UK, Thailand mull joining Japan-led economic bloc as US protectionism widens

13 March 2018
The Indonesia Stock Exchange in Jakarta: Emerging Asian markets suffered a net outflow of funds in February. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Asia Insight

Asian central banks face white-knuckle steering as Fed tightens

Fund outflows and Chinese debt pose major monetary policy challenges

13 March 2018
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, center, arrive with Southeast Asian leaders at a reception in New Delhi on Jan. 26. India is building partnerships in the region to counter China's influence.
FT Confidential Research

India pivots to Southeast Asia to counter China's growing clout

New Delhi seeks to capitalize on discontent over Beijing's influence: FTCR

13 March 2018
The rules hammered in the TPP-11 free trade agreement signed on March 8 are at risk of not keeping pace with fast-moving developments in worlds of technology and business.
International relations

'TPP 11' emerges as bulwark against American protectionism

Japan and Mexico press to put trade deal into effect this year as others look to join

10 March 2018
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Business deals

Julius Baer wades deeper into Asian wealth market with Thai venture

Swiss bank and partner Siam Commercial Bank target $30bn in managed assets in 5 years

9 March 2018
Farmer transplanting rice in a field near Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand.
Economy

Thai jasmine rice harvest set for first decline in a decade

Prices of premium agricultural export surge, helped by strong baht

8 March 2018
Steel pipes await shipment at a port in Lianyungang, in China's Jiangsu Province. (Getty Images)
International relations

Trump steel tariffs prompt Thailand to fortify dumping defenses

Local producers fear global players will redirect 10m tons their way

8 March 2018
A woman shows her finger after voting in national elections in the Philippines. The Southeast Asian nation ranks above the global average in women in parliament.
Politics

Once a world leader, Asia now trails in women lawmakers

Philippines, Laos and China among best in terms of females in parliament

8 March 2018
An elderly care home near Bangkok: Population aging is a pressing issue for the Thai government.(Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Economy

Supavud Saicheua: Thailand must seize the moment to ensure growth

Serious reforms are needed before the next economic downturn hits

8 March 2018
Asia's big economies are likely to keep growing strongly in 2018, but slowing chip exports and higher interest rates are risks.
Economy

Asian export rebound is boosting better growth, at least for now

Higher interest rates and weaker smartphone demand are risks for China and the ASEAN4, says JCER

8 March 2018
Higher commodity prices, such as those for industrial base metals and iron ore, were the primary factor behind rising costs for manufacturers.
Economy

Rising costs loom over Asia's upbeat factory activity

Nikkei PMI readings came in strong in February, but manufacturers worry about weak currencies

8 March 2018
Higher commodity prices, such as those for industrial base metals and iron ore, were the primary factor behind rising costs for manufacturers.
Economy

Solid demand improves Asia manufacturing in February

US tightening and Chinese economy loom as risk factors

8 March 2018
World's top three palm oil producers, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, have agreed to cooperate in rejecting the EU’s decision to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels.
6 March 2018
Construction workers take a break in Singapore, where migrants make up about a third of the workforce.
Asia Insight

Southeast Asia's vulnerable migrants pose an economic dilemma

Countries struggle to prevent abuse without hindering business

6 March 2018
Crew members prepare seismic streamers to be loaded onto the Polarcus Naila seismic surveillance ship in Singapore.
Business trends

Shipping volume has recovered but prices lag behind: Mitsui OSK chief

Growth of Southeast Asian economies has shifted the focus of Asian shipping southward

5 March 2018
ScoutAsia news and data sources include more than 20 English-language news media, the world's leading corporate databases and analyst reports.
Economy

Nikkei Inc. and the Financial Times Group announce launch of scoutAsia

New service offers clients access to news and information on 500,000 companies

5 March 2018
Ride-sharing apps Grab and Go-Jek are some of the local businesses that have had to seek technical talent outside Southeast Asia. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Economy

ASEAN to promote cross-border e-commerce with new framework

Digital economy a key theme for the region, but challenges remain

2 March 2018
The Thai mobile phone market is forecast to grow 4-7% in 2018, well off the double-digit pace seen earlier this decade. (Photo by Keiichiro Asahara)
Telecommunication

Thai mobile carriers face margin-bruising battle after solid year

Hefty investments will likely be needed in 2018 to add and retain users

2 March 2018
A worker collects palm oil fruit at a palm oil factory in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur.
Economy

Migrant crackdowns hit ASEAN's labor flow

Moves by Malaysia and Thailand leave short-staffed companies facing higher costs

1 March 2018