Many vulnerable migrant workers are used to unload and sort fish in Thai ports.
International relations

EU remains unconvinced by Thai seafood industry reforms

Big fishing companies are resisting official efforts to eliminate unsustainable practices

18 May 2018
The Bangkok Post under the stewardship of editor Umesh Pandey was notably critical of Thailland's ruling junta.
Politics

Bangkok Post editor removed for refusing to 'tone down'

Major English-language newspaper denies government interference

16 May 2018
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shows his ink-marked finger after voting in the May 9 election that saw his opposition coalition swept into power.
International relations

Japan welcomes return of Malaysia's Mahathir

Tokyo hopes former ally will bolster regional bulwark against China's influence

14 May 2018
A worker harvests sugar cane in Thailand
Economy

Thailand cuts 500,000 tons of raw sugar exports amid plunging prices

Production to be reallocated to local ethanol makers as biofuel demand rises

12 May 2018
Siam Commercial Bank is replacing some of its traditional retail branches with unmanned outlets called SCB Express, such as this one at a mall in Bangkok. (Photo by Yukako Ono)
Company in focus

Thailand's oldest lender's mantra: Go digital

Siam Commercial Bank braces for competition against China's Alipay and WeChat Pay

11 May 2018
Mahathir Mohamad, center, celebrates the election victory of his opposition coalition in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's opposition win shakes up Southeast Asia

First power change in 61 years reflects anger over Najib and economic ills

10 May 2018
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The Big Story

Mekong River nations face the hidden costs of China's dams

Dozens of projects threaten agriculture and fishing in Southeast Asia

9 May 2018
Rice farmers in the Mekong Delta rely on the river for irrigation and nutrient-rich sediment, both of which are under threat.
The Big Story

Investment floods into Mekong Delta

Vietnam seeks to foster high-tech agriculture, renewable energy

9 May 2018
Thailand's five planned infrastructure projects include further development of the U-Tapao airport. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Companies

Thailand's $7bn railway draws Siemens and Bombardier

Bangkok also invites Asian bidders for Eastern Economic Corridor

8 May 2018
Asian finance ministers and central bank governors gathered in Manila this week to deepen cooperation amid geopolitical tensions in the region and protectionism.
Politics

Asian nations stop short of deal to boost no-strings currency swaps

Finance chiefs take more measured steps to improve $240bn Chiang Mai Initiative

5 May 2018
Nurturing more conventional media that people can trust, rather than blocking social media, will be key to fighting fake news and radical content.
Opinion

Conventional media revival needed to restore trust in news

Governments crack down on platforms even while exploiting them

3 May 2018
© Nikkei montage
Asia Insight

Chinese tourism spreads benefits and unwanted baggage across Asia

Brisk business, ecosystem damage and political pressure are part of the package

1 May 2018
April's Royal Guard promotions show a shift in the military's controlling generals
Politics

Rising clout of King's Guard dims Thai junta's political hopes

April's military promotions see Bangkok-based officers regaining upper hand

30 April 2018
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks to media on April 28. (Photo by Yuichi Nitta)
Politics

ASEAN 'deeply concerned' over protectionism: summit statement

Bloc to advance RCEP as 'sign' of commitment to trade liberalization, Singapore PM says

28 April 2018
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, and Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha have been stepping up co-operative efforts against political dissidents.
International relations

Southeast Asia's strongmen unite against political dissidents

Thai police arrest Cambodian opposition leader following earlier deportation

28 April 2018
A worker harvests sugarcane in a field in Thailand.
Politics

Thailand, Brazil, Australia join up to halt sugar exports from India and Pakistan

Export subsidies leading to price pressure will be raised at GSA meeting next month

28 April 2018
Uninhabited island in the Spratlys in the disputed South China Sea.
International relations

ASEAN to air fears over China's reclamation in South China Sea

Former chair, Manila, sidestepped those concerns last year

26 April 2018
Drivers for ride-hailing services wait for customers in Jakarta. The expansion of such businesses is pushing ASEAN member states to harmonize their rules.
Politics

Rise of digital economy pushes ASEAN toward policy coordination

Grab-Uber merger highlights need for integrated competition rules

26 April 2018
Ministers from the 16 negotiating members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership meet in Manila, Philippines in September 2017. The path to an agreement remains fraught.
Economy

Clashing visions keep sweeping trade pact elusive for Southeast Asia

Countries advocate alternatives as protectionist and free-trade camps remain deadlocked

26 April 2018
Japanese economic minister Toshimitsu Motegi, right, will visit Thailand to help the country join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, giving Tokyo another ally as the U.S. demands a bilateral trade deal.
International relations

Japan drafts Thailand to sell Trump on TPP

Tokyo hopes new Southeast Asia members make trade pact impossible to shun

26 April 2018
Getting U.S. President Donald Trump to listen is the right step toward averting fallouts from his trade war with China.
Opinion

Asia must start talking trade with Trump

Other countries cannot just sit out a US-China economic war

24 April 2018