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June 20th, 2024

Thailand's marriage equality milestone

New bill brings hope as Asia's fight for LGBTQ rights continues

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The Big Story

Thailand's marriage equality a rare win in Asia's fight for LGBTQ rights

From Singapore to Indonesia, new Thai bill gives hope to persecuted sexual minorities

Couples celebrate the passing of Thailand's marriage equality bill during a ceremony at the Government House in Bangkok on June 18. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)
Harvey Schwartz took his current position as Carlyle Group CEO in 2023 after working at the investment bank Goldman Sachs for about two decades. (Photo by Manami Yamada)
Interview

Japan private equity fund performance 'extraordinary,' says Carlyle CEO

While markets go tighter, Schwartz says $70 billion of dry powder available in group

For a brief moment, it appeared that the yuan might challenge the "exorbitant privilege" that the U.S. enjoys thanks to the dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency.
Opinion

Discomfort with the dollar hasn't gotten much beyond grumbling

Interest in yuan as reserve currency has faded despite growing trade use

Reports and analyses hewing to the notion that demography is destiny argue that due to falling births, China will soon be left without workers to run its factories and offices.
Opinion

Japan-style fixation on population decline won't help China

Policymakers need to focus on demand shortfalls and boosting consumption

Group of Seven leaders meet in Borgo Egnazia, Italy, on June 13. They are tasked with addressing interconnected global crises.
The Nikkei View

G7 must stay united in addressing interconnected crises

How to enlist Global South's help in maintaining global order remains uncertain

The Austin Fire Department in Texas demonstrates a DJI Inspire 1 drone. The use of drones by police, fire and other emergency response departments across the U.S. has skyrocketed.
The main terminal of Long Thanh International Airport under construction. It will be a hub airport for southern Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Airports Corporation of Vietnam)
Business trends

Vietnam War-affected Dong Nai transforms into economic hub

Province near Ho Chi Minh City bets on new airport and plans 11 more industrial parks

An AirAsia plane at Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Transportation

Malaysia's AirAsia eyes 'next level' of growth in major restructuring

Budget carrier plans to consolidate short- and long-haul units for better efficiency

Tanegashima is Japan's answer to Cape Canaveral in the U.S., but with rocket launches few and far between, island businesspeople and officials say industries other than space need to be developed. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Mayumi Tsumita and Ultra-X)
Asia Insight

Japan's 'rocket island' revival rests on startups, tech jobs and immigrants

Small firms breathe life into town headed for extinction with space boom years away

Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of India's main opposition Congress party, escorts his mother, Sonia Gandhi, at a press briefing in New Delhi on June 4.
India elections

India's Gandhi wins 'rebirth' after shock election comeback

Scion of political dynasty leads embattled Congress party to best showing in years

 Offices and residential buildings crowd in Bangkok. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Myanmar Crisis

Arrests spook Myanmar condo buyers shifting wealth to Thailand

Myanmar clients behind only Chinese in Thai market in Q1

The Tumen River flows along North Korea's border with China and Russia until it reaches the Sea of Japan. 
International relations

China eyes Sea of Japan access via Russia-North Korea border river

Proposal raises security concerns for Tokyo as Chinese maritime activity ramps up

A container ship sails near a port in Malaysia. The Malacca Strait is a key sea lane for global logistics.
Supply Chain

Malaysia to build port near Kuala Lumpur amid supply chain shift

Developer Tanco teams up with a Chinese company on AI-driven facility

Vanuatu and other small island states in the South Pacific are increasingly trying to strike a balance between tourism growth and sustainability. (Source photos by Rebecca L. Root, The Moso, and The Havannah)
Life

South Pacific island visit highlights commercial vs. environmental dilemmas

World's most vulnerable region seeks to lure more climate-conscious visitors

Not all Malaysians are happy that bak kut teh, a pork-heavy dish brought to the country over a century ago by Chinese immigrants, has been recognized as a national treasure. (All photos by Norman Goh)
Tea Leaves

Malaysian soup row provides recipe for harmony

Controversy over 'bak kut teh' underlines need for compromise and respect