Nareerat Wiriyapong
Acting Asia Focus Editor
Acting Asia Focus Editor
Vaccine confusion must end
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.
Light behind the Covid cloud
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.
Can Myanmar be saved?
As Thailand and its neighbours scramble to rein in a new surge in Covid-19 cases, Asean as a whole is facing a critical challenge posed by violence and economic devastation in Myanmar.
Tourism revival in doubt again
Most of Thailand's famous holiday destinations were nearly empty last week during the long Songkran holiday. The latest Covid-19 wave -- with daily infections climbing all week and hitting a record 1,582 on Friday -- scared tourists away from popular beach resorts close to Bangkok such as Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin, which has also become a coronavirus hotspot following a superspreader event at a local pub.
Our unhealthy holiday
Many Thais have hit the road to enjoy the long Songkran holidays this week, but I can't help feeling that this Thai New Year will be a weird one. Normally, people enjoy the water festival that comes at the peak of the hot summer in April by splashing each other with enthusiasm, along with more subdued observances such as pouring water on elders' hands, asking for blessings and making merit.
In search of a lasting recovery
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused severe social and economic damage, setting back development gains by years. It has also exposed the lack of preparedness of many countries for dealing with such a shock.
Plastic peril and opportunity
Working mostly from home these days, I occasionally opt for food delivery for convenience, particularly when the weather is extremely hot. I have to admit that I'm unavoidably consuming more plastic boxes and bags, and sometimes even plastic cutlery even though I have plenty of it at home.
Myanmar doomed to suffer
Myanmar faces growing chaos as the fallout from the Feb 1 military coup intensifies. Protests and civil disobedience have hammered the economy as citizens continue to take to the streets to demand a return to democracy.
All hail Asean's warrior princess
I couldn't believe that I hadn't been to the cinema for nearly a year. Blame Covid-19 for putting movie theatres off-limits, leaving us no choice but to entertain ourselves at home. It's no substitute for the pleasure of the big silver screen, but for the sake of my health, I had no choice.
Can Myanmar be saved?
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.