asia Thailand finance ministry says expecting 36.5 million foreign tourists this year

BANGKOK — Thailand's finance ministry on Thursday (May 2) lowered its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals this year to 36.5 million from a previous estimate of 38.5 million. In 2019, before the pandemic, Thailand had a record of nearly 40 million …

Asia Minute: Tariff talks extend for another round with South Korea and Japan

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says trade talks are going well with “several” Asian countries. And that includes two that have negotiating teams back in Washington this week. South Korea sent a delegation back to Washington this week for what its …

Freshfields to Implement New Asia Strategy, Appoints New Asia Head

Freshfields has appointed the head of its Asia financial services practice as its Asia-wide managing partner, as the former head leaves to study leadership at Harvard. Matthew O’Callaghan succeeds finance partner Thomas Ng in the role. Ng, who was …

Asia rice: Strong rupee lifts Indian prices despite tepid demand

BENGALURU, MUMBAI, BANGKOK AND DHAKA: Indian rice prices climbed to a near one-month high this week, bolstered by an appreciation in the Indian rupee despite tepid demand, while Thai rice prices remained steady due to low demand and abundant supply. India’ …

Pan Asia Bank ups PAT by 180% to over Rs. 1 b in 1Q

  Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC has reported an impressive financial performance for the first quarter of 2025 amidst diverse challenges emerging from the gradually reviving but challenging macro-economic environment.  In financial terms, the bank …

Asia: AIA delivers continued strong growth

AIA announced a 13% growth in value of new business (VONB) on constant exchange rates for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025. Growth rates are shown on a constant exchange rate basis. • VONB up 13% to $1.497bn • Annualised new premiums (ANP) increased …

Bangkok and Macau Lead the Winners of Star Wine List of the Year Asia 2025

The winners have been announced in Star Wine List of the Year Asia 2025, with the Thai capital nabbing half of the Gold Stars awarded to sommelier teams across the continent. May 1, 2025 — A total of 65 restaurants and wine bars were shortlisted in 11 …

Annual Asia North art exhibition kicks off in Baltimore during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The seventh annual Asia North Exhibition & Festival begins Friday, May 2, in Baltimore's Station North Arts District during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  The main event is the exhibition, called "EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS.…

Glenn Huybrecht departs Light & Wonder, Ken Jolly resumes Managing Director responsibilities for Asia

Macau’s gaming industry generated gross gaming revenues of MOP$18.86 billion (US$2.36 billion) in April, up 1.7% compared with the same month last year. It was, however, 4.1% lower than in March, when GGR reached MOP$19.66 billion (US$2.45 billion) and …

7th annual Asia North exhibition and festival kicks off in Baltimore