Asia October 14, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: Reopening to tourists, plus some vaccine hesitancy South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim Across much of the region, countries are accelerating their plans to reopen their economies to foreign tourists. Several factors — but primarily rising rates of vaccination and pressure from business groups and small and medium enterprises — are raising... Read More...
Asia September 2, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: The outlook for domestic vaccine passports South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim Wealthier countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are likely to lead in the use of digital vaccine passports. Ideological issues will not hinder policy at the outset, and neither will privacy concerns unless there are egregious loopholes in both the... Read More...
Asia August 16, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: A rush to vaccinate the main cities South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim Vaccination rates in capitals and industrial areas are substantially outpacing the countryside in several countries. The goal is to be able to keep economic centers open as much as possible, even if subsequent outbreaks were to occur. Rural resentment could increase,... Read More...
Asia July 23, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: What to watch over the next two weeks South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim Indonesia is showing signs of epidemiological improvement, but the data nationally are uneven and there is a risk that the gradual easing of community restrictions planned for 26 July may be too early. Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are in roughly... Read More...
Asia July 10, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: Changes in tactics as Covid-19 cases spike South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim New Covid-19 case and fatality numbers continue to set daily records in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, despite restrictions throughout the region generally being tightened during the past month. Malaysia may also soon exceed its previous peaks. And, more... Read More...
Asia June 16, 2021 SOUTHEAST ASIA: Countries to watch in the next few weeks South East Asia, Politics Bob Herrera-Lim Indonesia’s expected post-Idul Fitri spike has arrived, with targeted local restrictions being enforced until 28 June. Forced to bear the political backlash from slow vaccine deliveries, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha promises to fully reopen Thailand in 120 days. Dispersed provincial outbreaks... Read More...
