Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and other platform-based lending services are expanding rapidly across Southeast Asia, driven by high smartphone use, underbanked populations, and integration with e-commerce platforms. While these systems offer convenient access to credit, automated decision-making can allow risk exposure to accumulate before traditional metrics detect problems.

A Thai cargo vessel, Mayuree Naree, was attacked by Iran’s IRGC Navy near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three Thai sailors missing. Iran claimed the ship ignored warnings, while the operator denied receiving any notice, raising questions about the incident.

Critical minerals have become central to global geopolitics due to their essential role in clean energy technologies and the growing competition to secure supply chains.

Vertical educational mismatch affects nearly half of workers in Indonesia’s wage sector, meaning their education level does not align with job requirements. Wage outcomes vary depending on gender, field of study, and location.

Rising tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have pushed global oil prices higher, posing significant risks for Indonesia’s economy.

The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) sought to rebrand itself by elevating technocrats alongside Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, signaling a shift from its traditional reliance on provincial patronage networks.

Middle East tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran have intensified, raising concerns over global energy supply disruptions and higher transport costs, particularly affecting energy-importing economies in Asia. In Thailand, headline inflation remained negative at –0.88% YoY in February for the 11th consecutive month, while core inflation rose slightly and business sentiment improved. However, higher oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions could increase inflation and reduce GDP growth, given Thailand’s reliance on Middle Eastern crude imports.

Thailand’s digital trade regulatory environment shows lower complexity than regional averages, with regulatory complexity 9% below the Asia-Pacific average and 17% below the ASEAN average under the Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) 2.1.

An open confrontation between Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran has reintroduced geopolitical risk as a central factor in the global economic outlook.