Water, water everywhere: Thailand and Laos face fallout from floods

Article Abstract:

Flooding in Laos and Thailand promise hardship for retail grocers and subsistence farmers, though the overall economic effects are harder to predict. Some economists foresee a hike in Thailand's inflation, from 5.2% for the year to 5.4%. Others think flooding will prevent further overheating and limit inflation. Parts of Laos lost a third of their crops, and 10% of Thailand's cultivated land was damaged. Poor water policy and dam management may be partly to blame.

Thailand, Natural disasters, Floods, Laos

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In Hawaii, East-West divide narrows

Article Abstract:

Hawaii has become the scene of increasing contact between Americans and Asians. Some American businessmen view the rise in Asian tourism and immigration in Hawaii as representative of growing US economic weakness in Asia and the Pacific, especially in relation to Japan. However, many Hawaiians view Japanese economic activity as beneficial in the long run. More and more Asians are gaining their first exposure to American culture in Hawaii.

United States, Economic aspects, Hawaii, Asians, Asians in the United States

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Monopoly rules

Article Abstract:

The De Beers global monopoly in diamond trading could face a debilitating price war with Russia's diamond producers, with a decades-old agreement about to expire. Diamond traders in Bangkok, an emerging regional diamond hub, say their thin profit margins (5-10%) do not allow that kind of uncertainty in demand. De Beers seems unruffled, and many experts think open conflict would hurt any emerging competitors as much as it would De Beers.

International aspects, Diamond industry, Diamond Trading Co. (London, England)

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