Thailand's Exports Poised for Record High Amid Global Recovery, Bitcoin Surpasses $71,000, and Southeast Asia Eyes Unified Visa Zone: Key Highlights
Thailand's exports set for record $290 billion in 2024, driven by demand for agricultural and electronic goods.
Thailand's export sector is on track to achieve a record high of $290 billion in 2024, thanks to increased demand for agricultural, food, and electronic products, and bolstered by the economic recovery of major trading partners such as the US and EU.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has been on the rise, surpassing $71,000 amid speculation around the upcoming US election, with traders optimistic it might reach $80,000 by November as favorable market conditions align with political predictions.
In the tech world, Apple has introduced AI features for select iPhones through its new Apple Intelligence tools, now available for the latest iPhone models, although the rollout lags behind competitors like Google and Samsung.
In environmental news, the EU has launched the EU-ASEAN Green Diplomacy Weeks 2024, starting with a Jakarta run, to strengthen climate cooperation and inspire collective environmental action throughout Southeast Asia.
On the tourism front, Southeast Asia is considering a shared visa zone, proposed as the "Six Countries, One Destination" initiative, to enhance seamless travel between Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, promising a tourism boost for the region.
Lastly, India has reported significant losses from cyber scams operated out of Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, with digital arrest scams costing Indian citizens over INR 1.2 billion in just the first four months of 2024.