[Post 674] The OG Papaya Salad From Isan? How To Enjoy Som Tum Like A True Thai | Lunch With Us: Bangkok

Summary

Som tum, or papaya salad, is all the rage these days - but did you know the version that the world is most familiar with, isn’t the original?  

Office workers Pare and Jent take us to their go-to Isan food stall, Larb Chareon, on Rama IV road in Khlong Toei, which serves 18 types of som tum - including in the original Isan style. Its husband-and-wife team serve authentic northeastern Thai cuisine in the heart of Bangkok. But urban development could be threatening good-yet-affordable stalls like theirs. 

[Post 673] This US$1.50 All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Is A Working-Class Gem | Lunch With Us: Bangkok

Summary

Motorbike taxi rider Sumruay directs us to a 50-baht all-you-can-eat Thai in Makkasan, Bangkok, where working class locals like him get their fill of up to 12 types of dishes – from green chicken curry to basil with pork - on a tight budget. 

The eatery is run by an elderly couple, Uncle Sert and Aunty Urai, who believe in feeding the community rather than chasing profits. They spend about 10,000 baht (US$297) on ingredients each day, and give away leftovers in the slums at the day’s end.

[Post 672] Japan’s 9 Million (And Growing) Abandoned Homes: The 'Akiya' Phenomenon | CNA Correspondent

Summary

Japan has an unusual housing problem – more vacant homes than people wanting to move in. In fact, as many as 9 million of them. As young people move to the big cities to find work, their family homes are left to fall into ruin after their elderly owners die. But these empty houses – known as ‘akiya’ in Japanese – can pose safety hazards and impede redevelopment plans in crumbling rural towns. Increased media spotlight on Japan’s akiya woes is leading to growing interest in akiya - drawing foreign buyers eager to take advantage of the falling yen. 

Threatened by dwindling populations, more locals are also seeking to rejuvenate their communities by turning akiya into guesthouses, eateries and stores – often with generous government subsidies. CNA travels across rural Japan to find out how the country is trying to find solutions for akiya and restore its towns to their former glory. Are these vacant homes truly devoid of value, or are they an unexpected treasure trove? 

[Post 671] US-China Tariff War: What Will Southeast Asia's Manufacturers Stand To Lose? | When Titans Clash

Summary

With US tariffs on the rise, experts warn that ASEAN will face increased China exports, putting some factories out of work. Some ASEAN countries have already banned Chinese apps like TEMU and SHEIN, and updated its anti-dumping legislation, as pressure on domestic manufacturers mount.

On the other hand, US tariffs on ASEAN exports to its market, is squeezing producers. Entire industries- like the solar panel manufacturing industry- has been decimated due to US tariffs, in countries like Malaysia. ASEAN economies are being squeezed by both the superpowers- US and China, and an intensifying tariff war. In this documentary, policy makers and experts, discuss possible solutions, and how ASEAN will weather this storm

[Post 670] Why Japan's Young Digital Natives Are Spending On Vinyl Records | Money Mind | Vinyl Revival

Summary

Why Japan's young digital natives are spending on music created decades before they were born. 

[Post 659] How My Fully Remote Job Saves Money And Offers The Best Work-Life Balance | Money Mind | Remote Work

Summary

According to a recent survey, almost two thirds of young people in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong are willing to work a remote job. Work-life balance is a major pull - but are there any tradeoffs?

 

 

 

[Post 658] Falling T-Bill Yields: Where Can You Put Your Money Instead? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Investing in T-bills: are falling yields the only risk you have to be aware of?