Thailand

Food inflation is hitting the prices of everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat. It’s also affecting the price of instant noodles — especially in the Asia Pacific. HPR’s Bill Dorman has an update on that story in this Asia Minute.

Inflation is hitting prices across Hawaiʻi and around the world. Among other items, costs are going up for all kinds of food. And in Thailand, that includes a basic item: instant noodles. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

One disappointment this summer for many in Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry is the slow return of Japanese tourists. While Japanese travelers make up a significant portion of Hawaiʻi’s foreign visitors, there’s another economy in the Pacific that’s taking an even bigger hit from a reliance on one key market. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

Visitor traffic to Hawaiʻi is now running at more than 90% of pre-pandemic levels — and that’s even with a continuing slump in tourists coming from Japan. But the hospitality industry is still struggling in many parts of the world. And that includes one Southeast Asian country that may try a new approach to help the industry — and local residents. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

Heading into the summer, tourism has already come back strongly in Hawaiʻi — especially with domestic travelers. But in some parts of Asia the hospitality industry is facing major challenges — and not only having to do with tourists. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

The Biden Administration is suspending tariffs on solar panels imported from four Asian countries. It’s part of a long-running and continuing dispute the U.S. has with China. Supporters say the decision will speed the transition to renewable energy in this country — and it will definitely help production for the countries in Southeast Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

As a new month gets underway, rules are changing in some places when it comes to travel restrictions related to COVID-19. That includes Thailand where businesses hope to boost the largest piece of the country’s economy: tourism. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

While the U.S. government continues to keep a close watch on events in Ukraine, Southeast Asia will be a focus this week in Washington. Starting Thursday, the U.S. is hosting an unusual gathering, which may produce more symbolism than substance. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

As visitor numbers continue to rise in Hawaiʻi, they are growing more slowly elsewhere in the Pacific — including parts of Southeast Asia. In Thailand, Wednesday was a national holiday — but both the celebrations and the crowds are a bit more subdued than usual. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

Spring break has added a boost to Hawaiʻi’s tourism numbers, especially when it comes to visitors from the continental United States. There’s a different holiday coming next month that may have an impact on another warm-weather destination in the Pacific. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.