Culture: Economic growth is potentially attributed to a surge in tourism, especially from Chinese tourists.
Economics: The economy has grown 3.3% from March last year, the highest growth rate in years, showing great economic optimism. The nation is also planning on expanding its budget for infrastructure, spending approximately $14 billion for industry.
Politics: Thailand remains deeply divided, prompting the government to censor speech in preparation for its 2018 general election, particularly content deemed insulting to its monarchy.
Culture: Artists in Syrian refugee camps are painting murals to give a bit of color to the barred landscapes surrounding the camps. The goal of the movement is to provide a voice for refugee children who might otherwise be disregarded or engaging in dangerous activities.
Economics: The majority of Syrian refugees who have found residence in Egypt have joined the informal sector, highly contributing to the Egyptian economy.
Politics: American warplanes in Syria attacked a pro-government convoy. After firing a warning shot with no reaction, the planes open fired, hitting at least four tanks and resulting in many civilian casualties.
Culture: Kyoto hosted the International Photography Festival, also called Kyotographie, through May 14.
Economics: Japan announced a fifth straight quarter of positive GDP growth, an encouraging sign from an economy that has been slow to recover from the 2008 Financial Crash; while a target of 2% inflation remains elusive, indicators look positive for the Japanese economy.
Politics: With news of a successful North Korean missile launch, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe openly praised President Trump's "strong" stance against North Korea.
THAILAND
SYRIA
INDONESIA
AFGHANISTAN
JAPAN
Cindy, Bridge the Divide Ambassador
Liv, Bridge the Divide Ambassador
Elaine, Bridge the Divide Ambassador
Daniella, Bridge the Divide Ambassador
John, Bridge the Divide Ambassador
Culture: 141 men were arrested after being accused for having a gay sex party. They are expected to face caning.
Economics: The Bank of Indonesia has advised the government on the importance of focusing on inflation control, as volatile food prices have deflated by 1.26% in April.
Politics: Indonesian authorities have released five Vietnamese vessels after a patrol boat intercepted and arrested the vessels for fishing illegally in the waters in Riau Islands.
Culture: Dreams Soar founder Shaesta Waiz, a 29-year old Afghan-American pilot, is embarking on a possibly record-breaking flight around the world. She hopes to inspire girls to love aviation.
Economics: Relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia have strengthened, particularly due to a trade memorandum between Afghanistan’s Finance Minister and Saudi Arabia’s Commerce Minister.
Politics: ISIS claimed responsibility for a deadly gun and suicide bomb attack in Jalalabad, which killed at least 6 and wounded 17 on March 17.