While there is some uncertainty about how exactly the region’s space sector may evolve, there is plenty of optimism, too. “Southeast Asia is perfectly positioned to take leadership as a space hub,” says Candace Johnson, a partner in Seraphim Space, a UK investment firm that operates in Singapore. “There are a lot of opportunities.”

Mastercard predicts that growth trajectories will diverge in Southeast Asia next year. Among the ASEAN-5 nations (the five founding and largest economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia and the Philippines will expand steadily, while growth moderates in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

BANGKOK, Dec 12 - Thailand is set for an earlier-than-expected election after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament amid a fierce border conflict with Cambodia and political turmoil that risked the collapse of his fragile minority government.

Thailand says ordnance replanted by Cambodia has injured or maimed more than a dozen of its soldiers. Cambodia rejects the accusation.

Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson has made history by becoming the first Southeast Asian athlete to run the 100m in under 10 seconds, at the 33rd SEA Games.

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul looks set to tap burgeoning nationalism over a border conflict with Cambodia to boost his appeal in a general election stemming from his dissolution of parliament after less than 100 days in power.

The move marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s broader effort to challenge diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Read more › President Trump is expected to speak with Thailand’s prime minister on Friday,