The pope plans to make his first international trip since before the Covid-19 pandemic, and one that potentially poses health and security challenges for him, his entourage and the local population. ( read original story ...)
South Korea to buy millions of coronavirus vaccine doses but sees no need to hurry
South Korea said on Tuesday it had signed deals to provide coronavirus vaccines for 44 million people next year but it would not hurry inoculation to allow more time to observe potential side effects. ( read original story ...)
Here’s what South Korea is doing to prevent a third wave of COVID-19
South Korea is imposing stricter coronavirus measures to prevent its third wave COVID-19 infections from getting out of hand. Korea registered more than 600 cases for two days in a row and fears it ... ( read original story ...)
South Korea orders COVID-19 vaccines for 88 percent of population
First doses to arrive in March, but officials will wait and see how vaccines work in other countries to ensure safety. ( read original story ...)
US names Pakistan, China, Myanmar as countries of concern for violating religious freedom
7 more countries are on the list. The State Department also placed Comoros, Cuba, Nicaragua and Russia on a Special Watch List for govts that tolerated violations of religious freedom. ( read original story ...)
And now for the swimsuit section: Moment dozens of Miss Thailand contestants plunge into a filthy pond after bridge gives way during photo shoot
A group of 30 Thai beauty queens made a splash at a photo shoot in Chiang Mai on Monday after the suspension bridge they were posing on together collapsed, sending them into a dirty pond. ( read original story ...)
Is Phuket the perfect pandemic getaway? Thailand’s luxury real estate market was once a sound investment – now rich buyers from Hong Kong, Singapore and China are seeking …
Buyers from Singapore and Hong Kong are helping to prop up the ailing condo market in Thailand's resort destinations, although sales remain scarce. This once vibrant sector had been softening even ... ( read original story ...)
Analysis: Second COVID-19 wave tests Turkey’s commitment to austerity, higher rates
A surge in COVID-19 infections and the prospect of another economic downturn could sorely test Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's reluctant acceptance of much higher interest rates and the need for ... ( read original story ...)
Investment inflows pave way for Turkey to rebuild FX coffers
Foreign investors have snapped up Turkish assets in recent weeks, opening the window for the country to rebuild its stores of foreign currency that were severely depleted in an ill-fated attempt to ... ( read original story ...)
Philippines: While Battling the Pandemic, Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Needed to aid Recovery
MANILA, December 8, 2020 — The multiple shocks that hit the Philippines – the COVID-19 health crisis, economic activities across the country frozen by quarantine measures, devastating typhoons ... ( read original story ...)