Behind Thailand’s Push to Recriminalize Cannabis
Four years after Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, its booming market is at a crossroads. Initial high hopes for a tourism surge and a billion-dollar industry have b...
3 Feb 19min
Japan’s Bond Crash Sent Shockwaves Through Global Markets
From sinking Treasuries to global selloffs, the turmoil in Japan’s bond market is being felt far beyond its borders. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Ruth ...
27 Jan 18min
Japan’s $2 Trillion ‘Dementia Money’ Cliff
Japan is home to the world’s oldest population and a growing share of the country’s financial assets – about $2 trillion – are controlled by seniors who are showing signs of cognitive decline. On toda...
20 Jan 18min
The Domino Effect of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’
For Beijing, the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was a mixed bag -- an embarrassing surprise, a wake-up call over its alliances in Latin America and an opening to step up on the worl...
16 Jan 19min
Punishing Iran Could Alienate China and India — Again
Amid Iran’s brutal crackdown on protesters, President Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on its trading partners, including China and India. This comes as both countries try to deescalate their own...
13 Jan 18min
How Venezuela Shifts China’s Calculus
The US strike on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolás Maduro sent shockwaves across the globe — particularly in China, Venezuela’s top crude buyer and creditor. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast,...
6 Jan 18min
How China Defied the Odds in 2025
China started 2025 with deflation, a property crisis and fears of a “lost decade” damping sentiment. By year’s end, it had stunned the world with an AI breakthrough, a trillion-dollar trade surplus an...
30 Dec 202520min
Toymaker Battles Trump’s Tariffs in Stores and in Court
Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs – especially on China, where most toys are made. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host Oanh Ha talks with Rick...
24 Dec 202523min
