Newley Purnell

With no warning, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday dissolved Russia’s main state news agency, created a new one from its ashes, and appointed as its head a man who doesn’t think gay people shouldn’t be allowed to be organ donors. The move simultaneously underlined concerns over Putin’s penchant for authoritarianism, Russia’s restrictions on the media, and the country’s increasingly demonstrative homophobia.

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has dissolved parliament, called for new elections, proposed a national referendum, and even offered to resign to appease anti-government protesters. You might think that would be welcome news to the opposition Democrat Party and the 100,000 demonstrators who returned to the streets on Monday to try yet again to unseat her—but you would be wrong. After losing a string of elections to Yingluck and her brother, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Democrat Party has had more than enough of democracy, and is seeking to reshape Thailand’s politics by other means.

Singapore is not a cheap place to live. Among the findings of a new cost of living survey from international human resources consulting firm ECA is that the small, wealthy city-state is now the world’s 30th most expensive city for expatriates, up one place from last year. It’s the 9th most expensive city in Asia, with notoriously expensive Hong Kong only now slightly more expensive.

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

Hardly a day passes without the announcement of a new investment initiative in Myanmar, the long-isolated nation that in 2011 began the process of opening its economy to foreign firms.

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

BANGKOK, Thailand—After several days of fierce clashes with anti-government protesters, police in Bangkok today (Dec. 3) defused the worst civil unrest to hit the country in three years by simply standing down—and presenting their opponents with red roses.

What to watch for today

Ongoing anti-government protests aimed at toppling Thailand’s Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, continue in Bangkok, where at least three people have died and more than 100 have been injured in clashes.

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

London’s high-end central districts are witnessing diplomatic defections as rents skyrocket, leases expire, and foreign governments decide other locations are simply more functional.

What to watch for today

Foreign oil companies are lining up to tap resource-rich Myanmar’s undeveloped energy sector, with sanctions lifted and the government encouraging an investment “gold rush.” But transforming parts of the oil industry by introducing modern-day equipment could affect one unique group of workers: the independent prospectors who drill for crude by hand.

What to watch for today

What to watch for today

Tourists just keep flocking to Thailand, despite the country’s chronic political woes and and mass demonstrations.

What to watch for today