Updates for the week of April 4th

Thailand - Why Thai Rice Production May Decline




As world supply of rice increases, the price goes down, making it harder on Thai's farmers who are currently struggling with less than reasonable prices and less than expected production.
Ever since 1965 Thailand has prospered from its rice exports. Thai farmers say production costs are higher than income, they can't afford to continue planting.
The government has proposed to reduce annual exports by 20% and focus on higher grade rice, in addition to installing a southeast Asian standard for rice quality.
This means Thailand is ready its role of being the leading rice exporter.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_16/b4224009283905.htm


Singapore - Lim Boon Heng stepping down

Lim Boon Heng, a minister in Prime Minister's Lee Hsein loong's office, announced that he will not be seeking re=election.
He plans to continue serving in the People's association and the National Trades Union Congress.
But he did not specify whether he would continue with the People's Action party.

http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_655155.html

Indonesia - Indonesia may extend interest-rate pause as inflation slows

Indonesia's central bank will probably extend the pause in raising interest rates after inflation slowed for the second month in march.
The official decision comes out tomorrow.
They raised the key rate,determines bank lending rates and the cost of credit for borrowers, for the first time in February, stating that the strengthening currency is helping reduce price gains. An economist comments that "They have to raise rates sooner rather than later as just tightening via the exchange-rate channel will not be enough.”

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-10/indonesia-may-extend-interest-rate-pause-as-inflation-slows.html


Malaysia - Malaysian MP says men have affairs as wives 'neglect' duty



"MALAYSIAN men have extramarital sex because of 'wives who neglect their responsibilities' to their husbands, a Malaysian lawmaker told Parliament on Thursday, outraging women's groups."
Men say that when the arrive home, their wives ignore their marital duties and put of the sexual advances of their husbands.
But "In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husband's demands." said Ibrahim Ali who heads a right-wing "Wives failing in their duties pushed men to go to 'private places to satisfy their urges", he said. -- AFP"



http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_654381.html