Asia

A wave of change is reshaping Asia’s demographics and economies, propelled by an often-overlooked force: women aged 50 and above. Across China, Japan, South Korea, and increasingly in Thailand, these mature female consumers are growing into influential tastemakers, dynamic drivers of the burgeoning “silver economy,” and central participants in new business, cultural, and societal trends. As Asia confronts declining birth rates and aging populations, research shows that the region’s 50+ female demographic is not only expanding rapidly but also transforming what it means to age — and to consume — in modern society (Jing Daily).

Southeast Asia’s dynamic cities are at the forefront of the global push toward sustainability, but a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) sheds light on daunting obstacles facing city governments as they work to build cleaner, more inclusive, and climate-resilient urban environments. As detailed in the OECD’s latest publication, “Financing Sustainable Cities in Southeast Asia” (OECD), Southeast Asia’s urban population is rising rapidly, placing unprecedented pressure on sanitation, housing, transportation, and climate adaptation measures—yet local authorities struggle to marshal the funding, expertise, and institutional backing needed to deliver ambitious green infrastructure.

Urban centers across Southeast Asia confront an unprecedented challenge as they struggle to finance the green infrastructure necessary for sustainable development and climate resilience. A comprehensive analysis by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reveals that while Southeast Asian cities lead ambitious sustainability initiatives, local governments lack the financial resources, institutional capacity, and policy frameworks needed to transform urban environments at the pace required by growing populations and climate threats. This funding crisis threatens to derail regional progress toward international commitments including the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

A growing funding crisis threatens Southeast Asia’s push toward sustainable, climate-resilient cities. An OECD analysis shows that while regional capitals lead bold sustainability efforts, local governments often lack sufficient resources, institutional capacity, and clear policy frameworks to modernize rapidly amid rising populations and climate threats. The gap jeopardizes progress toward international goals such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In Thailand, nearly half the population now lives in urban areas anchored by Bangkok’s economic engine. Thai cities face major infrastructure upgrades—from mass transit to flood defenses—while fiscal constraints hinder their ability to raise funds or attract private investment. The disconnect between ambitious plans and available financing drives key policy debates for city leaders aiming to grow responsibly while protecting the environment.

A quiet demographic shift is reshaping Asia’s economies. Women aged 50 and older are now a powerful, active consumer group across major markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This trend goes beyond shopping habits; it influences work, health, technology, and lifestyle as aging populations rise. Research indicates mature female consumers control trillions in spending, signaling a need for businesses and policymakers to act.

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as it edges toward a super-aged society. By 2025, seniors over 65 are expected to comprise more than 16 percent of the population, mirroring broader Asian patterns. Today’s 50-plus women challenge old stereotypes by pursuing active aging, digital participation, and financial empowerment, reshaping expectations around retirement and social contribution.

Across Asia’s bustling metropolises, a demographic revolution is quietly reshaping entire economies. Women aged 50 and above have emerged as the continent’s most dynamic consumer force, wielding unprecedented purchasing power and redefining traditional concepts of aging across China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This transformation represents far more than changing shopping patterns—it signals a fundamental shift in how Asian societies approach work, health, technology, and lifestyle as populations age rapidly. Research indicates these mature female consumers now control trillions in spending decisions, making them impossible to ignore for businesses and policymakers alike.

A revolutionary transformation sweeps across Asia’s tourism landscape as destinations compete to capture the hearts—and wallets—of senior travelers seeking enriching experiences without compromising comfort or safety. This seismic shift represents far more than upgraded facilities; it signals a fundamental reimagining of what travel means for Asia’s rapidly aging population, particularly relevant as Thailand prepares for a society where one in four citizens will be over 60 within the next decade.

A new wave in Asian tourism is spotlighting “senior-friendly” destinations, as new research and travel industry reports highlight places across Asia that are especially suited for older adults seeking stress-free travel experiences. At a time when post-pandemic travel has reopened borders and reignited wanderlust in retirees, the region is seeing a surge in services, itineraries, and infrastructure designed with senior comfort and accessibility in mind—a trend that holds special relevance for Thai families and the country’s growing elderly population.

A new wave reshapes Asia’s tourism landscape as destinations compete for the growing market of senior travelers who want enriching experiences without sacrificing comfort or safety. For Thailand, this shift is timely: projections show one in four Thai citizens will be over 60 within the next decade, reinforcing the need for inclusive travel options.

Senior-friendly travel blends demographic realities with economic opportunity and evolving social values. Thai families increasingly weigh caregiving responsibilities alongside the desire for adventure and independence. Analysis from major news outlets highlights six Asian destinations—Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea—pioneering innovations that address older travelers’ needs while preserving authentic experiences.

Interest among Southeast Asian travelers in visiting the United States is showing a marked decline, with a new survey finding that one in four respondents has lost enthusiasm for US-bound tourism over the past six months. The results, drawn from a major poll by Milieu Insight involving 6,000 travelers from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, highlight rising anxieties over potential discrimination, actions by the Trump administration, and fears of gun violence—factors that have begun eclipsing traditional concerns around cost or lengthy journeys (e.vnexpress.net).

A new survey shows Southeast Asian travelers reconsidering trips to the United States. Milieu Insight surveyed 6,000 people from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. About one in four said their interest in US travel has faded over the past six months. For many, safety, discrimination, political developments, and gun violence weigh more than cost or distance.

For Thai readers and regional families, the findings reflect a shifting travel calculus. The United States remains a premier long-haul destination with renowned universities, shopping, theme parks, and major cities. Yet concerns about safety and political rhetoric are changing how people plan.

A new wave of research and travel reporting has spotlighted six senior-friendly destinations across Asia, offering stress-free travel options that cater specifically to the needs of older adults. This emerging trend reflects a broader concern for senior well-being, accessibility, and comfort—particularly as families increasingly prioritize inclusive and accessible travel experiences for aging parents and grandparents.

Travel holds particular significance for seniors in Thailand and across Asia, not only as a means of relaxation but also as an avenue for supporting health, mental wellbeing, and lifelong learning. Senior citizens often face unique challenges when traveling, such as mobility limitations, dietary restrictions, and the need for convenient, reliable healthcare facilities. Today’s travel industry is responding, as evidenced by the selection of senior-friendly cities—ranging from tranquil Japanese retreats to culturally rich heritage sites in Southeast Asia—outlined in the Times of India’s recent feature.

A wave of research and travel reporting highlights six senior-friendly destinations across Asia, offering stress-free options tailored to older travelers. The focus is on wellbeing, accessibility, and comfort as families increasingly seek inclusive journeys for aging parents and grandparents.

Travel holds special meaning for seniors in Thailand and across Asia. It’s not just leisure but a pathway to better health, mental wellbeing, and lifelong learning. Seniors often face mobility limits, dietary needs, and the need for reliable healthcare. Today’s travel industry is responding with destinations that blend tranquility, cultural depth, and accessibility. A recent feature from a major Indian publication outlined six senior-friendly spots, from serene Japanese retreats to heritage sites in Southeast Asia, illustrating growing demand for comfortable, inclusive experiences.

Asia Pacific’s hospitality sector is experiencing a record-setting surge in lifestyle hotel development, sparking both investor frenzy and a new era of experiential travel across the region. According to a new report by JLL, lifestyle hotel rooms in Asia Pacific have quadrupled since 2014, adding nearly 65,000 rooms, with the momentum set to accelerate sharply through 2027. Projections estimate that lifestyle hotels will make up 6-9% of all new hotel supply in the region by 2027, with the sector poised for a 34% increase in inventory during that period (JLL via Travel Daily Media, Skift).

Southeast Asia is swiftly gaining recognition as a dynamic epicentre for global innovation and risk capital, no longer just a region of “potential” but a real-world laboratory where data, technology, and diverse cultures converge at an unprecedented scale. As global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure skyrockets, the region is attracting billions in investment and new interest from the East and West, positioning itself at the very heart of the world’s digital economy.

The Asia Pacific hotel sector is experiencing a record surge in lifestyle developments that reshape travel, investment, and local experiences. In recent market assessments, lifestyle hotel rooms in the region have quadrupled since 2014, adding roughly 65,000 rooms and expected to accelerate toward 2027. Projections show lifestyle hotels could make up 6-9% of new regional supply by 2027, with a 34% increase in inventory during the period.

The core driver is a shift in traveler and investor priorities. These properties emphasize distinctive design, curated dining, communal spaces, and strong ties to local culture. For guests, they offer more than a bed for the night; for investors, they provide premium pricing potential and durable demand, supported by evolving consumer preferences and stronger pricing power compared with traditional formats.

A new wave of investment and innovation is reshaping Southeast Asia into a genuine hub for AI and technology. The region is no longer merely potential; it is becoming a living laboratory where data, people, and diverse cultures converge at scale. As demand for AI infrastructure grows, billions flow in, drawing attention from both Western and Eastern tech ecosystems. Thailand stands to benefit as regional investment accelerates and global players eye local markets.

A new wave of Asian design is drawing global attention as eight standout projects from East and Southeast Asia appear on the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 shortlist. From Beijing courtyards to nature-inspired city halls and eco-friendly pavilions, these works show how regional architects blend tradition, community, and sustainability. The developments offer timely ideas for Thailand’s built environment and public policy as the country pursues resilient, inclusive, and culturally rooted design.

A new wave of Asian design ingenuity is capturing global attention, as the recently announced shortlist for the prestigious World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 highlights eight standout projects from East and Southeast Asia. These groundbreaking works—from courtyard homes in Beijing to nature-inspired city halls and eco-friendly pavilions—demonstrate how architects from the region are redefining the dialogue between tradition, community, and sustainability in contemporary spaces. Their inventive approaches signal important trends for Thailand’s own built environment and public policy as the nation seeks more resilient, inclusive, and culturally rooted architectural solutions.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing a dramatic rise in the development of lifestyle hotels, as revealed in a new report by global real estate consultancy JLL. Nearly 65,000 lifestyle hotel rooms have been added since 2014, marking a fourfold increase and signaling a transformation in both the regional hospitality landscape and traveler expectations. This surge in alternative, design-forward accommodations is poised to reshape tourism, especially in destinations popular with the younger, experience-seeking demographic—including Thailand.

A global survey reveals Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai as Asia’s priciest cities for “living well” in 2025, with Singapore ranked the most expensive city worldwide for luxury living for a third consecutive year. The findings come from the Julius Baer Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2025 and highlight how luxury consumption patterns affect Thai travelers, investors, and residents seeking prestige with value.

The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index measures the cost of maintaining a high-net-worth lifestyle across 25 major cities. It considers prime property, private healthcare, luxury goods, business-class travel, and even the price of an international MBA. The 2025 edition blends objective price data with insights from affluent individuals about their priorities, offering a snapshot of global luxury aspirations and realities.

Bed-sharing remains a common practice in Thailand and much of Asia, shaped by culture, family cohesion, and practical living spaces. In many Asian households, the question is when children should move toward independent sleeping, not whether they should share a bed with parents. This reflects a broader contrast with Western sleep norms while highlighting local benefits of closeness and supervision.

In Thai families, bed-sharing is normalized and tied to strong family bonds. A multicultural survey from 2010 highlighted that many Asian households maintain shared sleep spaces with infants and toddlers, whereas Western data often show lower rates. While Western safety guidelines flag risks for infants under six months, Thai parents weigh the emotional benefits of proximity against hazards within their homes. Some Western figures may underreport bed-sharing due to stigma, a nuance less commonly discussed in Asia.

Bed-sharing between parents and young children, a practice often frowned upon in the West, continues to be the standard in many Asian societies, with cultural values, family structures, and practical constraints shaping distinct sleep customs across the region. Recent international reporting and research suggest that, while Western parents debate the pros and cons of children sleeping in their parents’ beds, Asian families view the question not as “whether” but “when” children should move out of the family bed, reflecting sharply contrasting expectations about parenting and child development.

A new international survey has found Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai lead the list of Asia’s most expensive cities for “living well” in 2025, with Singapore claiming the global top spot for the third consecutive year. The findings, published in Julius Baer Group’s Global Wealth & Lifestyle Report 2025, underscore shifting trends in luxury consumption—and hold important implications for affluent Thais and Southeast Asian travelers seeking both status and substance in urban living.