Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town in Laos, hosted the world premiere of 'Fly Sandy Fly,' a new film by Laotian director Phanumad Disattha, in a schoolyard setting. The event marked a significant cultural moment for the town, which has no movie theaters but has previously held film festivals in outdoor venues and hotel halls. The premiere included directors' talks, panel discussions, and parties, celebrating the return of such events after COVID-19 lockdowns.

Ai Weiwei, China's most controversial artist and activist, was placed under house arrest in 2011, marking a significant event in his ongoing conflict with Beijing authorities. His arrest, as he attempted to leave China, drew international condemnation and amplified his social activism, leading to global recognition and eventual exile. The incident, which saw Ai Weiwei disappear for nearly three months, sparked a global outcry with

Supinya Junsuta, known as Jay Fai, has been honored with the Icon Award by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, a recognition typically reserved for high-end fine dining. The award highlights the stark contrast between the traditional fine dining represented by previous winners and the street food culture embodied by Jay Fai, who operates her small Raan Jay Fai restaurant in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district.

Jonathan Kaufman, an American journalist, began his career in Hong Kong and was one of the first Western journalists in Shanghai in the 1970s. His tenure as China bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal in Beijing from 2002 to 2005 led him to write 'The Last Kings of Shanghai,' a book that delves into China's modernization.

Girish and Surya Jhunjhnuwala, brothers from a family of entrepreneurs, transitioned from their family's mass-market watch manufacturing business in Hong Kong to the hospitality industry. They now run rival hotel chains, Naumi Hospitality and Ovolo Hotels, under the Hind Group. Both have embraced boutique hotels with unique designs and features, expanding their operations in Asia and looking to grow globally. Despite the competition from big brands, they remain nimble and innovative, with Girish focusing on design and Surya on value investment. Their expansion plans are ambitious, with new properties in New Zealand, Australia, and potential ventures in Europe and the U.S.

Jim Thompson, an American spy turned Thai silk baron, disappeared in 1967, leaving behind a legacy that continues to thrive through Thai Silk Co. Under the leadership of Bill Booth and his son Eric, the company has grown to 2,600 employees and $90 million in annual sales. With a strong domestic presence, the Booths are now focusing on international expansion, aiming to establish Jim Thompson as the first global luxury brand from Thailand. The company's commitment to quality and the craft of silk weaving is a cornerstone of their strategy, as they plan to open stores in major cities worldwide and expand their restaurant chain.

Cambodia, a nation with a history of attracting global attention due to its ancient civilization and more recent associations with the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge, is the subject of Sebastian Strangio's book 'Hun Sen’s Cambodia'. The book details the country's complex past and the United Nations' intervention in the 1990s, which ended prematurely, leading to continued conflict and coups.

Golden Boten City, a development project in northern Laos, promised economic growth but became a hub for gambling, crime, and brothels before its collapse. Thousands from China's Yunnan Province visited daily until issues such as gambling debts and violence led to a shutdown. The project's main figure, Huang Minxuan, and his associate George Huang faced criticism for the project's failure. Despite an investment of $200-$300 million, the site is now desolate. New plans aim to transform Boten into a trading hub, with assistance from Singapore firm FBI365, but the future remains uncertain.