Vietnam

CaraWorld Cam Ranh gia tăng lợi thế từ mô hình đô thị sân bay

Bao Dien Tu | Local Language | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedReal Estate

The Aerotropolis model, demonstrated by global cities like Incheon and Dubai, has proven to be a critical driver of economic growth and urban transformation by leveraging international airports as hubs for investment and visitor flows. In 2023, Incheon International Airport contributed 19.1 billion USD in economic value for South Korea, while Dubai’s airport system added 37.3 billion USD, representing 27% of the emirate’s GDP and creating over 600,000 jobs.

Cam Ranh, Vietnam, benefits from a strategic combination of international airport, seaport, and highway infrastructure, positioning it well to adopt the airport city model. However, it lacked a central attraction to retain visitors until the launch of CaraWorld Cam Ranh. Covering 800 hectares with nearly 5 km of coastline, CaraWorld integrates a high-end ecosystem featuring a golf course, five-star resort, international casino, entertainment venues, wellness centers, and family-friendly attractions. This development aims to make Cam Ranh a vibrant, year-round tourist destination that offers unique experiences encouraging repeated visits and maximizing tourism economic value.

Within CaraWorld, the Sông Town sub-zone is planned as the commercial core due to its prime location near Hong Ngoc Boulevard and direct access to the airport, seaport, and road networks. Sông Town will serve as the first stop for international visitors, transit passengers, and logistics personnel. It features lively shopping and dining streets, supported by a vast entertainment ecosystem that ensures business diversity and steady cash flow. The Townshop units are designed for retail and food and beverage on ground floors, with flexible upper floors for mini hotels or serviced apartments, appealing especially to investors. The Riverpool line in the Ma-rốc sub-area stands out for its dual views of Hong Ngoc Boulevard and a scenic river, ideal for upscale restaurant and retail businesses.

CaraWorld Cam Ranh’s positioning, infrastructure links, and integrated amenities are poised to catalyze a new growth phase in the resort real estate market, capitalizing on increasing air traffic and the momentum in tourism development. Proposals exist to expand Cam Ranh Airport’s capacity significantly, further supporting this growth trajectory.

Thai Examiner | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

Thailand’s economy is projected to experience its weakest growth in 30 years in 2026, with GDP expected to fall to around 1.5%. This slowdown is driven by deep structural issues such as an ageing and declining population, elevated household debt, a strengthening baht, and a declining tourism sector. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) highlights risks including weak competitiveness, regulatory burdens, fragmented data systems, cybercrime, and geopolitical tensions. The appreciation of the baht by 8.2% last year has further pressured exporters by making Thai goods less competitive.

The shift in regional economic power is also notable, with Vietnam anticipated to overtake Thailand as Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy due to its larger, younger population and rapid economic expansion. Vietnam’s ongoing reforms, improved infrastructure, and trade openness position it advantageously against Thailand, which struggles with demographic challenges and stagnant growth. This shift threatens to erode Thailand’s ability to attract foreign direct investment, with experts urging Thailand to diversify by expanding its service sector, including healthcare, tourism, and retail.

The economic outlook remains fragile amid external shocks such as higher US tariffs and geopolitical risks, including border tensions and lack of a US trade agreement. Household debt stood at a high 86.8% of GDP in mid-2025, limiting credit growth and consumer spending. Banks expect 2026 to remain challenging yet plan targeted lending in sectors like corporate, mortgage, and auto loans, focusing on asset quality and supporting debt resolution schemes. Both commercial banks and the central bank support structural reforms to boost competitiveness and investment, although inflation remains subdued and economic momentum weak.

Despite these challenges, reform efforts continue, with calls for stronger fiscal discipline, improved cooperation between government and the private sector, and enhanced integration of the informal economy. Thailand’s leadership acknowledges the urgent need for economic restructuring to avoid prolonged underperformance. Without comprehensive adjustments, the country risks falling further behind regional competitors, but with effective reforms, stabilization and recovery remain possible.

Tăng hạn mức giao dịch Mobile Money lên 100 triệu mỗi tháng

VN Express | Local Language | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

The government has issued Decree 368 on mobile money services, allowing customers to open one mobile money account per service provider. Customers can deposit cash, receive money from various payment methods, withdraw cash, transfer funds, and pay for goods, services, public fees, and electronic tolls using the account.

The decree raises the monthly transaction limit for transfers and payments through one mobile money account to VND 100 million, which is 10 times higher than the previous limit. Additionally, customers can use an extra limit of up to VND 100 million per month specifically for paying public services, utilities, telecommunications, transportation, tuition, hospital fees, insurance, and bank debts.

Mobile Money was initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications, now overseen by the Ministry of Science and Technology, to encourage cashless payments. Unlike e-wallets, Mobile Money accounts are linked directly to mobile subscriptions. The service was piloted from late 2021 and extended through the end of 2025 with State Bank licensing.

As of September 2025, there have been over 290 million Mobile Money transactions totaling approximately VND 8.511 billion. Nationwide, about 10.89 million Mobile Money accounts are registered, with 70% of users located in rural and remote areas.