STAMPS in 2013

STAMPS - we came from different parts of Asia and as 2013 draws to a close, I thought it useful to see where each of the these countries are.

Most of these countries have been in the news for the wrong reasons:-

Sri Lanka - out of the civil war but read that journalists are still targeted for political reasons.  Probably one destination for future get together.

Thailand - Thailand went through a cycle of military coups.  Now it seems the approach adopted by the politicians to gain power is through street demonstrations.  The politically motivated public demonstrations against the government is unlikely to come to a good conclusion.  The opposition states that it will boycott the coming election.  The economy will surely suffer.  Will it deteriorate to the situation as in the past, with the military intervening with deadly force?  Will there be clashes between red and yellow again?

Australia - Bush fires. General Motors shutdown.  End of the mining driven economic growth.  Qantas performance down.

Malaysia - Monsoon floods in Kelantan, Trengganu, Johor, changes in property tax in KL, removal of subsidies for some items.

Maldives - coup.  New government.

Philippines - still counting the losses from the devastating typhoon that struck weeks ago.  The donation drive to provide aid is still on-going in Singapore.

Singapore - riots in Little India.  Taxi fares up.  Bus fares going up soon.  Circle Line opens to a 15-min delay.  Property price control measures kicking in.  Government websites hacked.  Can the economy survive the tapering?