Economy · July 2026

Indonesia on July 1 reported its first budget deficit in six years, with a $1.61 billion shortfall ending a surplus era, while Indonesia AirAsia started halting its daily route to the world's second richest country, and Myanmar set to restart a contentious $3.6 billion dam project backed by China. Thai developers face stagnation in the second half of 2026 as cash flow trumps growth, according to Nation Thailand. Malaysia will finish safety checks on five Thai shrimp species within 30 days, and Thailand expands its cross-border QR payment system for tourists from eight Asian countries. Sri Lanka's monthly lottery transfers become effective from August 1, as reported by Daily Mirror. ASEAN is urged to gear up for a digital pact, amid regional economic shifts.