BRICS Summit Watch: Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and is set for talks with PM Modi as leaders push resilience, innovation and cooperation amid Iran-US and Russia-Ukraine tensions. Energy & Inflation: Oil prices again topped $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping routes, rattling Asian markets and raising inflation fears. Thailand Financial Crime Crackdown: The Bank of Thailand is stepping up action on illicit capital flows, including USDT laundering risks tied to large token transfers, and plans AI audits of 3,600 lenders to flag hidden fees and predatory rates. Data Centre Rules: Thailand is tightening data-centre standards, including a proposed 60% clean-energy sourcing requirement, as regulators try to balance AI investment with power and water limits. Property Market Cooling: New data points to a slow recovery ahead, with nearly half of reported property loans rejected and demand shifting toward cheaper homes. Tourism & Policy: Thailand targets OECD membership by 2028, while new visa rules and “tourist tax” trends abroad keep reshaping travel economics. Regional Trade Boost: Cambodia’s trade with RCEP partners jumped 21% in Jan-Aug, with Thailand among key bloc partners. Digital Trust: GSMA warns nearly half of scam reports across Southeast Asia remain unresolved, undermining confidence in digital services.