Climate change claims more victims; Vietnam elects new president

This week in Asean: 

• Vietnam: Elects new president, parliament chair after high-level exits
• Indonesia: Keeps interest rate steady after April’s hike
• Thailand: Q1 growth slowed, prompting rate cuts
• Malaysia: Privatisation bid for Malaysia Airports may face opposition

Dear BT reader,

The tragic incident aboard Singapore Airlines Flight SQ 321 is a painful reminder of how humans are powerless in the face of climate forces.