Makana 360 Daily Report – August 19, 2025
📌 Thailand launches crypto-to-baht pilot — The government introduces an 18-month scheme enabling foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for local spending, capped at 550,000 baht (~$16,950), to revive the tourism sector.
📌 Oil prices ease — Brent slips to $66.5 and WTI near $63.4 per barrel as Trump pushes for a U.S.-Russia-Ukraine trilateral summit. Analysts warn prices could fall to $58 if Russian sanctions ease, though geopolitical uncertainty clouds the outlook.
📌 UK backs down in Apple privacy row — The government withdraws its demand for Apple to create a “back door” into encrypted data after U.S. and civil liberties pushback, marking a win for digital privacy but leaving concerns about broad surveillance powers.
📌 Fox News tops engagement — The channel records 1.4M+ interactions in a single day with coverage on Trump as a Ukraine peace broker, immigration risks, and security debates.
📌 Real Madrid vs Osasuna — Three talking points ahead of the club’s La Liga opener.
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