South Korea's KOSPI opened on Monday, July 6, up 18.09 points (+0.22%) at 8,106.43.

Thailand's June CPI rose 2.42% YoY, slowing for a second month from May's 2.79% and below a 2.7% market median, the commerce ministry said on Monday. The slowdown suggests the oil-price shock's inflation impact may have peaked in April, easing fears of a sustained energy-driven price surge, though underlying price pressures continue to build. The print reinforces the BOT's view that recent price rises are insufficient to warrant an immediate hike and supports its willingness to tolerate short-term price pressure to back growth. Economists expect Philippines June inflation, due Tuesday, to also moderate.

After a strong earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24, a restaurant was converted into a temporary medical center. Volunteer doctors, nurses and psychological counselors from across the country are working shifts to provide free medical services to affected residents. Officials say psychological trauma will require long-term, continuous professional treatment compared with other illnesses.