Wear now, pay later: the new rules of Southeast Asia’s indulgence economy

With its padded leather and gold “CC” lock, Coco Chanel’s instantly recognisable bag is practically part of the uniform for any self-respecting Bangkok property agent – an apt accessory for a city that recently edged into the top 10 anywhere for luxury spending. But in chastened economic times liquidity and luxury are no longer in lockstep, challenging many of those with expensive tastes to find new ways to keep up appearances while balancing their books. Jirapun Ngam, 42, works in the...

By Aidan Jones