Showing 11 - 20 of 1,841
Keeping politics in the family
News, Published on 28/08/2024
» Politics is increasingly returning to being a family business in Southeast Asia, despite its large and vibrant democracies. It's a worrying trend. Power is at risk of being concentrated in the hands of an exclusive club of entrenched clans. That will disproportionately disadvantage the region's dynamic youth who are getting more frustrated with nepotism.
The omen of Paetongtarn's leadership
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/08/2024
» Paetongtarn Shinawatra's political ascension as the country's 31st prime minister is unprecedented in Thai history -- it is also a moment of reckoning for the country's political future. Her father, Thaksin, wasted no time recapturing the spotlight, positioning himself as the Nostradamus who knew everything just days after her official appointment. His demeanour and words have reminded all Thais of the dangers inherent in dynastic politics. Will it impact her ability to govern independently and effectively?
It's getting to be tough at the top
Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/08/2024
» In these turbulent times around the globe you wonder why anyone would aspire to be a prime minister, president, dictator, despot, tyrant or whatever. Even in Amazing Thailand it can't be much fun being the PM. Just imagine waking up every morning and realising you are responsible for 71 million Thai citizens, all probably with some kind of grievance. Most of us have enough problems looking just after ourselves … and maybe the dog.
Keep toxic waste away
Oped, Editorial, Published on 23/08/2024
» Thailand just won a small battle against illegal toxic waste smuggling. Finally, two cargo vessels loaded with toxic waste were forced to return to their original destinations -- suspected to be Albania and another country in Europe -- after local officials blocked the ships from docking.
Q2 GDP growth may be misleading
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 22/08/2024
» I eagerly awaited the release of the Q2/2024 GDP growth figure which became available on Monday. The 2.3% growth figure, presented by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), did not surprise me. A friend had warned me that the quarterly growth could be as high as 2.5%, even though my estimation for the quarter was only 1.0%.
Climate risks threaten Thai economy
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 21/08/2024
» Last month, our Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT) network hosted a webinar titled "Time to Act: Looming Climate Impacts on Thailand's Financial Sector". Our highlight was our guest, Dr Kannika Thampanishvong, section head at the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, who told us about how finance professionals view climate change and how economists prepare to deal with natural disasters.
A magical weekend at Yasgur's Farm
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/08/2024
» Every year there are anniversaries marking significant events from the past and they always serve as uncomfortable reminders that I am getting a bit old. A classic example is this weekend with the 55th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Now that's scary. Surely it couldn't have been that long ago?
Is AI a curse or a blessing for education?
Oped, Published on 17/08/2024
» My collegiate rowing coach at the University of Western Ontario was an eccentric West German named Dr Volker Nolte, a stocky and imposing figure who was only funny when he didn't mean to be. He was a biomechanics wizard, obsessing over the countervailing forces of the rower and shell, currents and winds, blades and water. In the early 80s, as part of his doctoral research, he designed a sliding rigger that moved along the hull of the boat on slides in tandem with the rower, which, when compared to a fixed rigger, effectively doubled the force and propulsion of every stroke. It made second-tier rowers competitive with the best in the world.
New realities in Japan-Thailand ties
Oped, Kasit Piromya, Published on 15/08/2024
» If one were to review the existing relationship between two developed and developing countries throughout the world to determine which one was the most successful in terms of donor–recipient relationship, mutual respect, goodwill, and friendship, the Japan-Thailand partnership should be an answer that is most commonly cited.
Act to defuse depopulation timebomb
Oped, Somchai Jitsuchon, Published on 14/08/2024
» Low birth rates and a rapidly ageing population pose significant socio-economic challenges for Thailand. This year, the number of elderly people has surpassed 13 million, accounting for over 20% of the total population. This figure is expected to reach 30% soon. As the number of centenarians rises, fewer babies are being born.