Showing 41 - 50 of 54
Undue politicisation at finance and BoT
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 03/07/2020
» Thailand's economic growth projections continue to head south as the coronavirus crisis unfolds in the second half of the year. In its most recent forecast, the Bank of Thailand anticipates a sharp contraction of 8.1% this year, worse than the 5.3% it predicted in March. Downside macroeconomic risks are substantial as the Covid-19 pandemic could still degenerate and cause further global health and economic havoc. In this dire environment, Thailand will need steady and seasoned hands to oversee macroeconomic levers. Yet both the finance ministry portfolio and the BoT governorship now face uncertainty and potential politicisation that bode ill for effective and autonomous fiscal and monetary policies.
Take local polls off ice
Oped, Editorial, Published on 27/06/2020
» Thailand's local politics have been at a standstill for six years since the military took power in 2014. The then National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha suspended all levels of local elections as it banned political activities. Now that the country has transitioned to democracy mode after last year's general election, there is no reason to prolong a suspension which has fuelled public frustration.
Let's not return to the 'old normal'
News, Published on 16/06/2020
» The world before Covid-19 looks very attractive right now. In light of the disease, mass unemployment and social distancing, a return to pre-pandemic normality seems appealing. Yet we should remember what normal was.
Failed 'THAI-land'
Oped, Postbag, Published on 30/05/2020
» Re: "THAI Airways a microcosm of Thailand," (Opinion, May 29).
2019 more a celebration of 1969
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 29/12/2019
» It is customary at this time of the year to take a look at some of the major happenings of the past 12 months. This past year has been rather unusual in that it marked a host of significant 50th anniversaries. In fact the year was almost as much about 1969 as 2019. So to kick things off, let's just recall a few of those events 50 years ago.
America at war within can't lead world
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 18/10/2019
» The extraordinary country that once touted itself and was seen by many as the "leader of the free world" is no longer so great. America, the fabled "city upon a hill" and beacon of freedom and democracy for the world, is unwell from within, wracked by nasty divisions and visceral polarisation.
Poor meant to suffer
News, Postbag, Published on 21/09/2019
» Re: "Ubon flood saga catches govt napping", (Opinion, Sept 20). The whole problem has many answers. Corruption, low education, but mostly the higher-ups just don't care about poor people and especially those from the North and Northeast even more so.
PM's moves a concern
News, Postbag, Published on 10/07/2019
» Re: "Prayut wields ever more power", (BP, July 8). Thais should be very concerned with the increasing consolidation of investigative agencies, such as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, under the Office of the Prime Minister, for power is addictive and can easily be misused for personal/partisan ends.
The choice is yours, and best of luck
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/03/2019
» There's an old dictum, "democracy is the right to make the wrong choice", and one suspects there are plenty of wrong choices available out there, but hopefully also a few good ones as we enter the final straight leading to March 24.
Chiang Mai growth not so bad
News, Postbag, Published on 13/01/2019
» Re: "Chiang Mai spoiled", (PostBag, Jan 10). Unlike Lungstib -- who asks (rhetorically) "can anyone explain why there are at least 50 times as many supermarkets, 100 times as many apartment blocks, and 500 times as many vehicles" as there were in 1988? -- I love Chiang Mai the way it is and look forward to even more development.