Showing 1 - 10 of 783
Europe's carbon border tax fights climate change
Oped, Jeffrey Frankel, Published on 29/05/2024
» The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), officially launched in October, now requires importers to report on the direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embedded in the goods they import. Beginning in January 2026, the EU will start imposing tariffs on imports from countries that do not price carbon at the bloc's market rate, which could significantly affect carbon-intensive producers among its trading partners.
The high costs of new US tariffs on Chinese EVs
Published on 25/05/2024
» US President Joe Biden’s administration has just announced 100% tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China, prompting Donald Trump to promise a 200% tariff on Chinese cars made in Mexico if he is elected in November. Neither policy would have notable effects on the US car market because imports of Chinese EVs are minuscule, owing to past tariffs and the anti-Chinese sentiment that has gripped the country in recent years. Nonetheless, the announcement is significant for three reasons.
SEA eyes next 20 years of US-China ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/05/2024
» What will Southeast Asia be like over the next two decades? Given the unpredictable geopolitical situation, the region will certainly maintain its strategic autonomy in ways that mitigate the ripple effects of the emerging new international order. The multipolar world will be a new ballgame that Southeast Asia has to grapple with. Interestingly, the region's countries also realise that the competition between the US and China is not likely to subside given the tit-for-tat measures they have been conducting with each other. Under such circumstances, what role or leadership can Southeast Asia provide under the Asean roof to ensure that the region will not be marginalised or weaponised? To be precise, how can Asean avoid becoming a pawn in the US-China whirlpool?
Stark reality behind economic figures
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 16/05/2024
» At the time of writing this, the official Q1 GDP has not been announced by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). I expect the growth figure will be around 1.2%. My own estimation, using the Output Approach and actual sectoral production index, gives a growth figure of 0.98%. Detailed data are in the below table.
Time for Myanmar aid, trade rethink?
Oped, Published on 11/05/2024
» The Myanmar military's recent defeats in and around the border town of Myawaddy at the hands of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and pro-democracy resistance forces should serve as a wake-up call for Thailand.
Govt, BoT spat may not be economic
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 09/05/2024
» The row between the government and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) over its "high" interest rate is all over the news. Many have started questioning the appropriateness of the central bank's independence.
Thai foreign policy to shift with new foreign minister
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/05/2024
» It's not comforting to discuss Thai foreign policy at the moment, as one can hardly tell what is going to happen next.
From Fleet Street to the Big Chilli
Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/05/2024
» It came as a shock to learn that long-time friend and colleague Colin Hastings died on Monday in Bang Saray when he suffered heart failure and the car he was driving collided with a wall. He was 73. Here are a few personal memories of Colin, best known as publisher of Big Chilli magazine.
Protect rights of refugees
Oped, Editorial, Published on 30/04/2024
» Intense fighting between the Myanmar military and rebel factions in the key border town of Myawaddy has driven scores of Myanmar citizens to seek refuge in Mae Sot, Tak province. As such, the state needs to proactively act in order to safeguard the basic human rights of the refugees and national security.
Myawaddy's fall should concern region
Oped, Paskorn Jumlongrach, Published on 20/04/2024
» As the battle against the Myanmar junta intensifies, the allied resistance forces have gained momentum with the seizure of the border town of Myawaddy.