Showing 1 - 10 of 27
Thailand's central bank dependence
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 23/02/2024
» To proponents of central bank independence, the ongoing friction between Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput appears straightforward. The prime minister is putting unwarranted and unfair pressure on the central bank governor to spur the economy by loosening monetary policy and cutting interest rates. Yet, on closer scrutiny, the entrenched politicisation of central banking in Thailand may suggest otherwise. There is more than meets the eye in the politics of interest rate cuts.
The politics of the Chadchart juggernaut
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 01/07/2022
» In countries where integrity, competence and popular legitimacy in leadership are valued -- for example, in Scandinavia, Singapore or Taiwan -- Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt would be considered fairly average. He would merely be another good leader who exudes modesty, humility, capability and authenticity, always in touch with and answerable to his constituents.
The fight for press freedom is local
Oped, Published on 24/05/2022
» A macabre political thriller recently unfolded in the Philippine province of Palawan, an island known mostly for its rich biodiversity and pristine beaches. On May 9, Joel T Reyes, a suspect in the 2011 murder of well-known radio broadcaster Gerry Ortega, ran again for governor. Had Mr Reyes won, the possibilities for Ortega's family to obtain justice for the killing would have dwindled. Fortunately for them, he lost.
Capital poll portends Thailand's rule
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/05/2022
» Never has Bangkok's gubernatorial contest been so much about Thailand. The poll this Sunday is not just about how Bangkok will be run but how Thailand will be ruled. Beyond the usual grievances and issues that traditionally hang over Bangkokians' lives and livelihoods are larger forces at work. Whoever comes out on top will have much to say about the bigger national election that has to be held by this time next year.
City governor poll offers us a glimmer of hope
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 08/03/2022
» Following a long delay, the cabinet is expected to set the date for the Bangkok governor election for May 29, according to news reports. To say that it's long-awaited is an understatement.
Time to elect city governor
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/09/2020
» Heavy rain. Floods. Traffic jams. Long queues on public transport. Even longer hours spent on the road before reaching home.
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.
Race for capital's hot seat ramps up
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 20/07/2019
» After more than five years of dormancy under the military regime, the country's local administrative bodies will spring back to life, once again, now the country has switched back into democratic mode.
Time for BMA to get on its bike
News, Editorial, Published on 03/06/2018
» At a glance, today would seem like a big day for cyclists taking part in the inaugural World Bicycle Day. More than 1,000 bicyclists will form a procession, which will start at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's lan khon muang and then proceed to the United Nations office on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
The tragedy of Thailand's Surin Pitsuwan
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 15/12/2017
» Much has been and more will be said of Dr Surin Pitsuwan's sudden and unexpected passing due to heart failure on Nov 30, at age 68, just when he appeared to be going from strength to strength after his stint in 2008-12 as Asean secretary-general. Many will also say that among the 13 heads of Asean in its 50-year history, Surin was the most effective and formidable. Indeed, he managed to speak for and champion Asean's causes and roles in Asia and the wider world even long after he left the job. No secretary-general of Asean is likely to come anywhere near the level of his eloquence, charm and charisma, the presence and confidence that his tall frame and good looks yielded. But Asean was second best for Surin. He was better than what he ended up with, unable to find professional landings commensurate with what he could bring to the job.