Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Consumers still lack confidence
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 03/09/2017
» For those readers who have not read the business stories over the past week, let me recap some of the interesting issues that were written about by our intrepid business writers. Stories such as the Revenue Department coming out to openly state that their tax collection for the first 10 months of the fiscal year (October 2016 to July 2017) was 4% below the target came as a shock to many. The reason given for the shortfall was the lower collection of value added tax (VAT) that you and I pay for consuming.
Small firms' debts point to problems
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 23/07/2017
» Over the past week data coming out of the government and the private sector are showing signs that could be worrisome in the medium to longer term for the country. Rising household debt, increasing non-performing loans among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening of the baht are all compounding the problems.
Time to ease 'I'm the boss' attitude
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 02/07/2017
» Waking up on Tuesday for most Thais was just another day but by evening there was a whole lot of social media buzz on a decision by the cabinet passed earlier in the day -- the decision to build a Bangkok Observatory.
Put lower prices on our menu
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 23/05/2016
» I don't know how many of our readers go out to the fresh market on a daily or weekly basis but if you have not gone for a few months, then it's a trip well worth taking, if only to witness some of the failings of this government.
Our long holiday from reality
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 09/05/2016
» This week's cover story in Asia Focus started with a simple question prompted by the endless string of holidays Thailand has been having. Can there be too much of a good thing?
Prayut regime is hurting the Thai economy
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 29/04/2016
» As the Prayut Chan-o-cha government focuses on suppressing its critics, it seems to be letting something more serious go astray -- the economy.
Keep economy going with megaprojects
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 19/02/2016
» After running the country for nearly two years, the government finally has some good news: The economy has bounced back, albeit slowly. Nonetheless, this is a pleasant surprise.
Propping up property will cost a fortune
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 02/10/2015
» There is no doubt that the likes of Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and his key man, Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong, are smart people who know what they are doing, but the headlines in the media these days have started to make me wonder what these learned men are up to.
China at the crossroads
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 07/09/2015
» Not that long ago, China was the darling of the developing world when it came to showing how to get things done. Lately, though, it's been looking more like a basket case when it comes to economic management.
More volatility ahead for Asian markets
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 27/07/2015
» Asian markets are likely to remain volatile in the face of continuing global weakness, although investors would be better off putting their money into markets such as Europe and the United States, according to Kelvin Tay, the regional chief investment officer of UBS.