Showing 1 - 10 of 47
When times get tough, Thais party
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 07/09/2023
» Today's article is far from being sarcastic towards or mocking Thais. On the contrary, it explains the current weakness of the economy and, more importantly, the serious implications for the effectiveness of the government's economic stimulus packages. So, this article is recommended reading for the new economic team.
Risk of global financial crisis spiking
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 03/11/2022
» I am writing this article in Tokyo. Judging from my walks around the city during the past week, and despite the fact everyone is wearing face masks, it's like Covid has vanished. Subways and trains are jam-packed and shopping areas are full of people. However, the pandemic has left some scars. Many shops have gone under, including my favourite 50-year-old sushi restaurant.
Exiles take the war in Myanmar abroad
News, Johanna Son, Published on 28/02/2022
» An ousted legislator from Myanmar, doing kitchen work in a restaurant in the United States, sends half of his salary to the forces battling the military that seized power in his country. From "home" in a Southeast Asian country, a Myanmar national says nightly prayers for his country at a makeshift altar.
Thai economy unlikely to rebound soon
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 30/09/2021
» As 44.5% of the world population has received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, most economies are looking forward to a return to pre-pandemic economic levels by 2022. Thailand is certainly one of them. We beat the global average with 45.7% of our population receiving the first dose and 26.4% receiving both doses. The government set a target that by year-end, more than 70% of the population will be fully vaccinated, including third booster doses. Will we see a return to the normal economic activities of 2019 by next year? The answer is not yet, and, worse, maybe never.
Why the Tokyo Olympics will go on
News, Bill Emmott, Published on 12/07/2021
» Having been postponed from last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympic Games are approaching their opening on July 23 amid a chorus of doom. Japanese and foreigners alike are predicting, or even outright demanding, the event's cancellation.
The Soliloquy of Harold Callahan
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/07/2021
» My thanks to former colleague Alan Dawson for alerting me to a scene from the Clint Eastwood film Sudden Impact which may throw some light on the hot dog and ketchup debate which featured in last week's column.
More thoughts on the post-Covid world
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 27/08/2020
» News about Covid-19 vaccine development in Russia and other countries offers a ray of hope the pandemic could be ending soon and the world economy may return to normal.
Get acquainted with your new dining companions
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/05/2020
» The good and bad news is that dining in is (vaguely) business as usual. You go out with the fam or friends (often in the same car), scan a QR code to check-in on Thai Chana and then be seated at separate tables to enjoy food outside your home. Sounds complicated and contrary to the concept of family-time meals but that's the hidden price you pay in this Covid-19 world. If lucky, your new dining companion may be some kind of doll (not those ones). Whether they are good company or not, these dining companions are likely to be at restaurant tables for a while. Here are three that I've spotted. g
Thailand's going bananas for Korea
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/09/2019
» When South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited Thailand recently, he highlighted two Thai names, Nichkhun of 2PM and Lisa of Blackpink as symbols of the excellent South Korean-Thai friendship. Nichkhun Horvejkul and Lalisa Manoban are young Thai idols who are making a living as K-Pop performers in Seoul. Both of them speak fluent Korean, they are trained to sing in Korean and are well-versed in K-Pop dancing.
Abe takes aim at pacifist charter
News, Published on 10/09/2019
» The ongoing trade dispute between Japan and South Korea should by no means hinder Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ambition to change his country's pacifist constitution. Mr Abe will soon break two records as leader of the world's third-largest economy. On Nov 20, 2019, he will become the country's longest-serving prime minister, surpassing Katsura Taro, who served a total 2,886 days over three terms from 1901-1906, 1908-1911 and 1912-1913. Mr Abe's first term as prime minister lasted only a year, from September 2006-Oct 2007, due to health reasons.