Showing 1 - 10 of 270
Deep dive into Indo-Pacific dreamscape
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 02/08/2024
» Is the term "Indo-Pacific" an illusion? Or is it a defined concept, a geographical configuration, a channel for connectivity, and/or a confining strategy? Perhaps it embodies an all-embracing blend, waiting for the onlooker to dive deep into political undercurrents. It may also be time to move beyond the landscape and the seascape and even leave the dreamscape behind.
Protect democracy and journalists
Oped, Published on 13/06/2024
» 'Foreign agent", "undesirable", "extremist". For thousands of independent journalists trying to live and work in Russia, these words can be life-changing.
Why don't Japanese give to charity?
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 06/04/2024
» On Jan 1, as Japan celebrated the new year, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, causing buildings to crumble, forcing mass evacuations, and leading to more than 200 deaths. But in the wake of the tragedy, something beautiful happened: an outpouring of support by philanthropic organisations and individuals, including support from beyond Japan's borders. More than 140,000 people donated US$5 million (183.7 million baht) through the Nippon Foundation alone.
Gender gaps in politics and business
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 30/03/2024
» Thailand's most recent report on women's rights -- available on the United Nations' website -- is part of the eighth cycle of reporting under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which the country became a party in 1985.
Too many security cameras, not enough safety
News, Published on 30/01/2024
» Civil libertarians are celebrating the recent announcement by Amazon that law enforcement agencies will no longer be able to obtain Ring doorbell camera videos just by asking. Henceforth, the company will require a subpoena or a search warrant.
Asia is fighting back against the diversity backlash
News, Published on 24/01/2024
» A new year always brings some hand-wringing about how little headway we've made to achieve equality in the workplace. Complicating the picture: Corporate diversity programmes are facing a backlash, particularly in the US, where a court ruling on affirmative action has reverberated through boardrooms.
Will foreign investors still be wooed?
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 28/12/2023
» This is my last article for 2023. Appropriately, I should write about the 2024 economic outlook but I have decided to postpone that to be the first article of 2024 as the analysis might be too unpleasant to digest right now. However, I will leave a "teaser" for readers to ponder over during the long holidays. As such, I am left with two choices: an article about informal debt -- I estimate outstanding debt to be over 400 billion baht and that it could have strong ties with grey money -- or an article about Thailand's ability to attract foreign investors, as our Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin travels all over the world to attract them. In the end, I opted for the latter.
Thailand, EU deal in sustainability
News, Published on 18/12/2023
» In a pivotal shift, the European Union and Thailand have reignited Free Trade Agreement negotiations this March, ending a nine-year interval. Initially launched in 2013 after the halt of the Asean-EU region-to-region trade agreement, the announcement of the relaunch of Thailand-EU negotiations, set against Thailand's evolving political landscape, presents a unique opportunity for both regions. As Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, I am privileged to lead a delegation to Thailand to engage directly with key stakeholders to sculpt a trade deal that addresses our shared challenges.
Charting China's decline, at a slow pace
News, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 11/12/2023
» For several years now, I have had a file on my computer named "China -- has the moment arrived?" But I think I missed the moment -- or rather I forgot that these things aren't a moment, they're a process.
Premier League bets $5 billion on game theory
News, Published on 08/11/2023
» Competitive tension is essential to the thrill of any sporting contest. The world's richest domestic soccer competition hasn't been over-endowed on that score in recent years, with Abu Dhabi-bankrolled Manchester City winning England's top division for three consecutive years and leading the table again almost a third into the current season. Those hankering for a bit more drama might do better to turn their attention to the unfolding financial contest for control of who screens the games.