Showing 1 - 10 of 12
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.
Clampdown on migrants an own goal
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 09/07/2017
» The government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha seem to be back in the limelight once again but all for the wrong reasons as businesses and households brace for the impact of a decision that came as a bolt from the blue.
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.
Incentivise investors, but innovate too
News, Umesh Pandey, Published on 28/08/2015
» During a recent visit to Cambodia this week I had the opportunity to visit parts of the so-called "special economic zone", or SEZ, and was surprised at the similarities between what the Cambodians are trying to do and what the Thai government has announced it will undertake.
Pocky power
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 22/06/2015
» Take a stroll through Osaka and if you're a visitor from Southeast Asia, you'll probably want to have your picture taken with the billboard featuring the image of a sprinter. It's an instantly recognisable logo to the millions of people who have grown up enjoying the snacks of the Japanese confectionery maker Ezaki Glico.
Fishery cleanup an Asean-wide issue
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 27/04/2015
» The recent decision by the European Union to issue a "yellow card" to Thailand to hasten a cleanup of the fishery industry should have come as no surprise. The use of forced and slave labour by producers of seafood that is exported all over the world has become a matter of national shame.
Chinese giant gears up
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 07/04/2014
» SAIC Motor, one of China’s leading automakers, is preparing to make Thailand the hub for its Asean expansion as it looks to expand sales of the various brands under its banner into the region.
Culture clashes are simply bad business
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 29/10/2012
» For all the differences that we in the 10-member Asean grouping may have, there are certain similarities when it comes to culture. This is something that foreign investors drawn to this dynamic part of the world have to realize, even as they try to develop talent for the future in this part of the world.
Frontier market pioneer thriving
Business, Umesh Pandey, Published on 12/03/2012
» Myanmar offers lots of opportunities for investors willing to accept the difficulties that come with entering new markets that most others avoid, as a Thai pharmaceutical company has found.
'No going back to square one'
Business, Umesh Pandey, Published on 12/03/2012
» Foreigners outside once-isolated Myanmar may still be sceptical about whether recent reforms will be sustainable, but those living inside the country have no such doubts.