Showing 81 - 90 of 3,732
Time to be the agents of change
News, Published on 12/02/2024
» We all know that we live in a changing world. In the vast area of Asia and the Pacific that change is most evident. Over the past 20 years, the economies of many nations in the region have been moving out of the category of "least developed" and graduating into a "middle income" status. However, the positive changes that help to make our lives better, healthier, and more prosperous, are not happening at the same time equally across all countries, or even equitably within them.
A 14th Century warning for fans of 21st Century demagogues
Published on 11/02/2024
» A history student told me recently that he loves researching the 20th Century but can’t see the point of the Middle Ages. I responded that it can be a big help to understanding our own times — very troubled times — to view them in the context even of the remote past.
The perils of too much democracy
Editorial, Published on 11/02/2024
» This is a big week for democracy in Asia, with two nations of almost half a billion people going to the polls in the space of a couple of days.
Beauty queen shows old habits die hard
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 10/02/2024
» It did not end well for Karolina Shiino, the young woman who won the title of Miss Japan two weeks ago.
A wrong approach on Myanmar
Oped, Kasit Piromya, Published on 09/02/2024
» Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, recently spoke at the World Economic Forum on the current situation in Myanmar and the region's response, with the speech being then printed in this newspaper.
Lao Asean chair: better comfort level
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/02/2024
» The outgrowth of the latest Asean foreign ministers' retreat in Luang Prabang last week palpably shows a better comfort level between the host and their colleagues. Such a casual atmosphere generated better outcomes without politicising or dragging on contentious issues. Most importantly, Vientiane's diplomatic finesse is highly visible in its third chairmanship in approaching Asean-related issues and challenges: the thinking is less is more with clear-cut priorities. If this trajectory continues, the Lao chair will be lauded.
A painful ride with a certified horn honker
Roger Crutchley, Published on 04/02/2024
» Despite the frustration of sitting in endless jams, I've always felt Bangkok motorists display remarkable restraint when it comes to using horns. Unlike many cities in the world it is rare to hear a chorus of angry car klaxons. Things are admittedly a bit different on the provincial highways with buses and trucks not averse to giving a blast on their air horns with the clear message "Get out of the way."
Why we need to care about Myanmar
Oped, Johanna Son, Published on 03/02/2024
» Myanmar is entering its fourth year since the Feb 1, 2021 military coup. Its multiple crises continue -- a mix of economic difficulties and a humanitarian catastrophe -- at a time when armed conflict, including anti-junta resistance, has now spread to most of its regions.
Myanmar revolts against dictatorship
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 02/02/2024
» When Myanmar's military coup took place three years ago, few thought it would turn out this way. Never has a military in Southeast Asia staged a successful coup and then failed to consolidate power afterwards. Yet this is precisely what's happening in Myanmar. A fierce and determined coalition of resistance forces is in the process of prevailing over Myanmar's battle-hardened army.
A new policy agenda for Asia
Oped, Published on 01/02/2024
» The global economic landscape is changing fast. Scarring from the Covid-19 pandemic has weakened potential growth, making slower income gains the new normal for many countries.