Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Myanmar's twin crises loom
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 01/08/2022
» While the rest of the world continues to be preoccupied by Covid-19 and fallout from Russia-Ukraine war, the downward spiral of Myanmar continues. A once-promising frontier market risks slipping into a Sri Lanka-like economic crisis, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis created by the cruelty of its military junta.
Climate needs urgent actions now
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 27/06/2022
» Cities around the world are no strangers to riverine flooding. In December 2021, the four main rivers running through Kuala Lumpur hit dangerous levels, causing nearby rail lines to shut down and halting mobility across the city. In March this year, storms prompted flood warnings along Australia's east coast, including in Sydney. Thousands of residents had to flee their homes.
Safe, healthy travel a priority
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/04/2022
» The hearts of all Thais are blessed and looking forward to Wednesday when the five-day Songkran holiday begins. It will be the first time in three years for us to celebrate the traditional New Year known for joyous water splashing at the hottest time of the year.
Learning to live with robots
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 17/05/2021
» China's once-in-a-decade census data released last week make clear that the world's most populous country is ageing more rapidly than many developed nations, including the US. People of working age will make up just 60% of China's population in 2050, down from 75% in 2010, the figures show.
Sad lessons from Korat
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 17/02/2020
» When I heard about a 40-something gunman firing at least 40 shots in central Bangkok on Friday (no one was hurt and he was arrested), my first thought was that it had some link to the recent atrocity in Nakhon Ratchasima. The Valentine's Day incident came just days after a soldier killed 29 victims in the country's worst-ever mass shooting.
Asean's difficult balancing act
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/08/2019
» The annual meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Nations in Bangkok last week drew attention from all over the world. The presence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, among others, indicated the importance of Asean as a growing focus of major-power competition.
Asean needs leadership in 2019
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 07/01/2019
» The high chance that Thailand's general election will be postponed from Feb 24 is disappointing news to me. Hopes that poll-related activities will brighten the gloomy economic picture are fading and uncertainties are mounting about the country's return to democracy, long a concern of outsiders.
Justice and the rule of law
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 06/02/2017
» Two recent incidents in Southeast Asia have caught the attention of international human rights activists. Indeed, they should concern anyone who cares about the rule of law.
Asean's golden opportunity
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 23/01/2017
» The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is celebrating 50 years of existence in 2017, with the Philippines holding the chairmanship of the 10-member bloc. The golden anniversary presents a golden opportunity for Asean leaders to show how important regionalism can be at a time when people all over the world are questioning the value of free trade and globalisation.