Showing 1 - 10 of 2,418
Candidates vying to lead economy out of crisis
News, Published on 21/09/2024
» Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election has become a referendum on a US$3 billion (99.1 billion baht) International Monetary Fund loan programme that has helped to pull the island nation out of its worst economic crisis since independence. The contest pits the incumbent president, who negotiated the bailout, against the country's main opposition leader -- both members of the Sri Lankan political elite -- and a Marxist politician waging a populist campaign. The three have put contrasting views before voters over how to steer the South Asian nation past the crisis.
Entertainment complex plan needs rejig
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/09/2024
» The contentious casino entertainment complex project has become one of the top 10 priorities for the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government.
The perils of censorship
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/09/2024
» Less than two weeks into office, the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government is being questioned about its sincerity and commitment to academic freedom.
Lessons from 'Moo Deng'
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/09/2024
» The popularity of two-month-old pygmy hippo "Moo Deng" is not happenstance. It is the fruit of a laborious and systematic media campaign by the public relations team of Khao Kheow Open Zoo to promote their animals.
Pheu Thai gambles in casino policy
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 16/09/2024
» 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts." This famous slogan of the ruling Pheu Thai Party was clearly reflected in the government's policies presented to parliament by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last Thursday.
Countries that are in step must trade together
Oped, Published on 14/09/2024
» Donald Trump and Kamala Harris agree on little except a disdain for free trade. Ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, Mr Trump has threatened a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports, while Ms Harris, whose policy positions remain murky, has indicated that she would follow in President Joe Biden's footsteps with "targeted and strategic tariffs". American politicians' free-trade enthusiasm of the 1980s and 1990s has vanished, and this scares other countries, which know that the United States -- despite its wobbles and foibles -- remains the world's most attractive trading partner.
Venice suffers from 'beauty curse'
Oped, Published on 10/09/2024
» Countries with great wealth or natural abundance often fall victim to their own blessings. Economists have long known that resource-rich countries can get stuck in cycles of slow economic growth, intense environmental degradation, and weak democratic institutions. But places endowed with a unique artistic and architectural heritage also can suffer from this "resource curse". Breathtaking monuments from a storied past can generate economic rents and sectoral distortions, not unlike those created by large reserves of fossil fuels and precious minerals.
China: Benefactor or imperial menace?
Oped, Published on 06/09/2024
» Since the start of the 21st century, China has shown its desire to recapture its previous position as the world's most powerful and influential nation. Centuries ago, China -- going by the name of the "Middle Kingdom" -- was the world's most influential nation until Western European countries arrived on the shores of the Chinese empire in the early 16th century.
Deck reshuffle carries risks for Thaksin
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 02/09/2024
» It was a classic case of killing two birds with one stone. That was the incorporation of the Democrats into the Pheu Thai-led coalition to substitute for the fragmented Palang Pracharath Party.
A new political 'youthquake' takes hold
Oped, Published on 31/08/2024
» Six months ago, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's grip on power in Bangladesh appeared unbreakable. The ruling Awami League had just won a fourth term in an uncontested election, allowing it to stay in full control of the country's institutions. With journalists, human rights defenders, opposition members, and other critics facing politically motivated prosecution, prison, exile, and forced disappearance, a continued descent into authoritarianism seemed certain.