Showing 1 - 10 of 337
Unplugging the electricity monopoly
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 18/09/2024
» Thailand's electricity prices remain stubbornly high, burdening consumers and businesses alike.
The twin challenges of 'climate finance'
Oped, Sarinee Achavanuntakul, Published on 07/08/2024
» As I am writing this in early August, climate finance is becoming a trendier topic in Thailand's financial and business sector. I suspect this is partly due to two recent developments: the upcoming Climate Change Act (the draft of which is making the rounds via public hearing sessions), and the Excise Department's announcement in June 2024 that Thailand aims to become the second country in Asean, after Singapore, to collect carbon tax, which is slated to start at 200 baht per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).
The pitfalls of 'going nuclear'
Oped, Editorial, Published on 30/07/2024
» Reports that the energy ministry is conducting a feasibility study into developing small nuclear power plants have been met with mixed reactions -- from welcome, mainly by the energy and industrial sectors, to reluctance and fear.
Asean's united front amid global shifts
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/07/2024
» This year's Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) was notable for the unity of its members, as the bloc has faced increased pressure to align with major powers. Kudos to the humble Asean chair, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, also Laos' Minister of Foreign Affairs, who emphasised at the annual meeting's outset that amid rapid and complex geopolitical and geo-economic changes, Asean must remain united and enhance its centrality.
When climate commitments fall short
News, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 24/07/2024
» By early next year, Thailand and other countries are expected to update national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The Paris Agreement mandates that nations submit new NDCs every five years, with each round more ambitious than the last. These NDCs are essential for countries to collectively tackle the global climate crisis.
Myanmar crisis hits 'fatigue' level
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/07/2024
» Nearly three and a half years since the military coup in February 2021, the crisis in Myanmar shows no signs of resolution. The internecine war between the military junta, known as the State Administration Council (SAC), and the various ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) continues unabated, with no endgame in sight.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
China's rapid renewables rollout hits grid limits
News, Published on 08/07/2024
» China's record-breaking deployment of wind and solar capacity has worsened regional power imbalances, forcing the country to idle increasing amounts of renewable generation when it overwhelms local consumption.
Thailand's cloud dream cut short by its energy policy
Oped, Published on 06/07/2024
» Despite successfully wooing big tech companies such as Microsoft to invest in a new data centre, Thailand's aspiration to become Southeast Asia's hub for cloud computing might just be a pipe dream. A major hurdle is its outdated energy policy.
The economic benefits of cannabis
Oped, Published on 19/06/2024
» Thailand is at a crossroads between accepting cannabis as a new kind of product or restricting its usage only to medical needs. Social views are divided: one side focuses on the negative effects on society, such as negative impacts on family and community relationships, while the other side stresses the positive effects, including easier and cheaper access for medical uses and contributions to the economy in terms of production, employment, and tourism-related activities.