Showing 1 - 10 of 645
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.
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.
China needs to step back from decentralisation
Oped, Published on 10/08/2024
» The decentralisation of decision-making from the central government to local authorities is widely regarded as one of China's most effective policy reforms in the past four decades. As the Communist Party's priorities shifted from class struggle to economic development, decentralisation turned out to be a tremendous catalyst for growth.
Data can unlock more financing
Oped, Published on 06/08/2024
» Late last month, the United Nations convened world leaders and development experts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to try to focus minds on the need for more development finance. In the face of tight government budgets, a looming debt crisis, and the chronic challenge of attracting private investment, the outlook for many developing countries -- especially in Africa -- seems bleak.
Monitor the wallet scheme
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/08/2024
» The wait is over. The Srettha government finally launched the long-awaited digital wallet scheme on Thursday. This costly cash handout is the flagship policy of the Pheu Thai Party from the 2023 general election. The scheme will put 450 billion baht of digital cash into the hands of over 40 million eligible recipients, with the hope that they will buy local goods, spurring grassroots trade and investment.
Triathletes are lab rats for Seine cleanup stunt
News, David Fickling, Published on 01/08/2024
» What's not to like about a sparkling bathing spot in the middle of a global city?
Real plan for GDP growth
News, Editorial, Published on 08/07/2024
» After facing criticism for neglecting local media and prioritising foreign outlets, Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput finally held a press conference to share his overview of Thailand's economic situation and the central bank's policy stance.
Steep learning curves -- election heat for bonds
News, Published on 05/07/2024
» Some might wonder why it took so long, but the risk that this year's key elections exaggerate rather than rein in bloated public debt is finally seeing long-term sovereign bonds rear up.
Harnessing Thailand's human capital
News, Peerasit Kamnuansilpa, Published on 28/06/2024
» Thailand is currently on a distressing trajectory towards depopulation, with the number of deaths each year surpassing the number of births. The latest available data from the Department of Provincial Administration paints a grim picture, showing over 48,000 more deaths than births last year. This number is set to escalate as the number of births continues to plummet and death rates surge. Should the current trend persist, by 2083, Thailand's population is projected to shrink by half to 33 million. The leading cause of this demographic dynamic is the decline in fertility rates among Thai women. These declining fertility rates have severe repercussions and thus warrant the attention and actions of national leaders.
Time to focus on public housing
News, Published on 25/06/2024
» Gains by far-right parties in this month's European Union elections should serve as a reminder of the dangers of failing to address the region's chronic problems of inadequate housing supply and worsening affordability. Few other issues have greater potential to damage the social fabric and undermine democracy.