Showing 1 - 10 of 64
Is Cambodia a new agricultural power?
Oped, Published on 17/02/2024
» Hun Manet, the new Cambodian prime minister and son of the previous prime minister and former military general Hun Sen, recently announced the implementation of a new strategic policy for local agricultural development.
Thailand, EU deal in sustainability
News, Published on 18/12/2023
» In a pivotal shift, the European Union and Thailand have reignited Free Trade Agreement negotiations this March, ending a nine-year interval. Initially launched in 2013 after the halt of the Asean-EU region-to-region trade agreement, the announcement of the relaunch of Thailand-EU negotiations, set against Thailand's evolving political landscape, presents a unique opportunity for both regions. As Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, I am privileged to lead a delegation to Thailand to engage directly with key stakeholders to sculpt a trade deal that addresses our shared challenges.
New Thai-Malaysia economic dynamics
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/02/2023
» Without any diplomatic pleasantries, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha kicked off bilateral talks last week with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, by stating clearly that Thai-Malaysian ties have not been progressing very well. The opening remarks drew a big smile from Mr Anwar as a sign of appreciation. It immediately set the tone of his two-day visit.
Signs of economic slowdown alarming
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 12/01/2023
» The Thai government, businesses, and citizens are cherishing the news of returning Chinese tourists with the first group of 286 passengers who arrived on Monday. The Tourism Authority of Thailand estimates that 5 million Chinese tourists will visit our country this year, bringing with them 250 billion baht in spending money. I have two comments on this joyful news. Firstly, the ban on the sale of outbound group and package travel imposed by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Jan 27, 2020, is still in effect. There is no telling when this ban will be relaxed or lifted. Second, the mass arrival of Chinese tourists was already factored into the World Bank's GDP growth projections. The Bank projected that the Thai economy would grow by 3.6% in 2023. To achieve such growth, the arrival of 22.4 million foreign tourists, with 6.2 million from China, was assumed.
Don't botch durian trade
News, Editorial, Published on 03/12/2022
» Unripe or substandard durian has always been a thorn in the side of Thailand's durian exports, particularly at the start of each harvest season when the so-called "king of fruits" fetches the highest prices due to limited supply and high demand.
How to balance sustainability
Oped, Published on 30/09/2022
» As the global population rises, we are projected to need up to 50% more food by 2050 than we needed in 2012. We face a huge challenge to feed the world while at the same time protecting our forests from agricultural expansion, which drives almost 90% of deforestation globally.
Looking ahead beyond global value chain
News, Published on 22/08/2022
» Global value chains (GVCs) have had some tough years. First, the Covid-19 pandemic created barriers and bottlenecks, especially in manufacturing. Then, Russia's war in Ukraine further disrupted GVCs, particularly those involving agriculture and energy.
Nan proves villages have the answers
News, Published on 23/05/2022
» For those in the provinces, having greater say in the key issues of local administration remains a distant dream. For instance, they cannot vote for their governors, as is done in Bangkok.
Thai economy to see uptick in 2022
Oped, Kirida Bhaopichitr, Published on 12/01/2022
» The Thai economy will continue its recovery from last year, but is yet to reach pre-Covid levels. However, the situation is a tad better from last year. In 2022, economic growth is expected to rise by 3.5-4.0%, against 0.8% last year and 1% in 2020. This growth rate, however, still does not put the Thai economy back to its 6.1% growth level in 2019. The value of the Thai economy or its gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to reach its 2019 level in 2023.
'Squid Game' rings true in our new reality
Oped, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 12/10/2021
» The warning does come across like a sick joke. Following the popularity of Netflix’s series Squid Game, deputy police spokesman Pol Col Kissana Phathanacharoen told parents to beware of violence seen in the show.