Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Can Laos stand the spotlight?
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 05/09/2016
» Laos has adopted the efficient practice of hosting two Asean summits at one go. Why bother organising two events months apart? We already have a lot of domestic homework and who wants to meet world leaders that often, especially if all they're going to do is nag us about democracy and human rights?
Kicking the habit
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 26/10/2015
» Myanmar still faces big challenges in the area of narcotics control, and while a ceasefire agreement with some ethnic groups might set a positive tone, collaboration to control precursor chemicals on its western border remains weak.
China tightens the belt
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 05/10/2015
» Thailand and Asean should take the lead in connecting the "Yi Dai Yi Lu" (One Belt, One Road) multi-trillion-dollar initiative of Chinese leader Xi Jinping to turn a maritime dispute into an economic opportunity, say local analysts.
Erawan blast a regional wake-up call
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 31/08/2015
» It took Asean eight days to speak out about the deadly Erawan shrine blast in Bangkok. Is this the best we can expect from the group that is leading us into the brave new world of the Asean Economic Community?
Migrant crisis tests us all
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 25/05/2015
» The image of a "caring and sharing" community of 620 million had already been shattered in the eyes of Asean people and the global community, as starving and helpless Rohingya boat people were driven out of their countries of origin, only to be pushed back by Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Authoritarianism has had its day
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 20/04/2015
» Thailand and Malaysia have adopted some very blunt tools to deal with "post-democracy" challenges. But they seem not to realise that while democracy is a particular institutional framework, democratisation is an ongoing process. Democracy by nature is always unfinished, open-ended and subject to maintenance.
Jetro: China's loss not necessarily Asean's gain
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 23/02/2015
» While China is losing its appeal as a destination for Japanese investors as tensions between the two giants rise, the conventional wisdom that Asean is drawing more Japanese investment as a result may be overstated, a new survey suggests.
Fight against business abuses gets harder
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 09/02/2015
» Doors are closing on judicial remedies for corporate human rights abuses worldwide, according to a new report by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
Signs of progress as FTA talks loom
Business, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 08/04/2013
» The European Commission will begin a week-long free trade agreement (FTA) negotiation with Thailand in Brussels in late May, the first round of official talks, with the hope of reaching an agreement in 18 months.
Chile and Thailand bolster trade links
Business, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 12/10/2012
» Chile and Thailand have finished negotiations for their free trade agreement (FTA), but they could not be finalised in time for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Oct 29.