Showing 1 - 10 of 33
Thai baht under watch
News, Editorial, Published on 03/02/2026
» As Thailand heads to the polls this Sunday, the campaign trail has been crowded with promises of wage hikes, subsidies and generous domestic giveaways. Yet last week, a far more sobering message arrived from Washington. The US Treasury has placed Thailand back on its currency monitoring list, a move that carries implications well beyond a routine financial assessment.
The baht's troubling rise
Oped, Editorial, Published on 22/09/2025
» The Thai baht, since the beginning this year, has appreciated nearly 8% against the US dollar. Such an escalation makes baht the strongest among Asian currencies. While a rapid currency appreciation should have been taken a signal of economic strength, the underlying realities paints a far more complex and worrying situation.
Anwar plants first seeds
News, Editorial, Published on 21/04/2025
» After years of diplomatic deadlock, recent moves by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have sparked cautious optimism over Myanmar. Thanks to their efforts, the world is watching Asean taking a leading role in solving one of the region's most intractable crises.
Betting on risky reform
News, Editorial, Published on 23/01/2025
» The Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) is pushing to legalise online gambling, but it looks far from being a safe bet. DES Minister Prasert Jantararungtong said last week the cabinet had approved the ministry's proposal to manage online gambling in principle, bringing such activities into a legal framework to ensure proper taxation.
Wheelchair quest spurs reform
Editorial, Published on 18/02/2024
» In a remarkable display of resolve, Monthon Phetsang manoeuvred his wheelchair through highway traffic for hundreds of kilometres to reclaim his rights as a disabled citizen. By doing so, the 48-year-old man has single-handedly exposed the bureaucratic hurdles endured by millions of disabled people in Thailand.
Focus on economy first
News, Editorial, Published on 22/09/2023
» Strengthening the Thai passport is one of the Srettha Thavisin administration's top priorities. It was among the cabinet's agenda items during their first meeting earlier this month.
Support virtual banks
News, Editorial, Published on 24/07/2023
» Last week, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) decided it will grant only three virtual bank licences in the initial phase of introducing advancements in financial services. While this decision has disappointed other operators, many take this as a debut for virtual banking services in the country.
Hazy on the details
News, Editorial, Published on 10/04/2023
» The meeting last week among the leaders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to address the issue of haze and air pollution is a welcome development. However, it is unlikely the virtual meeting, which the prime minister hosted at Government House, will lead to any immediate or effective solutions.
Be careful, Prawit
News, Editorial, Published on 17/10/2022
» Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon is expected to be among the prime ministerial candidates nominated by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in next year's general election, expected in May.
PM still at crossroads
Oped, Editorial, Published on 01/10/2022
» Like it or not, the Constitutional Court's ruling yesterday gives society much-needed clarity. After a month of debates and rumours, the ruling clearly spells out that PM Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's term started on April 6, 2017, which was the date the present charter was promulgated, and his previous leadership under the junta government did not apply under this constitution.