Showing 81 - 90 of 100
Myanmar's illusory growth
Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 24/09/2018
» Since it began opening up to the world in 2011, Myanmar has been one of the most hyped economies in the region. With promising economic growth averaging 7% a year, a young workforce and abundant resources, the country of 53 million seems to present boundless opportunities for local and foreign investors alike.
The real problem with free trade
News, Published on 14/09/2018
» For most critics of globalisation, trade is the villain, responsible for deepening inequality and rising economic insecurity among workers. This is the logic driving support for US President Donald Trump's escalating tariffs. Why, then, does the message resonate far beyond the United States, and even the advanced economies, to include workers in many of the developing countries that are typically portrayed as globalisation's main beneficiaries?
Breaking the nation's bad plastic habits
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 10/08/2018
» As of this Sunday, visitors to any of the 154 national parks across the country may get frustrated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's (DNP) new rule, which prohibits them from bringing single-use plastics and styrofoam food boxes into the compounds. It is an effort to cut non-recyclable waste.
Fighting tax dodgers can kill growth
News, Leonid Bershidsky, Published on 26/07/2018
» It's easy to be outraged about multinational corporations' shifting of profits to tax havens, but much harder to figure out how to stop them from doing it without hurting the economy. Evidence exists that curbing tax avoidance opportunities makes these firms move actual jobs, not just accounting profits, overseas.
Investor vs state interests debate heats up
News, Published on 16/07/2018
» Ahead of the 23rd round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which will kickstart tomorrow in Bangkok and end on July 27, there has been growing concern over its investment chapters that will let foreign investors' benefits overrride public interests. The concern centres on the RCEP's inclusion of the controversial Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism which has prompted criticism and scrutiny worldwide.
Same sex civil unions: off to a good start
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 12/07/2018
» The momentum towards the passage of a law in Thailand to register same sex civil unions is most heartening and needs our fullest support. This is especially because it will legitimise mutual love and friendship without discrimination and without distinction.
Protectionism not good for growth
News, Published on 09/07/2018
» We are passing through an interesting time. There is a likelihood that trade war between two of the world's biggest economies -- China and USA -- may blow out of proportion. The consequence may be another economic downturn in the offing. During an economic crisis, consumers spend less, and investors do not invest (or postpone their investment decisions). There is a general sense of pessimism about future earning prospects, leading to higher unemployment and lower productivity growth.
A concrete jungle where cars remain king
News, Ploenpote Atthakor, Published on 30/06/2018
» Pedestrians who use Asok Montri Road in the Sukhumvit area will have to brace for more inconvenience, starting next week, with police set to close one major pedestrian crossing during morning rush hours they blame for congestion.
Saving the planet, making profit: a 'nexus' approach
News, Published on 11/06/2018
» Asean has put together an ambitious sustainable development agenda with its 2025 community vision. It has also played an important role in shaping the United Nations 2020 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda. If the 17 SDGs, especially SDG2 on food security, SDG 6 on water security, SF7 on energy security, SDG 12 responsible consumption and production and SDG 13 on combating climate change, are achieved, this will combine with the impact of global trends such as climate change to intensify the competition for resources -- energy, water, raw materials and land. There is a need for large scale investment and significant improvement in services in order to address supply shortages, increase general welfare and make profit. After all, there are 65 million people across the region with no access to modern energy sources, 48 million people Asean-wide with no access to clean drinking water, and another 78 million without adequate sanitation facilities.
Creating a healthier future
Asia focus, Tanyatorn Tongwaranan, Published on 04/06/2018
» In response to the rapid expansion of its greying population, Singapore has introduced compulsory healthcare insurance for elderly citizens. CareShield Life, an enhanced version of the existing eldercare programme, will require all Singaporeans aged between 30 and 40 to be enrolled from 2020. Policyholders who become unable to manage basic daily functions will receive S$600 (14,320 baht) a month, increasing over time to keep pace with long-term care costs.