Showing 1 - 10 of 45
Southeast Asian banks must stop funding coal
Oped, Published on 11/04/2024
» Indonesia is by far a major top producer of dangerous climate emissions -- more than any country in the Southeast Asian region, mainly due to its burning of coal. The country is also feeling the full force of worsening climate disasters, from floods and storms to deadly landslides. My hometown, Jakarta, is sinking -- and this is compounded by regular catastrophic flooding and air pollution that disrupts millions of lives. Indonesia faces huge risks as it currently sits as the second most disaster-prone country in the world, according to the World Risk Report 2023.
Chokepoints could cripple trade
News, Published on 16/01/2024
» When traffic through the Suez Canal ground to a halt in 2021, the extraordinary cost and disruptions to global commerce seemed overwhelming. But 8,000 kilometres from the canals of Suez and Panama lie even more important shipping lanes, chokepoints that could cripple global trade should any disaster befall them.
Is land bridge plan just a pipe dream?
News, Published on 06/11/2023
» Cargo vessels loaded with containers are on both sides of the sea, clearly representing the South China Sea in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. In between are a train and truck that connect the two coasts.
Koh Samui bridge could dent tourism
News, Saritdet Marukatat, Published on 06/09/2023
» A bridge connecting the mainland to a popular resort island does not necessarily promise more prosperity for the latter. It could just transfer more problems to it, which is a risk now facing Koh Samui.
Durian powers Sino-Thai friendship
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/07/2023
» When it comes to the evolution of Sino-Thai relations, one must put aside all the geopolitical determinants and even such subjects as the current Russia-Ukraine war, the ramifications of the US-China standoff and tourism. The topic is durian, which serves as the weathervane of their long-standing bilateral ties. The durian, known worldwide as the "King of Fruits", is more than just a sticky, thorny and, yes, smelly fruit; they also define the nature of the five-decade-old Sino-Thai relations.
Can the region be an epicentrum of growth?
Oped, Published on 27/04/2023
» 'Asean as an Epicentrum of Growth" is the theme of Indonesia's 2023 Asean chairmanship. Is it a reliable and attainable vision? Whilst some may be optimistic about the vision's potential, for us, it sounds more like jargon than a vision.
Prioritising Kanchanaburi conservation
Oped, Published on 27/04/2023
» 'If you build it, they will come." That's often the thinking behind big projects like amusement parks, shopping malls, tourism venues and sports arenas. Sometimes a new facility attracts many visitors, investors make a profit, or a government agency delivers substantial benefits to the public. Sometimes not.
Big steps for our 'expanding' nation
News, Editorial, Published on 12/03/2023
» Two years ago, the Public Health Ministry changed its guidelines to confirm that the average Thai child was, in fact, getting taller. To mark World Obesity Day on March 4, the Department of Health released a report saying that not only are they taller, but they are also much bigger -- with one in 10 children aged under 15 found to be clinically obese.
Is Asean ready for green hydrogen?
News, Published on 30/01/2023
» Climate change and the energy transition have made research and development (R&D) in clean energy a priority as countries aim to reach net-zero by 2050. Hydrogen has been categorically singled out as a possible source of energy in the not-too-distant future. Indeed, hydrogen has been widely used in many applications, including in refining ammonia and petroleum, and the production of methanol and synthetic fuels which have more emissions. These applications accounted for more than 93% of global hydrogen consumption in 2020.
Rohingya need urgent rescue
News, Editorial, Published on 25/12/2022
» Today, as Christmas marks a celebration of family and giving around the world, about 200 Rohingya refugees are stranded at sea, starving and dying. For the past three weeks, they have gone without food and water. About 20 of them, including women and young children, have died. More will get sick and die if they do not receive help in time.