Showing 1 - 10 of 66
China prepares itself for the next US president
Oped, Published on 27/09/2024
» While the rest of the world weighs the impact of a Donald Trump or a Kamala Harris victory in November's US presidential election, both candidates present serious challenges for China. To be sure, neither seems to want open conflict between the two powers, which could precipitate a nightmarish descent into global chaos. But Chinese decision-makers expect bitter disputes over trade, technology, and Taiwan regardless of who wins.
Thai foreign policy needs new rudder
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 27/09/2024
» Thailand's foreign policy posture and projection under Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and the new government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is off to a good start under severe structural constraints. Given the widespread consensus both at home and abroad that Thailand has fallen behind its peers over the past two decades, the imperative of regaining its international standing is undisputed. But doing so under what the foreign minister has outlined as a "neutral stance" under "non-alignment" among the great powers is moot and misguided. What Thai foreign policy needs is multi-alignments and omni-directionality under a new rudder.
BoT ought to revise exchange rate policy
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 26/09/2024
» This is not the usual time slot for my article. My articles are usually published every other Thursday. The next one was for Oct 3. However, I feel that the "too strong" Thai baht requires immediate attention.
Being graft-free is good for business
News, Published on 25/09/2024
» Risks of corruption and bribery are key factors that multinational companies take into account when deciding to invest money or conduct business in Thailand. Early this month, a well-known US-based company selling farm and construction equipment paid $10 million (329 million baht) to settle charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission after its Thai subsidiary was found bribing government officials to secure procurement contracts from the Department of Highways (DoH) and the Department of Rural Roads (DRR).
Wage hike stuck in limbo
News, Editorial, Published on 25/09/2024
» The national tripartite wage committee deferred its meeting again yesterday, derailing the Pheu Thai Party's flagship policy of raising the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide by Oct 1.
Let's give a hip hippo hooray for soft power!
News, Saritdet Marukatat, Published on 25/09/2024
» Every breath you take / Every move you make / Every step you take / The world is watching you.
Can Thailand lead reboot of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 24/09/2024
» In 2002, Thailand brought together major Asian nations to form the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). It was a bold and visionary move to create a powerful platform to foster pan-Asian economic integration after the 1997 Asia financial crisis or the Tom Yum Kung crisis.
Former Merkel rival aims to become chancellor
News, Published on 24/09/2024
» Squeezed out of top-level politics by his arch-party rival Angela Merkel more than two decades ago, Friedrich Merz is on course to land his first-ever government job as Germany's next chancellor. The conservative Christian Democrat Party (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, which together are topping nationwide polls, last Tuesday agreed to nominate Mr Merz, 68, as candidate for chancellor in next year's federal election.
Arizona aspires to be chip off the Taiwanese block
Oped, Published on 21/09/2024
» Contrary to expectations, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) semiconductor plant in Arizona is reportedly on track to meet its 2025 production targets. This announcement poses a challenge to the many observers who predicted that the effort to bring chip manufacturing back to the United States would fail. What went right this time?
We must not lose sight of Myanmar
Oped, Published on 20/09/2024
» Three years on, there remains no end in sight to the crisis in Myanmar. As the international community is increasingly beset by the gridlock in Myanmar and instead drawn towards conflict elsewhere in the world, there is a real concern of a "Myanmar fatigue" setting in. Be that as it may, Thailand cannot afford to lose sight of the dire situation in its immediate neighbour.