Showing 51 - 60 of 116
Staying in shape
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 01/06/2015
» Asian banks remain healthy and have managed to avoid the ongoing problems faced by some multinationals that have been divesting assets left, right and centre, say some of the region's top finance executives.
Separating leaders from pretenders
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 01/06/2015
» In more than a year since the coup, there have been only a few times when I could proudly say that this undemocratic government has done something that Thailand could be proud of. Friday's gathering in Bangkok of 17 nations and a handful of international organisations was one such praiseworthy event.
Economic storm clouds building
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 11/05/2015
» It's never easy deciding what to write about in this space each week, given all the issues facing this vibrant region. Lately we've seen a grim run of news ranging from the tragic earthquake in Nepal to the shocking (but not totally surprising) discovery of migrant "death camps" in Thailand.
Malaysia holds steady
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 20/04/2015
» Malaysia's economy and financial system remain strong despite diminished growth prospects amid the rout in commodity prices and talk of possible problems in the financial sector, says the country's central bank governor.
Jakarta's language rule a step backward
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 06/04/2015
» Just when I thought my country was becoming a basket case when it comes to caring for foreign investors, one of our Asean brothers just made Thailand look at little better by proposing a rule unmatched for sheer stupidity.
Export slump a big wake-up call
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 30/03/2015
» It's been an eventful week in the region, from the passing of Lee Kuan Yew to renewed sparring over the South China Sea. Either subject would be well worth a column. Certainly the outpouring of praise for Lee should be tempered with a realisation that Singapore's admirable success has come at the expense of freedom of expression.
India in the lead
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 16/03/2015
» As Thailand and other countries in the region feel the pinch of a slowing China, there is a growing consensus that another major economy in the region, India, is rising to the rescue.
Thailand needs more than a rate cut
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 09/03/2015
» The calls have been growing louder for easing of monetary policy in Thailand, following in the footsteps of other Asian countries including India, Indonesia, China and Singapore. But conditions in our country these days are different, and any such move needs to be handled very carefully as it could be a double-edged sword.
Commodity quick fixes misguided
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 09/02/2015
» Another week goes by and Thailand's farmers are nowhere nearer a better life. The inaction of the government is partly to blame, as it's true that authorities in Thailand have been slower off the mark than some of their regional counterparts.
SEZ plan isn't progress at all
Asia focus, Umesh Pandey, Published on 26/01/2015
» Dear Mr Prime Minister,