Showing 1 - 10 of 44
Financial flexibility key to growth
News, Published on 06/11/2024
» Trade associations in Thailand are stuck with a frustrating rule -- they can only keep their income in savings accounts. This limits their ability to make smarter investments that could grow their funds. Without a change in the law, they will keep missing opportunities to increase resources and offer more value to their members.
Digital wallet scheme hits another snag
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 13/06/2024
» The new financing problem of the 10,000-baht cash handout, commonly known as the Digital Wallet Scheme (DW), has not made much noise in the media. This may be because the government wants this to be a non-issue, but in reality, it is a serious one that could wreck the entire scheme.
Securing Thailand's energy future
Oped, Published on 22/05/2024
» Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, foreign governments -- in particular the European Union and the United States, have issued travel bans and frozen the financial assets of corporate entities and individuals involved with the military regime. The most recent US financial sanction on the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (Moge), a major source of foreign currency revenue for the military government, which took effect in November 2023, is a potential risk to Thailand as it is reliant on gas from Myanmar for electricity generation.
Who's directing behind the scenes?
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 13/05/2024
» The speechwriter who wrote the speech delivered by Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the party meeting on May 3 did a lousy job which consequently put her in hot water.
Sustainability ratings just a gimmick?
Oped, Published on 24/04/2024
» Amid mounting criticism of business operations' environmental and social impacts, businesses are proudly showcasing their sustainability ratings and awards to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. Yet, do these accolades credibly reflect such commitment, or are they just a public relations tool?
Industry rules are broken, not cryptocurrencies
News, Published on 31/08/2023
» When the Venetian merchant Marco Polo travelled the Silk Road in the thirteenth century, he encountered not only unfamiliar peoples, but also new (to him) forms of finance. In China, he was shocked to learn that Kublai Khan had introduced paper money. It was lighter, easier to transfer and store, and more valuable than the metal coins packed in his purse. After returning to Venice, Marco Polo taught his fellow merchants how to use the Khan's innovation. Even though some rejected the flat, foldable currency, arguing that it was no gold and never would be, paper money would change the world.
Insults are not inspiring
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/01/2023
» This week, the government kicks off a campaign to woo support from the international community for its bid to host "Specialised Expo 2028". The move offers a happy ending to the latest fracas between local Phuket administrative bodies and Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Suthipong Juljarern, who had suggested that the province drop its bid to host the event.
Reform to rid the DNP of graft
News, Editorial, Published on 08/01/2023
» The explosive corruption scandal at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) exposes the systemic rotting of the agency from within. The misconduct explains why the agency has failed to safeguard the country's forests. Even as the top boss was caught red-handed with bribery money, it is still no secret that corruption and fierce internal politics run rampant within the agency.
World economy downhill from here
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 17/11/2022
» When I planned for this week's article, I wanted to write about the illusions of today's economic picture such as the robust GDP growth in emerging economies, declining inflation rates, booming travel business, strengthening of the Thai baht, and so on. But even with the economic data and theories to back up my claims, who would believe me? Who would believe that the current robust demand is nothing but an example of short-term, pent-up demand after two years of the Covid-19 outbreak? Who would consider the fact that consumers have no increased purchasing power to sustain today's level of consumption? Most of all, who would imagine that things would change drastically in the fourth quarter after consumers face the reality of a higher cost of living and stagnant income?
Post-Covid headwinds hit the region
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 14/10/2022
» As the five economies in mainland Southeast Asia re-emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, their prospects for recovery and return to growth and development appear challenged, characterised by deteriorating balance of payments, fiscal weaknesses, currency depreciations, and rising inflation amidst global monetary tightening and recession risks.