Showing 1 - 10 of 26
Populism casts shadow over Thai politics
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 19/12/2018
» Initially, after the 2014 military coup, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha gave us reason to hope that he could bring about drastic changes to Thailand's political norms -- among these, an "addiction" to populist policies.
Slump shows govt must clean up tourism act
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 24/10/2018
» The sharp drop in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in recent months has become a cause for concern for the Thai government. This is mainly because tourists from China have been the largest revenue contributors to the Thai tourism industry.
No room for second best in prestige project
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 05/09/2018
» The controversy over the winning design of Suvarnabhumi airport's second passenger terminal does not only relate to allegations of plagiarism but also the lack of a unique identity.
Economic prosperity is in the eye of beholder
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 23/05/2018
» With GDP growth in the first quarter of this year reaching 4.8% year-on-year, the regime under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha may believe it has good reason to boast of its performance, especially when it is marking its fourth year in power. But wait, such economic prosperity may not be the reality for many.
Squeezing the blood out of a durian
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 25/04/2018
» With Thai durians selling like hot cakes on Alibaba's Tmall platform, the regime has every reason to believe its deal to have the e-commerce giant promote Thai products will be a resounding success. But Thai farmers may not necessarily gain as much from this as they expect.
Retirement plans risk hurting young
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 11/04/2018
» The proposed raising of the retirement age for state officials from 60 to 63 requires prudent consideration and implementation.
New tax plan is a real handicap
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 04/04/2018
» As it is deliberating a land and buildings tax bill, a National Legislative Assembly (NLA) committee is also considering offering golf course operators tax breaks under the proposed law. This move, however, undermines the spirit of the legislation.
Taxing pets won't kill off rabies threat
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 21/03/2018
» The death of a 14-year-old girl in Buri Ram from rabies, the sixth fatality caused by the disease this year, has set off alarm bells telling the authorities that it's time to get serious about managing stray cats and dogs as well as regulating pet owners.
Somyot loans expose patronage roots
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 07/02/2018
» The admission of former national police chief Somyot Poompunmuang that he borrowed 300 million baht from a fugitive massage parlour tycoon reminds us how deeply the patronage system is entrenched in Thai society.
Slower than a speeding bullet train? No way
News, Soonruth Bunyamanee, Published on 31/01/2018
» Pending agreement from Japan, a plan to run bullet trains along a 670km stretch of track from Bangkok to Chiang Mai may be downgraded so the trains run at top speeds of 180-200kph instead of the originally planned 300kph.