Showing 1 - 10 of 192
The future of Bangkok-Dhaka ties
Oped, Published on 25/04/2024
» With Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina having arrived in Bangkok to attend the eightieth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (Escap) from April 24-29, the stage is set for Bangladesh and Thailand to embark on a journey of enhanced cooperation.
Thai-EU free trade deal on the horizon
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/04/2024
» If everything goes as planned, Thailand and the EU could sign a free trade agreement by mid-next year, in what is another example of the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
It's feeling a bit on the warm side
Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/04/2024
» It was Oscar Wilde who observed that "conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative". He might have had a point but it means there are a lot of unimaginative people in Thailand at present. I can hardly recall a conversation lately without a reference to the heat. It has definitely been "a bit on the warm side".
Buddhism is always oddly political
Oped, Published on 16/03/2024
» This year, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua is turning 72. Following the sexagenary cycle, the Thai government organised a month-long royal procession of the Buddha's relics from Feb 24 to this coming Monday including tours of four major Thai cities -- Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani and Krabi.
Give women farm sector power
Oped, Published on 06/03/2024
» Despite women's significant contributions to our agrifood systems in the Asia-Pacific region, women continue to face persistent obstacles, including limited access to resources, services, and discriminatory practices all along the food value chain. As we gather to celebrate this year's International Women's Day (IWD), it is time for action to fully recognise women's indispensable role in the fields, in the factories, and those running small and medium-sized companies, associations and cooperatives -- all of which produce the nutritious food we eat each day.
The true cost of our 'wars' and 'wreckonomics'
Oped, Published on 16/02/2024
» In Constantine Cavafy's poem Waiting for the Barbarians, the much-feared barbarians never turn up. "Now, what's going to happen to us without barbarians?" the poem asks. "Those people were a kind of solution."
Doing good can give a business competitive edge
Oped, Peter Singer, Published on 13/02/2024
» It seems counterintuitive, but in a capitalist economy, doing the most good can provide a competitive edge. I am not referring to businesses that donate a tiny percentage of their profits to charities or tell you that they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I am talking about businesses that donate 100% of their profits -- or close to it -- to effective charities that do a lot of good.
Sri Lanka debt overhaul harms older women
Oped, Published on 26/01/2024
» The World Bank's Women, Business, and the Law Index has documented a persistent gender pension gap in rich and poor countries. This is partly because of gender-based legal disparities, such as lower mandatory retirement age for women and the lack of pension credit for periods of childcare. Because women have shorter working lives, earn less, and have a longer life expectancy than men, they often receive lower benefits, which must last longer. But the problem is most acute in low- and middle-income countries. Around two-thirds of the world's population aged 60 and older live in the developing world, and that share is projected to rise to 80% by 2050. And, as Sri Lanka's recent restructuring has shown, the mounting sovereign debt crisis threatens to erode retirement savings further, pushing even more older women into poverty.
Key steps of Thailand's bid to join OECD
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/01/2024
» Thailand finally submitted a letter of intent to the Organization of Economic and Cooperation Development (OECD), fulfilling a long ambition to become a strong market-based economy that is more globally competitive.
Prospects at home and abroad in 2024
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 05/01/2024
» Overlooked but deeply consequential, 2024 will be the first time in a decade that Thailand is ruled by a civilian-led government. Whatever frustration and disenchantment that arise this year, memories must not run short. Thailand suffered deeply under the coup-backed regime of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. Seeing his back is politically good riddance, and having Srettha Thavisin as a thoroughly civilian and pro-business prime minister bodes well for the country. Yet Mr Srettha has his work cut out to boost the economy, address constitutional reform, restore Thailand's international standing, and stay in office into next year amid the global economic slowdown.