Showing 1 - 10 of 35
A Songkran downer
News, Editorial, Published on 15/04/2024
» Songkran festivities across Thailand continue to draw in both local and foreign tourists, all eager to partake in the joyful water-splashing celebration.
What joining OECD means to Thailand
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/04/2024
» Thailand's bid to become a member of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) could be extremely challenging owing to the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Since the release of the OECD's Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework last year, the Paris-based intergovernmental organisation has been doubling its efforts to woo more members from the region. Both the region's No.1 and No.2 economies, Indonesia and Thailand, are high on the list.
Parnpree to diplomats: 'Don't give up'
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/11/2023
» 'Do not take no for an answer" could be the new hashtag for all Thai diplomats from now on. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahidha-Nukara instructed his lieutenants not to give up or allow themselves to be turned down too easily when they are pursuing a "proactive economic policy".
Time to end gender-based violence
Oped, Published on 27/11/2023
» Gender-based violence remains an urgent human rights concern in the Asia Pacific region. This year, as we mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, we call for stronger investments in ethically collected data to guide policies and actions across Asia and the Pacific in combating gender-based violence.
First look at new Thai diplomatic tactics
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/10/2023
» In deciphering the 1,288-word Thai foreign policy statement announced last week, it is important to start at the very end. The last paragraph of "Thailand's Challenges: How to Thrive in Rising Geopolitical Uncertainty", put forward by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, was particularly revealing. He said succinctly that Thai diplomatic platforms must complement the government's domestic policies to improve people's standard of living and create job opportunities in order to get the country back in the global economic and political arena with dignity. In addition, it must enable the Thai business sector to grow and prosper domestically and internationally to increase confidence in Thailand.
Downsides to digital cash handout plan
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 21/09/2023
» I announced in a previous article that today's story would focus on liquidity and debt. But after careful consideration, I have decided to postpone this for another fortnight. The main reason being that I want to wait for the Bank of Thailand's economic data release for August due out on Sept 29.
Virtual diplomacy is real in Thailand
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/07/2023
» The past several months have been tumultuous times in Thai diplomacy, with virtual diplomacy constantly challenging real-world diplomacy. Several incidents have occurred involving neighbouring countries, friends and allies. They all started off simply as casual online conversations or Instagram posts, then suddenly, they could quickly have turned toxic and evolved into diplomatic squabbling.
How to drive sustainable growth
Oped, Published on 16/02/2023
» Rapid development in Asia and the Pacific has propelled the region to become a key engine of growth for the global economy, yet this prosperity has not reached everyone. And with the region not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, much work lies ahead of us.
Bid for UNHRC seat needs care
Oped, Published on 13/10/2022
» In late September 2022, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai announced Thailand's bid to be a member of the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025 cycle. While this is a bold, welcome move, self-reflection is much needed.
Time to get tough with Ponzi schemes
Oped, Published on 28/09/2022
» The Forex-3D fraud with its many victims is just one of a plethora of financial scams in the country. Now that an investigation is underway, a number of socialites, including some well-known entertainers who are allegedly linked to the high-profile scam, have been charged with collusion or even imprisoned.