• BUSINESS

  Making Bimstec matter

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 20/01/2020

  » The Bay of Bengal is the focal point of a landscape of great diversity and vast potential yet to be tapped. The largest bay in the world is shared by some of the world's most dynamic economies, but integration remains limited despite their shared histories and cultures.

• OPINION

  Safari tourism is key to taming wildlife conflict

  News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 12/09/2019

  » The world-heritage Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is not a typical nature reserve. Located in Uthai Thani and Tak provinces, it has been enshrined as a symbol of wildlife conservation by the legacy of its former chief and renowned conservationist, Seub Nakhasathien.

• BUSINESS

  The light dims in Hong Kong

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 16/10/2017

  » Like many Thais, I have always considered Hong Kong my favourite destination. Perhaps it's because I've long been a big fan of the soap operas and martial arts films from Shaw Brothers Film Studio that dominated our television sets and cinemas during the 1970s and '80s. Hong Kong in those days was the epitome of glitz, a unique, vibrant and advanced Asian city where Eastern and Western cultures melted together into an exciting blend.

• THAILAND

  Asean urged to ease rules on workers

  News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 10/10/2017

  » The World Bank is urging Asean member countries to ease labour restrictions so migrant workers can earn money overseas to boost welfare and deepen economic integration.

• BUSINESS

  Asean 4.0

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 25/09/2017

  » The world is in the midst of a digital transformation, and so is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). The region of 630 million people has become a strategic battleground for the digital economy, in which established tech giants and startups alike are trying to seize market opportunities.

• BUSINESS

  Fresh optimism in KL

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 11/09/2017

  » Anyone who visits Kuala Lumpur these days will feel the vibe of optimism, in the form of construction that is humming along across the capital city. The Malaysian government is injecting massive sums to develop transport infrastructure -- an element the country lacks in comparison with close neighbours Singapore or even Thailand.

• BUSINESS

  Open economy evangelist

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/08/2017

  » New Zealand has long been known for kiwi fruit, lamb and the invincible All Blacks, the fearsome national rugby team. But in the global economic sphere, the country is also known as a champion of open economies and free trade. Last year, the country was rated the world's second-best place to do business by Forbes magazine. That helps confirm its reputation in the field of trade -- and explains why the British government chose a New Zealander to head its post-Brexit trade negotiating team.

• OPINION

  More jail time won't prevent drink-driving

  News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 05/07/2017

  » Last week, the Road Safety Policy Foundation launched a campaign for harsher punishments of drink-drivers, calling for authorities to give them immediate jail terms without suspension. For me, the campaign confirms two things. First, our law enforcement has failed to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol. Second, as the long weekend approaches, the campaign suggests that it could be yet another period of carnage on the roads from accidents.

• OPINION

  Risky legacy    for regime's pet projects

  News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 12/06/2017

  » Leaders are always remembered for their legacy or their pet projects. For example, the Isan Khiew project, a grandiose plan to green the largely arid and infertile northeastern region, always comes to mind whenever I think of former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who floated the idea, in 1997.

• WORLD

  Prognosis: Improving

  Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/04/2017

  » Two decades ago, the healthcare system of Myanmar was best described as comatose. It had been in declining condition since independence from Britain in the late 1940s. Envisioned as offering free primary healthcare, the system failed to do so in practice and languished because of a lack of investment as the country grew increasingly isolated under Ne Win and subsequent military leaders. In 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked the healthcare system in Myanmar 190th out of 191 countries.

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