Showing 1 - 3 of 3
Monetary policy really needs to tighten in Japan
Oped, Koichi Hamada, Published on 12/11/2024
» Last month, returning to Japan for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, I was struck by how significantly prices had increased. In February 2020, a simple lunch in downtown Tokyo cost about JP¥1,000, then the equivalent of about $10 (324 baht); today, it costs more like JP¥2,000. To some extent, this mirrors the experience in the US, where, even as inflation moderates, prices remain well above their pre-pandemic levels. The difference is that Japan has also experienced a sharp currency depreciation, which benefits foreign visitors: that JP¥2,000 bill translated to just $13.
Time to deal with e-waste
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/10/2024
» Electrical appliances, from television sets to refrigerators, mobile phones to tablet computers, have become an essential part of our daily lives. However, most consumers aren't aware of what happens to the obsolete gadgets that they have discarded. A lot of electronic waste, in fact, contain toxic, heavy elements, such as nickel, cadmium, lead and mercury, along with traces of precious metals like gold and silver.
Rethink tourist levy
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/09/2022
» After plenty of debate, soul-searching and warnings from the private sector, the Minister of Sports and Tourism has decided to go ahead with its plan to collect "Kha Yeap Pan Din" -- the 300-baht fee to be levied on foreign tourists, except those in the country for a one-day visit.