Showing 1 - 10 of 2,430
Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/03/2026
» For the most part, Southeast Asia as a region has taken a neutral stance toward the joint attack between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Philippines and Thailand, two formal US treaty allies, have distanced themselves, calling for restraint and de-escalation.
Freedoms fall once more
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/03/2026
» Thailand's score on Freedom House's latest "Freedom in the World" report dropped by two points, from 36 to 34. While a two-point slip may seem insignificant, the grade effectively placed the country in the "not free" category -- down from "partly free" in 2024.
When being neutral is no safeguard
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 18/03/2026
» 'Don't worry about it, we are neutral!" was Thailand's flippant response to the Islamist terrorist attack on America in 2001 when hijacked jets carrying innocent passengers and filled to the brim with aviation fuel smashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on Sept 11.
Lesson from India to avoid the middle-income trap
Oped, Arvind Panagariya, Published on 18/03/2026
» Among Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious goals is to transform his country into a developed economy by Aug 15, 2047 -- the centenary of Indian independence. Given India's growth record over the past two decades, the speed and scale of its infrastructure development in recent years, and the Modi government's willingness to enact large-scale economic reforms, India is likely to become one of the few developing countries to avoid the middle-income trap.
Rising costs, empty tanks
Oped, Editorial, Published on 18/03/2026
» As war between the US–Israel alliance and Iran escalates, the caretaker government's response -- limited to a few warnings, a recommendation for state officials to work from home, and, as usual, fuel subsidies from the State Oil Fund -- appears woefully inadequate.
Thai neutrality key as Mideast war escalates
Oped, Anucha Charoenpo, Published on 13/03/2026
» The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel is causing widespread concern beyond the Middle East. Thailand, like many other nations, has expressed concern about the risks of terrorism and sabotage that could threaten both citizens and foreign nationals within its borders.
Poor timing
Oped, Postbag, Published on 12/03/2026
» I was stunned by the airing of American Psycho (unedited version, sic) at 12.15pm on True Visions Channel 228. This movie is only suitable for late-night viewing (parents note) at best, given its horrific and lewd content, although we are assured by film critics that it is a satire of contemporary society. Given ongoing developments, this seems to be true. It's going to get a remake too, God help us.
Cultural eclipse
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2026
» The notion of performing major surgery at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is welcome news. The idea of merging tourism with the Ministry of Culture to create a new ministry that also oversees sports is the brainchild of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Voters in Nepal demand change
Oped, Brabim Karki, Published on 11/03/2026
» A rapper turned politician, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, looks set to become Nepal's next prime minister. Mr Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election -- the first since deadly Gen Z-led protests last year, marking a major shift away from traditional old guard parties.
Testing times could prove govt mettle
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 09/03/2026
» A honeymoon period seems out of the question for the new administration led by the Bhumjaithai Party, which may come into office in late April or May, depending on how quickly the processes of electing the House Speaker and his two deputies, and the election of the prime minister in parliament, take place.