Showing 1 - 10 of 126
Our tariff-era dollar, your problem
Oped, Qiyuan Xu, Published on 04/02/2026
» In 2025, the dollar index, which measures the greenback's strength against a basket of major currencies, fell by roughly 9.4%. Over the same period, the United States' average effective tariff rate rose by around 14.4 percentage points, from 2.4% to 16.8%, according to the Yale Budget Lab. Taken together, these shifts imply that, in the import trade domain, the US experienced an effective exchange-rate depreciation of around 24%.
Three main parties and two directions
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 16/01/2026
» Although Thailand's election campaign is reaching fever pitch ahead of voting day on Feb 8, the dynamics and contours of its final outcome can be gleaned from past polls over the last 25 years. Only once in January 2001, as was indicated in this space last week, were voter results fully honoured and carried out. Other elections were either upended by military coups or manipulated by judicial interventions.
Gold beats banks
Oped, Postbag, Published on 26/12/2025
» Re: "Strength of baht spurs fear", (BP, Dec 24).
Reporting matters in war
Oped, Editorial, Published on 12/12/2025
» As border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia intensify, social media is flooded with xenophobic slurs and calls for annihilation. Unfortunately, much of the Thai media echoes the sentiment, failing the public when responsible reporting is most needed.
Is a return to gold standard possible?
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 11/12/2025
» We are now in the middle of the holiday season. Therefore, I will refrain from writing about heavy and depressing issues like the Thai economy and the outlook for 2026 and beyond. In this moment of joy, I will write about the possibility of returning to the gold standard, which some supporters say can be seen in central banks aggressively buying gold bullion to replace the dubious US dollar. The last article of the year will be about the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Farmers fret at tariff deal
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/08/2025
» Local farmers are gradually voicing their fears about the economy after learning that the Thai government may remove non-tariff barriers and reduce the tariff for imported goods from the United States.
Tech-free zones are required to save humanity
Oped, Mariano Miguel Carrera, Published on 24/07/2025
» Several recent interactions and observations have led me to believe that humanity needs technology-free zones where people can interact and be themselves. Ironically, better human contact leads to better technology. The purpose of technology is to serve humans, whereas the reverse appears to be happening now!
Test of old ties
Oped, Postbag, Published on 05/06/2025
» Re: "Can Thailand engage with Trump's US?", (Opinion, June 3).
Thaksin prophecy
Oped, Postbag, Published on 06/05/2025
» Re: " '14th floor saga' paints a bad picture", (Opinion, May 5) & Thaksin probe welcome", (Editorial, May 1).
How to counter Trump's tariffs
Oped, Shang-Jin Wei, Published on 19/02/2025
» After months of threats and speculation, US President Donald Trump has officially launched his long-anticipated trade war. He has just imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports. His new 10% tariff on Chinese imports will further strain the world's second-largest economy, which is already grappling with slowing growth and unfavourable demographics. And his postponed -- but not cancelled -- 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, together with threats to impose new tariffs on the European Union, India, and many more countries, put greater pressure on key US allies.