Showing 1 - 10 of 32
Singapore turns 60 with much to show
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/08/2025
» No country turns 60 like Singapore. In a neighbourhood of political dynasties and varying shades of autocracies and flawed democracies, the little island state of six million got lucky with its strongman rule. When he died in 2015, Singapore's patriarchal founder Lee Kuan Yew left a great country behind. This weekend, Singaporeans can take stock of what's gone by and rightly celebrate its milestone with much to show for.
Financing FY 2026 deficit will fall short
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 12/06/2025
» My message is short, loud and clear. There will not be enough money to finance FY 2026's 860 billion baht budget deficit. Without enough money, the budget will collapse and take the economy down with it. The government is learning the bitter lesson of drying up finance sources now, but budget financing will be in crisis in the 2026 fiscal year.
Cost of meddling
Postbag, Published on 07/11/2024
» Re: ""Making sense of performance figures", (Opinion, Oct 31).
Taylor Swift can learn a lot from Billie Eilish
News, Lara Williams, Published on 17/05/2024
» Not long ago, I lamented the lack of climate anthems. Perhaps we'll find one on Hit Me Hard and Soft, the third studio album from Billie Eilish that's due to drop today.
Eras Tour a wake-up call
News, Editorial, Published on 11/03/2024
» In the brouhaha surrounding Taylor Swift's exclusive concert deal with Singapore, the Thai government -- instead of trying to emulate our nice neighbour's shrewd stratagem in paying artists not to play in neighbouring nations -- should focus on the fundamental problem that Thailand, despite being a preferred tourist destination, is not a priority choice for acclaimed concerts.
Well, that was a wild ride to Govt House
News, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 04/09/2023
» Finally, the Pheu Thai-led coalition government of 11 parties has been formed and is expected to assume office either this week or early next week, depending on when the government's policy statement is delivered to parliament by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Downturn doesn't mean disaster
News, Daniel Moss, Published on 10/01/2023
» The new year has been rung in by a buildup of recession chatter. From Washington to Singapore, anxiety about a downturn is intensifying. While there are good reasons to be dour about the prospects for the global economy, 2023 doesn't have to be a write-off. It could even turn out relatively well, given the prevailing pessimism.
Cambodia and Laos in the regional mix
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 30/09/2022
» As geopolitical tensions from Russian aggression in Ukraine and the ongoing United States-China rivalry intensify, Southeast Asia will be hard-pressed to maintain peace and security. Despite their relatively small size, Cambodia and Laos are two countries whose political trajectories will shape regional outcomes. While Cambodia has consolidated domestic political power with dynamic economic expansion, Laos is looking like a regional laggard facing a deep debt crisis. As Cambodia moves forward, Laos is at risk of being left behind.
SE Asia dabbles with change
News, Editorial, Published on 28/08/2022
» It may only be the end of August, but this year has seen some major announcements in Southeast Asia that signal a major shift is taking place in the deeply-conservative region. But do the changes affect reality on a deeper level, or merely cement the status quo?
Myanmar's crisis and emerging traps
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/02/2022
» Today is the first anniversary of the Feb 1 seizure of power by the Tatmadaw in Nay Pyi Taw. Over the past 12 months, the overall situation in Myanmar has gone into a downward spiral and all the progress and positive developments made since 2011, when the country proudly opened up, have gone into the dustbin.