Showing 1 - 10 of 207
Another wasted year in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 26/12/2025
» As Thailand winds down 2025 with an early election looming on Feb 8, the most consequential issue to watch in the coming year will be whether recent topsy-turvy political patterns of polls, protests, and military and judicial interventions give way to a compromise between the old guard clinging on to vested interests and the new generation clamouring for reform and change.
Re-energising higher education in Asean
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 22/12/2025
» Higher education, implying the tertiary level associated with universities and parallel institutions, is at an inflexion point in Southeast Asia, where the trajectory of socio-political, economic and cultural development is changing rapidly.
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).
How climate fund can give justice for all
News, Sarinee Achavanuntakul, Published on 28/11/2025
» In one of the most momentous climate policy moves, Thailand's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) was formally submitted to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Nov 4.
Grasping the VAT nettle
Oped, Editorial, Published on 24/11/2025
» The proposal to raise value-added tax from 7% to 8.5% in 2028, and to 10% in 2030, by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas is a display of political courage rarely seen in a political landscape where politicians are quick to spend money in the name of "economic stimulus" but stay mum when asked how to finance the schemes.
Data centre dangers
Oped, Editorial, Published on 29/10/2025
» AI projects are among the latest top draws in terms of global investment, with governments around the world, including Thailand, courting tech companies to launch such projects in their countries.
30-baht scheme needs attention
Editorial, Published on 12/10/2025
» If we are to listen to what the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has told us, everything has been running smoothly with the universal healthcare programme, better known as the 30-baht scheme.
How gender equality boosts the economy
Oped, Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, Published on 26/09/2025
» With protectionism and industrial policy returning to advanced economies, and with geopolitical tensions on the rise, this is an inauspicious moment for trade-led growth strategies. Since future growth will increasingly depend on sound domestic policies, low- and middle-income countries should focus on ensuring that existing resources are fully and efficiently deployed. And no resource is more valuable than human capital.
Keeping universal healthcare strong
Oped, Amanee Hamu, Thongchai Napim, Manatchaya Chuyingsakultip & Kullaporn Unnanon, Published on 24/09/2025
» For 23 years, Thailand's universal healthcare scheme, better known as the "gold card", has protected millions from financial ruin, a remarkable achievement that has earned worldwide praise. Yet, the system is not perfect.
Rethinking development in an era of upheaval
News, Mohamed A El-Erian, Published on 14/08/2025
» For many developing countries, the global economic landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Lower growth, disrupted supply chains, reduced aid flows, and heightened financial-market volatility represent significant headwinds. Underpinning these changes is a fundamental restructuring, driven by the developed world, of the postwar economic and financial order. Against this background, a handful of factors are becoming critically important for the current and future well-being of developing countries -- and for the fate of multilateral institutions.