Showing 1 - 10 of 100
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.
Unlocking Thai competitiveness
Oped, Kiratipong Naewmalee & Phumjit Sri-Udomkajorn, Published on 25/02/2026
» Regulatory reform is an urgent priority in restoring growth to Thailand's emerging economy. Rigid rules and excessive red tape have become significant structural barriers to private sector development. Evidence from several key industries demonstrates that outdated, fragmented legislation continues to constrain competitiveness.
VAT hikes alone won't narrow deficit
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 27/11/2025
» This article is not meant to attack Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) for the fiscal years from 2026 to 2030. It is meant to emphasise the fragility of a Thai fiscal position that requires multiple revenue enhancement measures.
Rethinking identity from the start
Oped, Watcharin Ariyaprakai, Published on 29/10/2025
» Thailand has made history by recognising same-sex marriage, affirming the right of adults to love and marry freely. This will rightly be celebrated as a triumph for equality and human dignity. Yet, in the same society, another group remains voiceless: newborns born with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD).
Baht flow puzzle
Oped, Postbag, Published on 24/09/2025
» Re: "The baht's troubling rise", (Editorial, Sept 22). It is much discussed in the media and on social media about the mysterious inflow of money that causes the Thai baht to strengthen. Accounting-wise, the inflow is recorded as "Errors and Omissions". Even the finance minister-to-be said that he would have a discussion with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) about the issue. It is feared that the inflow is grey money.
Reimagining agriculture for young people
Oped, Maximo Torero, Published on 22/09/2025
» Is the agriculture sector fated to die out? Globally, the average age of farmers has been steadily creeping up, approaching 60 in developed countries. This leaves the sector, which supplies roughly one-quarter of jobs worldwide, in a bind: Unless it attracts large numbers of young workers, it could decline precipitously.
Shifting from tolerance to real inclusion
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 23/05/2025
» On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17, UN human rights experts recently called for countries to work with LGBTI communities and not to police them. This was an apt message that has to resonate at the national and local levels, especially when the world is witnessing regression in regard to policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Report cards in
Oped, Postbag, Published on 12/04/2025
» Re: "Phuket beach inspected", (BP, March 13).
Rate cut helps the BoT, not the economy
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 06/03/2025
» On Feb 26, the Bank of Thailand's (BoT) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut its policy interest rate by 0.25%, lowering it to 2.0%.
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.