Showing 1 - 10 of 139
2026 outlook calls for recalibration
News, Mohamed A El-Erian, Published on 17/01/2026
» For global markets, 2025 was defined as much by what did not happen as by what did. The year offered a masterclass in the power of a single narrative, with massive, concentrated bets on AI masking various other unanswered questions. Yet as we move further into 2026, the AI narrative is unlikely to prove strong enough to continue overshadowing other lingering uncertainties, many of which reflect deeper structural shifts. For investors, central banks, and governments alike, the situation demands adaptation.
National history in Children's Day mottos
Nonthawat Phakham, Published on 14/01/2026
» In Thailand, Children's Day falls on the second Saturday of January, a tradition that began in 1955 to raise public awareness of the importance of children. Each Children’s Day, the prime minister provides a motto that apparently reflects national situations during that period.
What went so wrong in Latin America?
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 18/10/2025
» Javier Milei, the Elon Musk wannabe who became president of Argentina two years ago, chainsaw in hand, is now in deep trouble with the voters, and the mid-term elections are due this month. He has the same political agenda as Donald Trump, give or take a folly or two, so he asked his populist big brother for help, and Mr Trump delivered.
Solving the conflict in Myanmar
News, Charles Petrie, Published on 15/09/2025
» The Myanmar military has recently launched a new offensive in different parts of the country, determined to claw back territory it has steadily lost since the coup of Feb 1, 2021. These operations, though at times tactically successful, are being carried out through brute force: airstrikes, mortar attacks, and the increasing use of drones. Entire areas are being destroyed. What will follow is not liberation, but military occupation. But how viable and effective will be the administrative structures that the generals will impose to govern these shattered spaces?
Betting on the wrong horse
Oped, Editorial, Published on 11/08/2025
» In times of economic challenge and amid simmering border tensions with Cambodia, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who doubles as interior minister, has quietly overturned a 67-year-old ban on poker, reclassifying it from gambling to a recognised sport. The sudden move, which happened without public consultation, has sparked criticism and fuelled suspicion about the government's true priorities.
Protest a worrying sign
Oped, Editorial, Published on 01/07/2025
» The protest at Victory Monument on Saturday brought back memories of the last two street demonstrations which rocked the capital in recent years -- the protest organised by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) against then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and the rallies held by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) against his sister, Yingluck.
Respectful intention?
Oped, Postbag, Published on 27/06/2025
» Re: "Clip scandal grows by day", (Editorial, June 23). The Thai government is hanging by a thread after a leaked call shredded the credibility of 38-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The respectful term "uncle" is not inappropriate for the elder Hun Sen, the 72-year-old, longest-serving former PM and father of the current leader of Cambodia.
Dubious claim
Postbag, Published on 15/04/2025
» Re: "Online arrival cards for Thailand take effect May 1", (BP, April 11).
Keep Muay Thai's roots alive
Oped, Somsak Wiwatpaisal, Published on 27/03/2025
» For decades, most people have known Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, through televised matches, unaware the sport has an ancient legacy of diverse traditions that are obscured in the familiar ring fights.
Will we waste the AI opportunity?
Oped, Daron Acemoglu, Published on 25/02/2025
» I was fortunate to participate in the recent AI Action Summit in Paris, where many discussions emphasised the need to steer AI in a more socially beneficial direction.