Showing 1 - 10 of 984
Can alliances with the US be replaced?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/04/2026
» The increasingly loud debate over the future of alliances -- after reports that the US could scale back or even withdraw from Nato -- is nerve-racking. It has caused alarm across Europe and in Southeast Asia, another node of the US alliance network. Even without any official decision, remarks by US President Donald Trump on social media were enough to shake already fragile US alliances. The question now frequently asked by Thai policymakers is: What comes next if alliances weaken?
The silent engines of Asean realism
Oped, Imran Khalid, Published on 30/03/2026
» The global economy is currently tackling what may be the most significant energy disruption since the 1970s. The effective throttling of the Strait of Hormuz -- now seeded with Iranian Maham mines and subject to a tense, IRGC-monitored tolling system -- has physically severed the energy arteries that sustain the industrial heart of Southeast Asia.
City's green spaces losing ground
Oped, Thunpicha Greigarn, Published on 30/03/2026
» Like the body, most of Bangkok's battles happen beneath the surface. By the time you notice, the damage is already done.
Visa blowback
Oped, Postbag, Published on 26/03/2026
» Re: "MFA proposes slashing visa-free tourist period in half", (BP, March 25) & "Explainer: Thailand's new visas", (Podcast, Aug 5, 2024).
Long stay doubts
Oped, Postbag, Published on 24/03/2026
» Re: "30-day visa-free stay 'sufficient', says minister", (BP, March 21) & "Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up" & "Phuket up in arms on long‑stay visa", (BP, March 18).
Global travel erases places we love
News, Richard Florida and Carlo Ratti, Published on 17/03/2026
» Venice is drowning -- not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and "Tourists go home" signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.
Coalition chaos
News, Editorial, Published on 07/03/2026
» Tradition holds that within days of the results of a general election being announced, winning contestants and parties let the media photograph them -- typically holding or shaking hands with someone, or hugging.
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.
Japan's Takaichi wins strong new mandate
Oped, John J. Metzler, Published on 19/02/2026
» A political Tsunami swept across Japan as recent national elections delivered a resounding victory for the incumbent party and its maverick leader, Sanae Takaichi. Though the outcome was assumed, her stunning triumph in the Feb 8 election was unexpected.
Surviving the collapse of the population
Oped, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 13/02/2026
» 'To them that hath shall [more] be given" is generally a reliable guide, especially in economic matters, but it doesn't work if the beneficiaries are too stupid to take advantage of the gift. The scarce and precious commodity in this case being people, who are in increasingly short supply.