Showing 1 - 10 of 1,172
How can we future-proof the global economy?
Oped, Mohamed A El-Erian, Published on 23/04/2026
» An uncomfortable reality is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The global economy is in a period of "more frequent and violent shocks", as Nobel laureate Michael Spence puts it. Instead of facing isolated and temporary disruptions, we are confronting a structural shift towards unsettling volatility, deepening fragmentation, and a wider dispersion of outcomes for countries, companies, and households. The old world is gone, and virtually everyone risks losing out in the new one. The question is by how much and what to do about it.
Forget births, cut Thai deaths first
Oped, Sergei Scherbov & Vipan Prachuabmoh, Published on 23/04/2026
» Thailand's demographic debate is too often framed as though the country had only one option: raise fertility or accept a shrinking workforce. That view is understandable, but for the next two decades, it is mostly the misaligned policy horizon. If the question is how Thailand can strengthen its workforce before mid-century, the fastest answer is not higher fertility, but rather lower mortality.
Time for fair reform
Oped, Postbag, Published on 22/04/2026
» Re: "Another perspective" & "Leave S112 alone", (April 20, April 19). I sincerely thank Khun Yingwai Suchaovanich and Khun Felix Qui for their thoughtful comments on our application of our lese majeste law, aka S112. This law demands our thorough scrutiny before being used, for as our beloved late national father told us, "(its) use ultimately damages the monarchy".
Building readiness for climate loss
Oped, Chayapat Patarapanchai, Published on 22/04/2026
» The floods that submerged Hat Yai were not just another natural disaster. They were a warning sign that climate change is now hitting harder and faster than Thailand can keep up with.
The war and its likely consequences
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 17/04/2026
» As the joint attack between the United States and Israel against Iran that resulted in a wider regional conflict in the Middle East approaches its two-month mark, the directions of the war remain precarious while some of the longer-lasting consequences appear evident. Unsurprisingly, the war has been detrimental and damaging for all states and societies concerned, not just within the affected region but the wider world. Already we can start counting some of the long-term costs.
When will the IMF ever learn?
Oped, Timothy Kaldas, Published on 16/04/2026
» This year's International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings come at a time of heightened economic uncertainty and intense scrutiny of the institution's capabilities and approach. Critics on the left argue that the IMF imposes regressive austerity measures on borrowers, exacerbating poverty, hampering economic growth, and undermining their ability to achieve debt sustainability. On the right, US President Donald Trump's administration has accused the IMF of "mission creep," claiming that it has strayed from its core mandate of maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Projecting hope for a world in turmoil
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 10/04/2026
» Today, the world is witnessing the most explosive situation since World War II, all too visible in conflicts such as the Iran war.
Rethinking Thailand's visa-free policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/03/2026
» Thailand is planning to cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days. This long-overdue change reflects growing concern over the effectiveness of immigration surveillance. Moreover, scaling down visa-free stays underscores the seriousness of the Anutin government's efforts to combat scammers, illegal work, and other underground activities that exploit easy visa access to turn Thailand into a base for under-the-table operations.
Education rethink
Oped, Postbag, Published on 27/03/2026
» Re: "Social Security Fund reform 'urgent' as society ages", (BP, March 25).
MPs' pensions on the line
Oped, Editorial, Published on 26/03/2026
» A bleak economic outlook driven by the oil crisis has prompted renewed calls for a review of the pension scheme for former members of parliament, which critics say has become a heavy burden on taxpayers.