Showing 1 - 10 of 152
Rethinking global health finance
Oped, Walter O Ochieng & Tom Achoki, Published on 06/02/2026
» For the past half-century, the economics of global health were straightforward. Under the so-called "grant-based" approach, rich countries donate to poor countries, which use the funds to meet their populations' health needs. Success was measured by services provided or lives saved, rather than by balance sheets. While this model was far from perfect, the latest approach replacing it -- focused on using tools like guarantees and blended finance to crowd in private capital -- threatens to produce even worse outcomes.
Three main parties and two directions
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 16/01/2026
» Although Thailand's election campaign is reaching fever pitch ahead of voting day on Feb 8, the dynamics and contours of its final outcome can be gleaned from past polls over the last 25 years. Only once in January 2001, as was indicated in this space last week, were voter results fully honoured and carried out. Other elections were either upended by military coups or manipulated by judicial interventions.
When infrastructure meets AI
Oped, Bertrand Badré & Saurabh Mishra, Published on 16/01/2026
» Infrastructure investment is booming. Around the world, governments are pouring trillions of dollars into roads, power grids, data centres, water systems, and housing, with many responding to intensifying climate shocks and the growing need for adaptation. Yet the construction industry -- the single largest force physically reshaping the planet -- is among the last major sectors to unlock all the benefits that digital technology offers. As a result, it accounts for about 21% of greenhouse-gas emissions, produces half of global landfill waste, and overspends by US$1.6 trillion a year.
Safety failures cost lives
Oped, Editorial, Published on 16/01/2026
» First and foremost, this newspaper extends its condolences to the families of the victims of two deadly crane collapses -- one on Wednesday at a railway construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, and another yesterday on a section of Rama II Highway in Samut Sakhon. We join the public in praying for those injured and receiving treatment in hospital, hoping for their full recovery.
Thailand's delicate stance with Israel
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/12/2025
» Now that the last Thai hostage's identity has been confirmed, the time has come for Thailand to reassess its ties with Israel.
Thailand hit by a confluence of crises
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 05/12/2025
» Thailand is currently facing multiple crises of unprecedented proportions in the highest corridors of power that will pose adversity for the economy and political stability next year and beyond.
How G20 could help end hunger
Oped, Raj Patel & Refiloe Joala, Published on 21/10/2025
» Upon assuming the G20 presidency in December, South Africa chose "solidarity, equality, and sustainability" as its theme. Far from being an empty slogan, this vision reflects the principles on which any credible international response to today's hunger crisis must rest.
SMEs need ecosystems, not donors
Oped, Chakorn Loetnithat, Yos Vajragupta & Tan Chaimadee, Published on 08/10/2025
» In today's fast-changing economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) matter more than in the past.
Building capacity where it counts
Oped, Mariana Mazzucato & Rainer Kattel, Published on 06/10/2025
» After years of underinvestment, governments around the world are struggling to keep pace with growing demands. The consequences are now widely evident, as underfunded and unprepared public agencies falter whenever crises strike. The problem is not "slimming" government down, but rather rendering it more capable, strategic, outcome-oriented and a good partner in solving the greatest problems of our time: providing adequate housing for all, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that technology makes all our lives better, not just a few "bros" richer.
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.