Showing 1 - 10 of 622
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.
Bhumjaithai's rise casts shadow over watchdogs
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/03/2026
» Following parliament's decisive vote for a new prime minister, Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul is making a triumphant comeback. He now wields something akin to near-absolute power, having effectively seized control of the country's major political mechanisms and institutions.
When being neutral is no safeguard
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 18/03/2026
» 'Don't worry about it, we are neutral!" was Thailand's flippant response to the Islamist terrorist attack on America in 2001 when hijacked jets carrying innocent passengers and filled to the brim with aviation fuel smashed into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on Sept 11.
Lesson from India to avoid the middle-income trap
Oped, Arvind Panagariya, Published on 18/03/2026
» Among Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most ambitious goals is to transform his country into a developed economy by Aug 15, 2047 -- the centenary of Indian independence. Given India's growth record over the past two decades, the speed and scale of its infrastructure development in recent years, and the Modi government's willingness to enact large-scale economic reforms, India is likely to become one of the few developing countries to avoid the middle-income trap.
Ireland ready to lead EU amid global challenges
News, Patrick Bourne, Published on 17/03/2026
» In a world as fast-moving and unpredictable as the one we are navigating right now, it is good to know there are reliable lighthouses on the horizon and at least a few certainties upon which we can depend. One of those is that St Patrick's Day, every March 17, is an occasion that Irish people, and people of Irish heritage, and friends of Ireland, will be keen to celebrate all over the world, including here in Thailand. And for our small island, from which so many people emigrated throughout our history, this really is a global celebration of our history, culture, connections and shared values.
Phuket stands at a tourism crossroads
Oped, Ajaree Tavornmas, Published on 12/03/2026
» Phuket has long stood as one of Asia's most celebrated destinations. Framed by the Andaman Sea, its turquoise waters, rich cultural fabric and globally recognised hospitality have attracted millions of visitors for decades. Tourism accounts for approximately 95% of the province's economy, generating more than 500 billion baht annually from over 14 million Thai and international travellers. With around 1,500 registered hotels and more than 100,000 rooms, the island is undeniably a cornerstone of Thailand's tourism industry.
It's never been more important to strengthen ties
Oped, Genevieve Donnellon-May, Published on 09/03/2026
» Australia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) face a defining moment. Intensifying great-power competition, climate crises and economic fragmentation are reshaping the Indo-Pacific, raising urgent questions about how the two sides can build a truly resilient partnership.
Piyabutr’s farewell post could have been an email
Vanich Kittichai, Published on 07/03/2026
» A frustrating but inescapable part of leading change is the need to maintain an image of complete assuredness and confidence. Even when facing external or internal friction, an agent of revolution can never really let on that they harbour any doubt or dissatisfaction. It is those moments of uncertainty that allow proponents of the status quo to delegitimise the entire movement.
Doubts mount over EC's poll handling
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/02/2026
» Almost two weeks after the election, the embattled Election Commission (EC) has yet to endorse any winning candidates. Instead, it finds itself under mounting pressure, facing criticism and petitions from multiple directions.
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.