Showing 1 - 10 of 79
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.
Booze curbs silly
Postbag, Published on 26/10/2025
» Re: "Govt orders study into booze curbs", (BP, Oct 24).
WTO at 30 after decades of challenges
Oped, Supachai Panitchpakdi, Published on 30/07/2025
» When I sat down to write an article "WTO at 10" for a commemorative book for the occasion in 2005, little did I know of the huge challenges the WTO and the multilateral trading system would have to confront in the following two decades.
Southeast Asia facing hidden extremist threat
Oped, Muhammad Makmun Rasyid, Published on 07/07/2025
» In May, Indonesia's counter-terrorism unit arrested an 18-year-old man in Gowa, South Sulawesi, on charges of spreading Islamic State (IS) propaganda and inciting bomb attacks on social media. Identified only as MAS, the suspect represents a deeply troubling development in Southeast Asia's struggle against terrorism: the rise of youth radicalisation driven entirely by online exposure.
US-China trade truce didn't solve rare earths riddle
Oped, Imran Khalid, Published on 27/06/2025
» Amid the swirl of headlines about a US-China trade breakthrough in London on June 11, it is reported that US President Donald Trump said the US and China had made a "great deal" -- with China agreeing to supply US companies with magnets and rare earth metals, while the US would walk back its threats to revoke visas of Chinese students.
Rethinking short rentals in Thailand
News, Wichayada Amponkitviwat & Khemmpat Trisadikoon, Published on 21/05/2025
» The global rebound in tourism after Covid-19 has driven a notable surge in short-term rentals (STRs) through online platforms. Offering travellers greater flexibility, STRs have become a popular alternative to traditional hotels, particularly in urban and tourist-heavy areas. In the European Union, their use has expanded rapidly, reflecting forecasts that predict continued growth fuelled by competitive pricing and evolving travel preferences.
Why OECD membership matters
News, Werapong Prapha, Published on 12/05/2025
» In a highly fragmented world, Thailand's accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) is more than just a diplomatic gesture -- it marks a transformative opportunity to accelerate structural reform and attract high-quality investment. Today, the 38 OECD member countries account for over 60% of global GDP and 75% of world trade, with over half of global energy consumption -- underscoring the bloc's strategic importance.
Urgent issues at hand
News, Editorial, Published on 07/04/2025
» As a wave of crises -- a devastating earthquake, a deadly building collapse and the looming shockwave of 36% import tariffs imposed by the United States -- hits Thailand, it is both startling and deeply disconcerting to see the ruling party channelling its energy into a fast-tracking its casino legislation.
Vape dilemma heats up
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/03/2025
» Photos of Chorayuth Chatupornprasith, MP of the People's Party, vaping in parliament have caused a stir, especially as there are parliamentary moves to revise policies for e-cigarettes, which are currently illegal in Thailand.
Thaksin's forlorn fashion hope
Editorial, Published on 26/01/2025
» Remember Nadja Auermann? The German supermodel was invited by the then Thaksin Shinawatra government in 2004 to join hundreds of Thai models on the runway to kick off the Bangkok Fashion City campaign -- Thaksin's ambitious bid to put Thailand on the world fashion map.