Showing 1 - 10 of 30
Solving Thailand's migrant worker retention crisis
News, Christian Offermanns, Published on 24/02/2025
» Thailand's border provinces are facing an economic contradiction. Despite government efforts to train and integrate migrant workers, the reality is stark: as soon as these workers gain skills, they leave. The cycle is predictable -- low wages, limited career paths and poor labour protections push them towards Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor, where opportunities are greater, wages are fairer, and oversight is stronger. Instead of reaping the benefits of their workforce investments, border provinces are left with an ageing population, unstable industries and a persistent labour shortage.
Trade shifts redefine development
News, Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg & Michele Ruta, Published on 03/02/2025
» Global trade is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by three major shifts. New technologies are redefining countries' comparative advantages and the types of goods they produce and export. The revival of activist trade and industrial policies threatens to distort trade flows and provoke retaliatory measures. And escalating tensions risk fragmenting the global economy along geopolitical lines.
Two wasted decades in Thai politics
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/12/2024
» Now that Thaksin Shinawatra appears actively back in Thai politics, it is demoralising to look back at Thailand's wasted time and opportunities. Once a promising country on the way from democratic transition to consolidation in the late 1990s, Thailand has become semi-autocratic, and its rocky political trajectory over the past two decades is now structural. The traditional institutions of power that grew out of the Cold War have been calling the shots in earlier decades and are just unwilling to let the country move forward in the immediate years ahead.
Thailand-South Korea dual narratives
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/12/2024
» Thailand-South Korea relations are paradoxical. The countries share a dynamic that boasts both heroic achievements and glaring challenges. While their cultural and economic ties have progressed over the decades, they are black-eyed by labour and immigration issues. Solving these irritating issues can elevate friendship and unleash the potential of bilateral cooperation.
Adapt to new tax policy
News, Editorial, Published on 09/09/2024
» Thailand is now faced with the inevitable task of imposing a top-up tax on transnational firms operating within its borders, in compliance with the global requirements of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT). This tax policy imposes a formidable challenge for the government as it seeks to maintain the nation's competitiveness and continue attracting vital foreign direct investment (FDI).
Act to defuse depopulation timebomb
Oped, Somchai Jitsuchon, Published on 14/08/2024
» Low birth rates and a rapidly ageing population pose significant socio-economic challenges for Thailand. This year, the number of elderly people has surpassed 13 million, accounting for over 20% of the total population. This figure is expected to reach 30% soon. As the number of centenarians rises, fewer babies are being born.
Asean needs digital literacy boost
News, Livia Feliciani Nazara, Published on 01/07/2024
» Digital technology advancements are constantly reshaping the world of work, necessitating significant reskilling to keep up with changing labour markets. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023, approximately 44% of the existing workforce's skillsets are projected to undergo disruption within the next 5 years. Analytical thinking and creative thinking are amongst the skills considered most crucial, while systems thinking, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data are identified within the top ten growing skills.
Is AI a threat to public sector jobs?
Oped, Livia Feliciani Nazara, Published on 30/01/2024
» In the fast-paced shift towards a digital future, the question for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is whether artificial intelligence (AI) will bring new opportunities or pose serious threats to jobs in the public sector.
Thailand's green economy challenge
Oped, Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu, Published on 06/12/2023
» Climate concerns are reshaping the job market across the globe, leading to a rise in "green" jobs tailored for low-carbon economies. Success now hinges on adaptability to this new job landscape.
Srettha confronts myriad of challenges
News, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 22/09/2023
» As the coalition government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gets going, it faces multiple daunting challenges, from public expectations and policy deliverables to the maintenance of political stability.