Showing 41 - 50 of 61
Asean needs leadership in 2019
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 07/01/2019
» The high chance that Thailand's general election will be postponed from Feb 24 is disappointing news to me. Hopes that poll-related activities will brighten the gloomy economic picture are fading and uncertainties are mounting about the country's return to democracy, long a concern of outsiders.
Medical costs need creative rethink
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 21/01/2019
» The persistent thick haze that has blanketed Bangkok in recent weeks has led to growing disenchantment with the government and calls for meaningful action. I find it hard to believe that authorities appear to have put so little effort into planning for such outbreaks of pollution and properly warning citizens.
Winning the hunger games
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 29/10/2018
» Oct 16 is celebrated every year around the world as the World Food Day to mark the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
India needs a better EV future
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 05/11/2018
» I don't travel often to India and I haven't been there for a while, so I was surprised to hear last week that the country may halt the use of private vehicles in New Delhi if air pollution in the capital gets any worse.
Putting plastic in its place
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 01/10/2018
» Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental challenges of our time. Statistics show that approximately a third of plastic packaging finds its way into the natural environment. Plastic waste often enters oceans through rivers and waterways.
Budget airline blues
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 13/08/2018
» My latest visit to Phuket was very pleasant despite the on-and-off rainy season showers. Walking on the busy streets and beaches there, I had no sense that it was the low season. But what impressed me the most was the hospitality of the local people, from massage therapists to people on the streets whom I asked for directions, and the waitress at a well-known coffee shop.
RCEP matters more than ever
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 03/09/2018
» Last week's meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Singapore came at a critical juncture, not only for the future prosperity of the 16 countries involved but also the sake of the rules-based free and fair trading system globally.
A crack in the Great Firewall?
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 02/07/2018
» Whenever China announces policies to open up its economy or facilitate investment from abroad, the news is usually welcomed at home and abroad, but such policies or measures need to be fair. Not welcome are those that create discrimination or lead to greater disparity.
Business unusual in Malaysia
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 21/05/2018
» Businesses and investors are still coming to grips with the new political order in Malaysia, where the government led by Mahathir Mohamad is moving quickly to place its stamp on the economy and also bring to justice those accused of corruption, including former prime minister Najib Razak.
When children go hungry
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 11/06/2018
» Few things are sadder than the sight of a hungry child. My sadness turned to anger when I learned that corrupt adults were stealing food from the mouths of children in my own country.