Longer-form commentary and opinion pieces across all geographic sections
The newly release Global Trade Growth Atlas 2022 has put the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the spotlight because the region is forecast to lead the world in export growth over the next five years. The report, by DHL Express, shows that, when assessed by the level of economic development, emerging economies are
Khunying Potjaman Damapong’s rare appearance at a Pheu Thai Party rally on September 10 was viewed as symbolic for a woman believed to be the party’s de-facto chief. Her ex-husband, deposed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, denied there was any special significance to her presence, saying Potjaman was simply there to offer their youngest daughter
The recent recovery in tourism, as reflected in the rapid rise in foreign arrivals, is offering Thailand’s ailing economy a lifeline in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government and the private sector have both placed high hopes on the recovery of the tourism sector to serve as an engine for growth of the
Although the minimum daily wage will rise by an average of 5 percent from October 1, not many workers see a brighter future. “The increase will not make my life better in any way,” said Pattama Ngarmpag, who works as a janitor. “I’m already getting more than the new minimum wage rate, but I’ve never
Beginning today (Wednesday), for the next two weeks at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the leaders of UN member states will be sharing their views on the state of the world. One might describe it as living precariously. All 193 UN members will have the opportunity to reflect on immediate challenges to their
With more heavy downpours forecast through the remaining rainy season, there is both good news and bad news for Thailand residents worried about floods. On the bright side, authorities and experts have promised that the flooding will not be as bad as the 2011 disaster. However, many say that serious floods have returned because no
Myanmar’s dissident groups have proposed the establishment of an ASEAN-Plus inclusive platform to engage all stakeholders in resolving the ongoing political crises in the military-ruled country, the United Nations Special Envoy, Noeleen Heyzer, said. The parallel National Unity Government (NUG), which was set up last year to fight the military junta, and ethnic armed organizations
Since his very first day as acting prime minister, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has aroused suspicion that he intends to take the post from the current holder. General Prayut Chan-o-cha was suspended as PM by the Constitutional Court on August 24 pending its ruling on whether his eight-year tenure has ended. For many political analysts, Prawit
The decelerating export growth in July has raised concerns that the outlook for Thailand’s economic growth may be bleak because of an increasingly likely global slowdown. The Thai economy grew 2.5 percent year on year in the second quarter of the year, continuing the growth trajectory one has seen — of 2.3 percent in the
The nature of the decision by the constitutional court last Wednesday might have been unexpected for many people, as it ordered Prayut Chan-o-cha to cease performing his duties as prime minister while the matter of his 8-years tenure is considered by the court. A legal expert says that, although people may want the answer now,
Now that the court has suspended Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha from duty after agreeing to rule on his eight-year term limit, an important question arises: What next? The Constitutional Court’s nine judges voted unanimously on Wednesday (August 24) to accept a petition from 171 opposition MPs for judicial review of Prayut’s tenure as PM. The
Supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra say the recent Central Tax Court ruling in his favour proves his innocence in a multibillion-baht tax case. But his critics argue the verdict instead confirmed that the deposed premier had cost Thailand billions by illegally concealing his massive wealth. The ruling, which was issued on July 18 and made public
