The recent military coup in Thailand that ousted the government of Yingluck Shinawatra has attracted international concern and controversy. The US, the European Union and Australia were vocal in their criticism of the situation, called for elections to be held as soon as possible, and...
It appears that Southeast Asia might face slower days ahead. The region’s predicted growth rate has been reduced to 4.7 per cent, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The revised forecast attributes the downgrade to political and economic road bumps in...
The latest episode in Thailand’s military coup saga is the exodus of undocumented Cambodian migrant workers from the country. These workers have largely fled in fear of government persecution due to their legal status in the country. Reports accusing the Thai military junta of killing...
The past few months have proven to be a turbulent time for key economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), especially Thailand and Vietnam. Is there any silver lining for investors, amid the current political and social turmoil? Thailand Since taking over, Thailand's interim military...
The recent coup d’état by General Prayuth Chai-Ocha following the imposition of martial law has largely been condemned and criticised by foreign powers. The United States, for one, has suspended military aid as a result, while international media outlets have accused the military of threatening...
Last week, Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and nine cabinet ministers were removed from office by the National Constitutional Court. The third dismissal in less than a decade has further deepened the country's protracted political quagmire. The Pheu Thai Party maintains limited political power through Ms....
On the third anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the tragic events of March 11, 2011, continue to cast a shadow over Japan’s environment and politics. Despite efforts by the authorities in the past few years, reports of contamination from the crippled plant continue to...
Touring protest sites in Bangkok some weeks back, I listened to music, picked up some souvenirs and had a milky, iced Thai tea. The mood was carnival but shrill whistles and placards with slogans like "Thaksin Get Out" make clear the political point. I felt safe...
Anti-government protests in Bangkok have lasted for more than three months and, yet, continue to confuse. Much of the international media asserts the sanctity of the vote above all else. Most over-rely on distinctions that the Reds represent the poor and the Yellows are the elite...
As the new year begins, several ASEAN countries are heading into highly contentious elections. What lies ahead for Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar? Stalemates and Protests: Thailand Thailand’s crisis will continue well into 2014. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s caretaker government is so far resisting calls to delay the...