Military junta in Thailand undermines economic competitiveness
In Thailand, a military-appointed council has rejected a draft constitution and the election has been postponed to no sooner than July, 2017. An extension of the military regime means political...
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Indonesia’s haze crisis fuels Southeast Asian quarrel
Southeast Asian countries have called on the Indonesian government to do more to stop the haze crisis. This has strained relationships, in addition to having a significant impact on regional economies....
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Five Risks to ASEAN Growth
Last week, the Asian Development Bank downgraded the 2015/2016 growth rate forecasts for most ASEAN countries, and the region as a whole. The latest revised figures revel some of the risks that...
View ArticleThailand and the TPP: Exports at Risk
What will the recently-struck TPP agreement mean for Thailand? With a final agreement on the Trans Pacific Partnership reached and ratification at the national level pending, concerns over lost...
View ArticleThe economic impact of climate change in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is expected to face the worst effects of global warming in the next 30 to 50 years. This will have a significant impact on regional economies and livelihoods. According to recent...
View Article2015: A critical year for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia in 2015 saw deeper regional integration, infrastructure development is set to flourish, and historic elections were held in Myanmar. But the Thai Junta government has prolonged its grip...
View ArticleWhat to expect in Southeast Asia in 2016
2016 will be an interesting year for Southeast Asia, as the region braces for changes in government (or none at all), implements the ASEAN economy community, and prepares for volatility with the rising...
View ArticleUyghurs’ presence adds to Southeast Asia’s security challenges
The recent arrest of an ethnic Uyghur suspected of plotting a suicide bombing in Indonesia underscores the possibility of Chinese Uyghurs’ engagement in terrorist attacks in the region. The presence of...
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Extreme drought threatens Thailand’s political stability
The worst drought in 10 years is causing havok for Thailand’s agricultural sector and reigniting rural-urban tensions in the wake of the 2014 coup. Thailand is facing its worst drought in ten years, as...
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Three goals the Thai junta hopes to achieve before it exits
The Thai junta government is prolonging its stay. The new draft constitution empowers the military at the expense of weakening the executive branch and political parties. In the main time, growth in...
View ArticleThailand’s undemocratic Constitution: 3 takeaways
Thailand’s latest draft constitution is a push by the Junta to cement its hold on power, effectively shattering the country’s democracy. While the Junta ostensibly seeks to preserve stability and...
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Three imminent crises that could shape political risk in Thailand
The political landscape in Thailand looks increasingly uncertain. Three potential crises loom in the near term. Investors and businesses with a stake in the Thai economy need to follow these...
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Why the Mekong River is Asia’s next big investment locale
Japan recently announced a three-year, $7 billion investment deal to improve the infrastructure of the lower Mekong River region. This deal is a move to offset China’s growing economic influence within...
View ArticleWhat Suu Kyi’s visit to Thailand means for ASEAN relations
Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi concluded a three-day official visit to Thailand with agreements on border and labour issues. The tour is evidence of the new democratically elected...
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Under the Radar: Laos’ new PM pushes for regional integration
Laos’ new leader Thangloun Sisoulith is banking on regional integration and economic diversification, as Laos chairs ASEAN in 2016. Having assumed office in April, and as Laos chairs ASEAN for 2016,...
View ArticleEconomic repercussions of the Thailand bombings
In the wake of a number of bombings across Southern Thailand, Thai authorities have been quick to rule out international terrorism as the cause. Despite this move to protect vital tourism revenue,...
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Political risks rock China’s tourism industry
When it comes to political risk, tourism is a highly responsive industry, as customers and companies react to events quicker than other sectors. October has been a tumultuous month for the Chinese...
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ASEAN faces banking union problems
Although the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework (ABIF) appears to hold great promise, the insistence on sticking to the so-called “ASEAN Way” threatens to undermine any possible success. This refusal...
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Little light ahead for Thailand’s troubled South
Amid another round of peace talks between the Thai government and the Muslim separatists seeking to end the decades-old conflict, here are the factors that have hindered the peace process in southern...
View Article2017 Preview: Southeast Asia is set to embrace more volatility
Southeast Asia in 2016 has been marked by busy political agendas, challenges by ethnic tensions, religious conflicts, and regional stability marred by external developments, most notably the US...
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