The recent reshuffle of the top echelons of the Royal Thai Police was supposed to be clean and professional. The reshuffle and concurrent reforms, however, have done little to eradicate malfeasance and partisanship in the force.
Author Archives: Isabelle Chua
Trump 2.0: Dual Challenges for Thailand’s External Sector
Faced with US tariffs and a resultant import surge into Thailand, the government should seek to effect targeted measures to support the Thai economy.
Malaysia’s Failed BRICS Bid: A Blessing in Disguise?
Malaysia’s aspired BRICS membership would bring modest economic benefits but sizable political gains. Anwar should tread prudently and discreetly; pursuing BRICS vigorously could jeopardise Malaysia’s ties with the US and the West.
Will Vietnam Consolidate Its Top Two Leadership Positions?
Vietnam’s uppermost echelon of political leadership is likely to remain structurally unchanged for various reasons.
Thailand’s Lost Youth: Mental Health Crisis and the Price of Policy Neglect
The most vulnerable children and youth in Thailand need grownups and the government to act fast and firmly, before more young lives are lost.
Why Did Indonesia Decide to Buy China’s J-10 Fighter Jet?
Indonesia’s recent announcement that it was considering buying the China-made J-10 fighter raises more questions than answers.
Trump’s Whirlwind ASEAN Visit: Any Substance Behind the Show?
Beyond the pomp and pageantry of Trump’s visit to Southeast Asia, some aspects of America’s policies towards the region have become clearer.
All That Money Cannot Buy: Patterns of Satisfaction in Malaysia’s Happiness Index
Malaysia’s Happiness Index shows that ploughing resources into health, family life, education and faith yields dividends.
Malaysia’s Participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla: Solidarity or Pageantry?
Malaysia made a spectacle of its support for the GSF, revealing the tension between moral leadership and moral theatre in the country’s Palestine policy.
Post-Sri Mulyani, Indonesia’s Unrestrained Growth Ambitions Carry Serious Risks
Sri Mulyani’s successor Purbaya has already signalled a greater willingness to support Prabowo’s populist programmes — in ways that could potentially over-expand credit, raise debt burdens, and erode investor confidence.