blackbox

Thailand’s Climate Change Law Should Be Fortified Before It is Enacted

Thailand’s Climate Change Act is timely and responsive to public concern, but the current version is a frail gesture addressing a complex problem.

Rethinking Thailand’s State Welfare Card: Addressing Targeting Flaws for Greater Impact

Thailand’s poverty alleviation programme needs reform as the existing system of self-targeting to access welfare cards excludes many low-income individuals while allowing some better-off ones to receive undeserved benefits.

Beyond FDI: Vietnam’s Moment for Tech Upgrading

To move up the technology value chain, Vietnam needs to think beyond foreign direct investment and focus on upgrading domestic capacity.

Indonesia’s Energy Sector Reforms Under Prabowo: Moving Backwards?

The Prabowo government’s ambitious goal for Indonesia of achieving energy self-sufficiency faces significant challenges due to the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and renewed large-scale biofuel ambitions.

US Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Panel Exports: Where the Sun Does Not Shine

The US has imposed new duties on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries to address unfair Chinese trade practices. The duties will continue to be part of Washington’s arsenal of options.

The ‘First Lady’ Who Redefines Vietnam’s Diplomacy and Politics

Vietnam’s de facto first lady has blazed a trail which has enhanced Vietnam’s diplomatic overtures and softened her husband’s image.

Thailand Faces Growing Instability with Paetongtarn’s Intransigence

The leaked phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen has ignited political instability and thrown into question the already embattled prime minister’s position.

Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus

Amid growing risks of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Southeast Asian countries can spur thinking on the Taiwan question by prodding Washington to match its words with deeds.

The Elusive Code: Why ASEAN Needs a New Playbook for the South China Sea

The Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations between ASEAN and China have reached an impasse, hindered by legal ambiguities, strategic divergences, and ASEAN’s internal divisions. ASEAN must move away from a binary approach that equates success with legal binds, and instead explore more pragmatic alternatives.