ASEAN’s slow growth in services trade stems from persistent reservation and diluted liberalisation. Member states need to consolidate the region’s rules-based framework — and facilitate services trade.
Author Archives: yeosiewhan
The Unravelling of Thailand’s Military-Backed Parties
The Bhumjaithai Party has had to step into the gap left by Thailand’s two conservative parties.
Beyond Brotherhood: Vietnam’s New Playbook for Laos
In an attempt to prevent the latter from drifting too far into China’s orbit, Vietnam has made overtures to Laos in the form of functional cooperation.
Bhumjaithai-Led Government’s Platform Promises Financial Prudence but Needs Industrial Direction
The Bhumjaithai Party’s election manifesto indicates policy continuity with modest additional fiscal spending. The incoming BJT-led government should decisively provide direction for Thailand’s manufacturing sector.
Thailand’s Upper South: The Conservative Swing State
While the 2026 Thai elections were marked by a win by conservative elements, the situation in the Upper South was marked by the lack of a hegemon among conservative parties.
Myanmar’s “Election” Reveals Hairline Cracks in Military Rule
A closer look at the vote raises doubts about whether the generals can hold the country hostage in the long term.
Vietnam’s Gaza Board of Peace Gambit: To Lam’s Confident New Foreign Policy
Vietnam’s decision to join the Trump-led Gaza Board of Peace speaks less about its Middle East policy and more about its evolving foreign policy.
Anwar is Weak, But the Opposition is Weaker Still
The political woes of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a political goldmine for the opposition. But it has failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
Rebranding Bhumjaithai
Putting heavyweight technocrats in the spotlight, the Bhumjaithai Party appears to have taken a technocrat turn, away from its traditional strengths in forging political family networks in the kingdom.
Thailand’s Democrat Party: A Political Institution Survives
The Democrat Party has made a comeback from a near-death experience. But there are still key challenges to overcome.