ASEAN faces an intriguing test of its own decision-making procedures, as consensus might be elusive given the apparent obstruction of one member to the full accession of its eleventh member.
Category Archives: Commentaries
The 2016 South China Sea Ruling at Nine: Where Does ASEAN Stand?
Nine years after an international arbitral tribunal ruled in the Philippines’ favour against China on the two parties’ disputed claims in the South China Sea, there are some glimmers of a more coherent – but still imperfect and incomplete – ASEAN position on the hotspot issue.
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.
Mahathir Mohamad at 100: Monumental Achievements, Mixed Legacies
To live a long political life in Malaysia is not unusual; to have a century’s longevity and the lengthiest career guarantees its two-time former premier ‘Dr M’ a unique place in the history books.
The Divorce Debate in the Philippines: Why Not a People’s Referendum?
Divorce elicits a multitude of opinions in the devoutly Catholic nation, both supporting and opposing it. Only a definitive public consensus can help resolve the issue.
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.
Chinese F&B Brands: Smaller Slice of Market for Thai Eateries?
Chinese brands are rapidly expanding in Thailand, with increased capital, tax incentives, and scalability, putting more pressure on local F&B businesses.
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.
Paetongtarn’s Suspension Spells the Collapse of Her Government
Following her suspension as prime minister, the writing is on the wall for Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra and what remains of her ruling coalition.