Commentaries | FULCRUM

Cambodia Has Not Tilted Away from China

Cambodia’s perceived tilt towards the West has not come at the expense of its relations with Beijing. The country has maintained its diversified foreign policy position.

The Controversy on Rain Shamans in Aceh: Sharia, Local Tradition, and Modernisation

Negative reactions in Aceh to the ritual of rain shamanism do not mask the contradiction of parts of the Islamic community tolerating ‘Islamic shamanism’ or mysticism and ritual over science and modernity.

Takeaways from SEACO2024: Rising Food Insecurity, Growing Concern for Climate Change’s Impacts

The just-released Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey (SEACO2024) finds rising food insecurity due to climate change. The region must heed the clarion call to robustly improve food production, distribution, and access.

Thailand’s Overlooked Growth Story: Labour Reallocation and Domestic Investment

Thailand’s long-term growth has been significantly fuelled by the movement of labour out of low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity industry and services, and by growth in domestic investment. These factors deserve more attention.

Competitiveness and Geopolitics: Why Thailand Chose Gripen Aircraft

The thinking behind the Thai air force’s latest acquisitions reflects not just geopolitical considerations but also internal preferences of its senior ranks.

Data Leaks: Thai Government Tough on Private Firms, Soft on Public Sector and Cybercriminals

Though the Thai government has started to crack down on private companies for cybersecurity lapses, it has not been as harsh with corrupt public officials and crooks on the Dark Web.

Barisan Nasional’s Win in Nenggiri: A Tactical Victory

Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’s victory in the Nenggiri by-election highlights both their strengths and weaknesses.

Backlash Against Fulbright University Vietnam: Are Propagandists Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

Raising the spectre of foreign influence against young Vietnamese students out of fear that they might be inspired by recent street protests in other countries to topple the regime might do more harm than good.

Rule by ‘Good People’ or Rule by Political Dynasties? Ethics and Moral Politics in Thailand

Constitutional mechanisms originally designed to prevent power from slipping into the wrong hands have ironically fuelled the growth of Thailand’s political dynasties.