Commentaries | FULCRUM

Is the Bank of Thailand Overly Independent?

The tussle between the Thai government and the Bank of Thailand reflects the fact that central banks are never completely independent of governments.

Climate Finance in Southeast Asia: Looking at the Private Sector

To achieve their climate change goals, Southeast Asian governments need to harness the power of the private sector.

Brunei’s Strategic Role in Enhancing China-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation

Brunei has the potential to drive economic growth in the eastern periphery of ASEAN. Thus far, however, the actualised gains from BIMP-EAGA have lagged behind its potential.

Sanctions Will Not Bankrupt Myanmar’s Military But New Approaches to Trade and Finance Might

Opponents of Myanmar’s military regime can think more creatively about how to cut off the flow of foreign funds to the junta. If done more comprehensively, it can not only undermine the military but also arrest the economy in crisis.

The Road to Nusantara Just Got Longer: How the Recent Resignations Are a Wake-Up Call for Indonesian Governance

The recent loss of the top two officials leading the new capital’s construction and development process has thrown a serious wrench in the works for Indonesia’s President Widodo’s ambitious move. Pretending that all systems are still go is not the solution.

Chinese in Malaysia: Proud of China’s Rise, Yet Fiercely Malaysian

Chinese Malaysians are proud of China’s rise as a great power. But they have also forged a separate cultural identity quite apart from China’s efforts.

Pheu Thai’s Shift in Communication Strategy

The Pheu Thai Party has shut down the Voice TV media outlet, as part of a strategy to boost its flagging political fortunes.

A Controversy of Monks and Mosque: A Setback for Indonesians’ Tolerance?

A conservative Muslim figure tried to criticise a Central Java mosque’s generous act of hospitality in hosting foreign monks on its premises. Nevertheless, his view still seems to be that of a minority in moderate Indonesia.