The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to push through its 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme. If it fails, there would be significant ramifications for the party. Yet, even if it succeeds, there is no guarantee that the party will regain its electoral dominance.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Indonesia and Malaysia: Palm Oil Under Pressure from Substitutes and EU Deforestation Regulation
The palm oil industry in Indonesia and Malaysia is seeing serious challenges in the form of green substitutes and strictures by the EU.
Mineral Security Partnership and Southeast Asia: Forcing Countries to Choose?
The US-led Minerals Security Partnership is a two-edged sword for Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s Deepening Leadership Crisis: More Instability on the Horizon?
With the “resignation” of the chair of Vietnam’s National Assembly, the country is facing a leadership crisis.
Rightsizing Japan’s Economic Influence in Southeast Asia
Japan retains an edge in economic influence in Southeast Asia, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels.
State of Southeast Asia Survey 2024: Indonesia Doubling Down on ASEAN and Japan
Compared to a year ago, Indonesians seem to view ASEAN and Japan more favourably. The Israel-Hamas conflict is a significant factor for declining trust in other powers but economics and soft power can also explain interesting fluctuations in their perceptions.
China’s Engagement with the Myanmar Junta: A High Cost, Low Returns Deal
As the situation in Myanmar approaches a possible climax, one external actor has the chance to act not only to save its national interest but also to influence future outcomes in its chaotic neighbour.
Beyond the Guide: Navigating the Next Phase of Artificial Intelligence Governance in ASEAN
Beyond the new voluntary guidance for how to regulate artificial intelligence in ASEAN, the region must take bolder steps in shaping the conversation and action on this new frontier or risk being left out and left behind.
Thailand Needs Economic Reform, Not Economic Stimulus
The Thai government wants to inject more economic stimulus to raise the growth rate. It should tackle productivity-raising long-term economic reform.
Indonesia’s Youth and Political Inequality: How Neo-Traditionalism Hinders Women in Politics
Indonesia has a steep climb towards the recognition that women can play an equal part in the country’s politics, especially as its youth are not immune to outdated ideas about gender roles.