Commentaries | FULCRUM

The Good Reasons for a Thai Economic Stimulus

A range of data suggests Thailand’s economy has not reached maximal employment. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has some good grounds to inject economic stimulus—but should reconsider the policy’s design.

The Thai Senate: A Crisis of Representation in the Making

The convoluted selection process and the likelihood of self- or vested interests overshadowing public ones in Thailand’s senatorial race mean that the odds of a truly representative body are slim.

The Funan Techo Canal: Treading New Waters, Stirring Old Ripples

Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal is an embodiment of the country’s renaissance and grievances of its past.

Taiwan’s Economic Pivot Towards Southeast Asia: Bolstering Regional Support for Status Quo

A farmer harvesting pineapples in Pingtung county.

Taiwan is seeking to diversify its economy’s dependence on China towards a greater focus on Southeast Asia. This would yield benefits in more ways than one.

Race for Vietnam’s Top Job: New Candidates, Old Challenges

Photo composite of the four potential candidates

Vietnam has made two high-profile political replacements. But the question remains as to which candidate would be the country’s next general secretary.

Vietnam Must Not Let Political Rumours Online Undermine Its Anti-Corruption Campaign

Although it is not easy to pinpoint the leaker of each rumour, the disseminators of such leaks are famous, well-connected social media influencers.

Why the Russia-Ukraine War Continues to Fret Southeast Asia

Despite the Russia-Ukraine war’s geographical distance from Southeast Asia, the conflict continues to be a major concern for the region’s elite, especially in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

China’s Supposed “Change” in Policy Towards Chinese Overseas: Nothing to See Here

Recent remarks by a senior Chinese leader about Beijing’s position towards foreign nationals of Chinese descent (huaren) appears to show some change in official policy. But Beijing has largely taken a consistent position.

Thailand’s Minimum Wage Conundrum: Populist Promise or Productive Policy?

At the May 2023 election, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin’s Pheu Thai Party promised to double Thailand’s minimum wage. His administration should focus on raising labour productivity rather than pursuing short-term populist policies.