COMMENTARIES

3 Jun 2024

The Impacts of the US Tariff Hikes on Southeast Asian Economies

Maria Monica Wihardja

US tariff hikes on Chinese goods have raised US imports from Southeast Asia. The medium- and long-term impacts are more uncertain and potentially disruptive; the region must be on guard.

30 May 2024

Ulu Tiram Killings: When Well-being is Key

Norshahril Saat

Two policemen were killed by a suspect in Johor recently. In analysing security and religious motivations behind the attack, there needs to be a holistic understanding of social change in the southern state.

Malaysia Malaysian Politics

29 May 2024

Southeast Asia’s Growth Strategies: Business-As-Usual, “Degrowth”, or a Third Way?

Vinod Thomas

In the face of climate change, Southeast Asian countries could choose between three growth strategies. Business as usual ignores environmental concerns, degrowth risks high social costs. A third path of truly sustainable growth presents the best option.

Economic Development Environment Southeast Asia

29 May 2024

The Thai Prime Minister’s Occupational Hazard as a Political Proxy is Being in the Line of Fire

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

Nine months into his premiership, the Thai prime minister faces uncertainty about his political future.

Thai Politics Thailand

28 May 2024

Politics in Sabah: Orchestrated Manoeuvres in the Dark

Arnold Puyok

Sabah’s political parties are manoeuvring for political advantage as the state polls loom closer.

Malaysia Malaysian Elections Malaysian Politics

28 May 2024

Thai-US Relations: Amity With Some Caveats

Paul Chambers

The US has sought to maintain its traditional line towards Thailand, emphasising democracy and human rights. But geopolitical considerations are changing Washington’s calculus.

Thai Military Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations

28 May 2024

The Good Reasons for a Thai Economic Stimulus

Richard Yarrow

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.

Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand

27 May 2024

The Thai Senate: A Crisis of Representation in the Making

Napon Jatusripitak

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.

Thai Elections Thai Politics Thailand