Thailand economy – The Diplomat

Who Pays and Who Profits From High Energy Prices in Thailand?

James Guild — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 06:29:00 +0900

Many governments are facing the question of whether to absorb rising energy prices, or put the burden on the shoulders of consumers.

Fears About Migrant Workers in Thailand Unfounded, Cambodian PM Admits

Sebastian Strangio — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:19:00 +0900

Following earlier comments from the Cambodian leader, Thailand's Move Forward Party denied it had any policy of expelling migrant workers from the country.

Thailand Clocks 1 Millionth Visitor From China Since January

Sebastian Strangio — Mon, 29 May 2023 13:56:00 +0900

Three months after Beijing ended its severe "zero COVID" policy, Bangkok says it is on track to meet its 2023 target of 5 million tourists from China.

Why the Thai Economy Grew Slower Than Its Neighbors’ in 2022

James Guild — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:03:00 +0900

The country's economy continues to be heavily dependent on foreign demand for goods and services.

Thailand, EU Agree to Restart Free Trade Pact Negotiations

Sebastian Strangio — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:30:00 +0900

Brussels called a halt negotiations in mid-2014, shortly after the Thai military seized power in a coup.

Southeast Asia’s Cement Industrial Complex

James Guild — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:27:00 +0900

The economics of cement production, particularly in emerging markets, are closely entwined with both politics and climate policy.

Why Thailand’s Current Account Returned to Surplus in September

James Guild — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:47:00 +0900

The development, driven by the revival of the tourism sector, suggests that the country is beginning to recover from the pandemic in earnest.

Thailand’s 2023 Budget Keeps an Eye on Spending and Debt

James Guild — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:06:00 +0900

In Thailand the most important thing is to keep the baht stable and maximize exports.

Why Is Household Debt in Thailand So High?

James Guild — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:07:00 +0900

COVID-19 exacerbated the situation, but high levels of household debt are a structural feature of the Thai economy that predates the pandemic.

A Snapshot of Post-Pandemic Trade in ASEAN

James Guild — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:42:00 +0900

Inflation and rising commodity prices have assisted some countries' recovery, while holding back others.

Thailand Wrestles With Omicron Variant Amid Holiday Spikes

Sebastian Strangio — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:53:00 +0900

Health authorities have recommended that the suspension of a quarantine-free travel scheme be extended until January 31.

Thailand Suspends Quarantine-Free Travel Policy Due to Omicron Fears

Sebastian Strangio — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:30:00 +0900

The move came a day after the country's health authorities identified the first local transmission of the new variant.

Thai Telcos Dtac and True Are Planning a Merger

James Guild — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 14:13:00 +0900

If approved, the merger between the two firms will create the country's largest telecommunications firm.

Will Thailand Ever Join the CPTPP?

Tita Sanglee — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 21:05:00 +0900

While there are clear benefits to joining the pact, there are also clear drawbacks that could make life harder for the average Thai.

Thailand to Cease Using Sinovac Vaccines After Supplies Are Exhausted

Sebastian Strangio — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:23:00 +0900

The announcement follows queries about the efficacy of the Chinese vaccine, the world’s most widely used COVID-19 jab.

Thailand Halves Quarantine Requirement for Vaccinated Visitors

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:30:00 +0900

The move reflects Bangkok's new policy of balancing the endemic reality of COVID-19 with the need to reopen crucial sectors of the economy.

Thailand’s 2022 Budget Takes Shape

James Guild — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:21:00 +0900

The government has been criticized for directing money to royal agencies and questionable submarine purchases during a time of economic uncertainty.

Southeast Asia’s Current Account Balancing Act

James Guild — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:52:00 +0900

While trade is important as countries seek to bounce back from COVID-19, you need to poke a little deeper to get a full picture of the current account.

Bangkok Spends Big on Public Transit

James Guild — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:46:00 +0900

The Thai capital is undertaking a range of efforts to keep pace with the rapid growth in private vehicle ownership.

Thailand Prepares to Strike Back Against COVID-19. Will It Be Enough?

James Guild — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:40:00 +0900

Thailand's ambitious plans for economic reopening are being undermined by the country's sluggish COVID-19 vaccine campaign.

Amid Surge, Thailand Seeks Additional Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccines

Sebastian Strangio — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:24:00 +0900

The order is an admission that the government's vaccine procurement efforts have fallen far short of the mark.

Thailand Buffeted by Third Wave of COVID-19 Infections

Sebastian Strangio — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:02:00 +0900

The new outbreak threatens to undermine Thailand's economic recovery before it has even begun.

Is Another Taper Tantrum on the Way in Southeast Asia?

James Guild — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:33:00 +0900

Rising U.S. bond yields have prompted fears of capital flight from Southeast Asian economies. How serious is the threat?

How Are Thailand’s Youth Protests Impacting Foreign Investment?

Maxwell Abbott — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:38:00 +0900

Thailand’s protests have not yet caused a mass exodus of foreign investors. But continuing political unrest could drive multinational corporations away.

Thailand Orders Restrictions as COVID-19 Cluster Spreads

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:35:00 +0900

Coming after months of successful containment, the outbreak in Thailand suggests the fragility of victories over COVID-19.

Thailand’s Debt Dilemma

James Guild — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 07:12:00 +0900

The nation is hoping to pump stimulus into the economy while maintaining a stable currency. Can it thread the needle?

With Plane Load of Chinese Visitors, Thailand Kicks off Attempted Tourism Revival

Sebastian Strangio — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 08:29:00 +0900

But the stringent conditions of the Special Tourist Visa meant that the sector's recovery will be slow.

Southeast Asian Economies Face Generational Downturn from COVID-19

Sebastian Strangio — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 16:20:00 +0900

A new World Bank report predicts sharp economic contractions that could produce a wave of "new COVID poor."

Thailand’s Lost Youth

David Hutt — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 21:14:00 +0900

A Thai born in 1990 has now experienced 3 economic crises, 2 military coups, and countless constitutional changes. Small wonder discontent is boiling over.

With Price High, Thais with Dwindling Incomes Sell Off Gold

Associated Press — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 22:21:00 +0900

The economy is down, but gold prices are up.

Coronavirus Hits Thailand Hard

Austin Bodetti — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 19:56:00 +0900

The precipitous drop in visitors from China could represent as big a danger to Thailand as the virus itself.

What Does a Rising Baht Mean for Thailand's Economy?

Phornchanok Cumperayot — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 21:58:00 +0900

A closer look at the economic implications of recent currency appreciation for the country.

Can Prayutnomics Help Thailand’s Economy?

David Hutt — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:47:00 +0900

A look at what the prime minister’s tenure may mean for the country’s economic prospects.

Thailand: New Government, Same Old Issues

Erin Cook — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 22:22:00 +0900

As a new government takes shape, the issues that lie ahead for it are quite familiar.

The Generational Challenge for Thailand’s Generals

Preeti Jha — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 23:40:00 +0900

While Thailand’s coup leader remains premier, the polls unleashed new democratic sentiments that the regime now struggles to silence.

Thailand’s Coup Leader Completes Engineered Ballot Box Win

Grant Peck — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 21:55:00 +0900

With parliament’s unsurprising vote, Prayut Chan-o-cha has completed an engineered effort to prolong his rule as premier.

Thailand Junta Chief’s Orwell Plug Sparks Controversy

Kaweewit Kaewjinda and Grant Peck — Fri, 31 May 2019 07:37:00 +0900

Prayut’s reference to a George Orwell classic has served as yet another front for criticism against the government given its past record and the country’s current state.

Asia’s Elections: Market Moving or More of the Same?

Anthony Fensom — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 21:42:00 +0900

Predicting the economic impact of polls in Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia, and more.

Irregularities Cloud Thailand’s 2019 Election Results

Erin Cook — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 00:09:00 +0900

Doubts about the results and the role of the election commission in particular have further intensified distrust about the country’s institutions and muddied the waters.

Thailand 2019 Elections: Conflicting Claims as Final Result Wait Continues

Kaweewit Kaewjinda and Stephen Wright — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 23:15:00 +0900

Situation intensifies uncertainties about the result as well as the future prospects of the country.

US-China 5G War: Southeast Asia Battleground in Focus with Huawei’s First Test Bed Launch

Prashanth Parameswaran — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 14:17:00 +0900

A recent development has spotlighted the subregion’s role within the broader conversation about the perceived security risks in working with Chinese firms in this realm.

Thailand’s Engagement With Africa

Istvan Tarrosy — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 23:19:00 +0900

Yet another “unusual suspect” is intensifying relations with African countries. How far can it go?

A US-Thailand Alliance Boost Under Trump and Prayut?

Prashanth Parameswaran — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 23:23:00 +0900

Though an upcoming summit meeting offers room for both sides to boost the relationship, there are also lingering challenges.

The Real Lesson in Thailand’s Struggle With a China Rail Project

Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 03:04:00 +0900

A recent controversy offers a cautionary tale with respect to large-scale infrastructure projects.

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0900

The Faces of Bangkok's Homeless

Caleb Quinley — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:36:00 +0900

A closer look at the homelessness problem in Thailand's capital city.

Can Thailand Avoid the Middle-Income Trap?

Bishal Chalise — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:54:00 +0900

Many countries in Asia are invariably facing the risk of falling into the trap; Thailand is one of them.

China-Thailand Railway Project Gets Untracked

Shawn W. Crispin — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:43:00 +0900

A high-speed rail project between the two countries has been canceled.

The Rise of State Capitalism in Thailand

Joshua Kurlantzick — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 22:18:00 +0900

How the Thaksin era ushered in the reign of state capitalism in Thailand.

Can Thailand's Junta Reverse its Economic Decline?

Shawn W. Crispin — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 21:00:00 +0900

Thailand’s military government has ambitious goals, whether it can achieve them is a big question.

Will Thailand's Military Be Held Accountable for the Country's Economic Woes?

Luke Hunt — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:51:00 +0900

As the country's economic woes continue, the junta deserves its share of blame.

Thailand Cuts 2015 Economic Growth Forecast

Prashanth Parameswaran — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 06:30:00 +0900

Revised figures compound anxieties about Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

Does Thailand Really Want to Join the TPP?

Prashanth Parameswaran — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 06:12:00 +0900

Bangkok is uttering maybes. But it is unclear if it can get to yes.

Thailand’s Junta Reshuffles its Cabinet Amid Uncertainty

Prashanth Parameswaran — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 23:44:00 +0900

The move aims to quell growing economic anxieties.

What’s Behind Thailand’s Deadly Bomb Blast?

Prashanth Parameswaran — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 03:59:00 +0900

An explosion has killed at least 16 people.

The Trouble with Thailand's Economy

Shawn W. Crispin — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:41:00 +0900

Anemic performance is denting confidence in the ruling junta.

Thailand: Time for Introspection

Prachi Priya — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 22:16:00 +0900

Thailand needs to address its systemic social and economic problems before its politics can be fixed.

Instability Hits Thailand’s Economy

James Parker — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:44:00 +0900

Markets take note of the escalating protests as the Bank of Thailand makes a surprise rate cut.

Asia’s Weakening Economies – How Concerned Should the World Be?

Sat, 27 Jul 2013 21:41:29 +0900

Several countries have serious problems, but others shouldn’t be tarred by association.

Southeast Asia: The Next Crisis?

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 09:15:24 +0900

The region’s overheated economy faces a period of adjustment – and for some countries the correction could prove very painful.

Thai Monks Living Large: Private Jets and Bling

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:27:19 +0900

A number of signs suggest Buddhism is at a crossroads in the kingdom of Thailand.

Thailand: 18.9% GDP Growth Last Quarter

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 02:12:51 +0900

As Thailand recovers from devastating floods, its economy presses ahead. What does the future hold?

Thailand Introduces Nationwide Minimum Wage

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:18:08 +0900

On January 1st, Thailand introduced a minimum wage — to a chorus of debate on its effects.