Why is Thailand’s economy stuck in the middle-income trap?

Thailand looks trapped as a middle-income country, unable to get rich, and stuck between a younger, dynamic Vietnam and larger Indonesia

How Washington is making up for lost time in Thailand

Suddenly, Washington is making up for lost time in Thailand. The Biden administration appears to have decided not to allow its democracy and human rights agenda to trump strategic considerations in its dealings with Bangkok

The growing developing country debt burden and the special role of China

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sounded alarm bells in December 2021, warning that 60 per cent of low-income countries are at high risk or already in debt distress, up from 30 per cent in 2015.

Ukraine’s losses are China’s gains

The official Chinese position has remained consistent with the statement made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in February 2022 at the outbreak of the war: China is concerned with the violence and wants it to stop. It maintains that the territorial integrity and security interests of all parties need to be respected.

Culture of shame silences abuse victims

A weighted justice system and prevalent hostile attitudes toward women shut out all consideration of pursuing legal recourse for many, if not most, victims of sexual harassment and assault

Access to healthcare: Why we need to prioritize women and girls

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of global health and public infrastructure. Vulnerable populations have disproportionately suffered the impacts of the pandemic

What role will ASEAN play in a shifting geopolitical landscape?

All eyes will be on ASEAN this year as it hosts several key global summits, including the G20 in Indonesia.

Stronger ASEAN–US ties hinge on careful cooperation

The ever-changing US position towards Southeast Asia since the Vietnam War has been the subject of continued debate, especially regarding US consistency and reliability.