Economics

Economics • STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 09, 2021 • 12 min read

Analysis Is it time to bring Thailand’s illicit gambling industry into the light?

By Wanpen Pajai • Mar 09, 2021
As Thailand's illicit gambling industry has become associated with virus outbreaks in recent months, discussion has started again about the potential benefits of bringing this murky and widespread industry out of the shadows and under government control

Economics • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 25, 2021 • 5 min read

Myanmar coup Over 100,000 Myanmar company registrations leaked: here’s why it matters

By Kiana Duncan • Feb 25, 2021
As the international community deliberates effective sanctions on Myanmar’s military-owned enterprises, a leaked file containing company registrations was made public to little fanfare this week, connecting the military to multiple industries and sectors

Economics • STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 18, 2021 • 7 min read

Analysis Remaking the Royal Thai Navy for the Covid-19 pandemic era

By Hadrien T. Saperstein • Feb 18, 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for the Royal Thai Navy to launch reforms while other navies in its near-strategy environment are weakened by internal vulnerabilities, better positioning itself to generate future strategic and operational gains

Economics • Feb 15, 2021 • 9 min read
Analysis

As Philippine politicians do the Cha-Cha, is the constitution under threat?

Politicians in the Philippines, led by President Duterte, want to change the constitution to lift the country from an economic slump. But set to be discussed this month, opponents believe the move is a mere smokescreen for more sinister aims to weaken the opposition
By Oliver Haynes • Feb 15, 2021

Economics • Feb 12, 2021 • 9 min read
Myanmar coup

How to squeeze Myanmar’s military without hurting its people

Boycotts are taking place across Myanmar as citizens attempt to hurt the military-affiliated firms embedded throughout the wider economy. But for those out of the country, the question now is how to hit the pockets of the Tatmadaw without harming the people
By Kiana Duncan • Feb 12, 2021

Economics • Jan 28, 2021 • 2 min read
Global economy

Philippine economy shrinks at a record 9.5% in 2020

Official data released on January 28 that the Philippine economy shrank a record 9.5 percent throughout 2020, after coronavirus measures devastated the country's retail and tourism sectors while a series of natural disasters wrecked crops
By Agence France-Presse • Jan 28, 2021

Economics • Jan 20, 2021 • 8 min read
Opinion

Why reducing Thailand’s inequality is essential to reducing political tension

With Thailand's youth-led protests rumbling on, in part motivated by the extreme economic hardship experienced among average citizens this past year, Professor Mark S. Cogan argues addressing the kingdom's wealth gap is essential to easing political tension
By Mark S. Cogan • Jan 20, 2021

Economics • Jan 15, 2021 • 5 min read
Opinion

Malaysia’s new lockdown: Where is the help for the people?

As Malaysia enters a controversial second lockdown, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute researchers Lee Hwok-Aun and Kevin Zhang say it is puzzling that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has neglected to give assurances that financial relief will be delivered to Malaysians
By Lee Hwok-Aun and Kevin Zhang • Jan 15, 2021

Economics • Jan 04, 2021 • 2 min read
Covid-19

Singapore’s virus-hit economy suffers worst decline in 2020

Data released on January 4 showed that Singapore's economy suffered its worst ever annual contraction throughout 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic hammered the city-state's vital trade and tourism sectors
By Agence France-Presse • Jan 04, 2021

Economics • Dec 21, 2020 • 7 min read
Analysis

What will India’s withdrawal from the RCEP mean for Southeast Asia?

Marred by domestic concerns and tension with China, in 2019 India declared that it was withdrawing from the RCEP. Regarded as a crucial counterbalance to Beijing in Southeast Asia, how will this decision impact power dynamics in the region for years to come?
By Jennifer Chance • Dec 21, 2020

Economics • Dec 02, 2020 • 2 min read
Covid-19

Hong Kong, Singapore ‘travel bubble’ delayed indefinitely

A spike in Covid-19 cases has brought tighter restrictions in Hong Kong, with a planned travel bubble between the city and Singapore postponed indefinitely in a new blow to their hard-hit tourism and aviation industries
By Agence France-Presse • Dec 02, 2020