THE STANDARD Global Edition

The Nikkei Asia Forum APAC 2026 held in Bangkok on July 16 2026 brought together business leaders, policymakers and investors to exchange views and insights on Asia’s future. We heard keynote speeches from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Ph...

During July 16-20, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made his first official visit as the PM to China at Premier Li Qiang's invitation. The productive, four-day trip was marked by an official meeting with Xi Jinping, bilateral talks with Li Qiang in Beijing, and a meeting with Zhao Leji (NPC Standing Committee chair).    Key Poin...

Christopher Nolan still believes one thing remains irreplaceable in the AI age: human creativity.     Key point   📌 The Odyssey: A 3,000-Year-Old Story Retold to a World Changing Faster Than Ever 📌 The Right Leader For The Job 📌 Technology That Mimics the Human Eye 📌 The House Nolan Built   I travel...

Although current headlines may be focused on Thailand’s high export growth and Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s contribution to the surge, recent remarks by the Bank of Thailand Governor suggests there’s more to the numbers.    Speaking at the Bank of Thailand's 2026 annual seminar for its Southern Regional Office on 13th July, BOT Go...

The much-debated FY2027 draft budget is currently testing the waters of a significant question for Thailand. Does fiscal policy still have the ability to support the country’s new growth model?    Key point   The real question behind Thailand’s borrowing When previous spending compromises the future When Fisca...

The World Bank has upgraded two Southeast Asian countries to upper-middle-income status, marking a significant shift for Vietnam and the Philippines as they join Thailand in the reclassified economic ranks.   Following consistent years of economic expansion, continued investment, and GDP growth, the two countries have been recognized by ...

Countries laser-focused on attracting the next wave of investment may soon find that tax breaks and affordable labor may not be enough to keep investors engaged. The new criteria for raising funds may very well be in the energy space, and more specifically, which country has clean, stable, and scalable energy, with credible governance to ensure tha...

On 29 June, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presented the 2027 budget bill to parliament, outlining plans to spend 3.79 trillion baht in fiscal 2027 and projecting a deficit.    According to the presentation, recurring expenditure rose by up to 130 billion baht, while investment expenditure fell by 7...

Thailand has once again found itself at a crossroads, as the country continues to face challenges across the automotive manufacturing sector, in which it once reigned supreme. Once hailed the ‘Detroit of Asia,’ Thailand is now tasked with navigating the transition to a new automotive era without dismantling the production base, supply chains, workf...

Bangkok is gearing up to elect the city’s next Governor. With the election looming on Sunday, 28th June, candidates are racing against external pressures and the capital’s own deeply rooted challenges to become the person in charge. Thailand held a nationwide election in February, but the upcoming one is equally significant, and the stakes are high...