The Diplomat | Author
James Guild
James Guild is an expert in trade, finance, and economic development in Southeast Asia.
James Guild holds a Ph.D. in International Political Economy from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He specializes in trade, finance, and economic development in Southeast Asia. Follow him on twitter @jamesjguild or www.jamesjguild.com
July 23, 2024
Is Fuel Subsidy Reform Finally On the Way in Southeast Asia?
By James Guild
Malaysia and Indonesia are both beginning to reduce long-standing subsidies that have kept fuel prices well below market rates.
July 18, 2024
What’s Really Ailing Thailand’s Economy?
By James Guild
Domestic politics are part of it, but the real problem is that macroeconomic conditions are not favorable for Thailand’s export-heavy economy.
July 09, 2024
Cebu Pacific’s $24 Billion Dollar Bet on Cheap Flights
By James Guild
The company's planned acquisition of a new Airbus fleet reflects a bullish confidence about the future of the regional tourism industry.
July 04, 2024
Why Indonesia’s State-Owned Railway Company Is Taking On Debt
By James Guild
A costly China-backed high-speed rail project has increased scrutiny of Kereta Api Indonesia's finances.
June 25, 2024
Can Indonesia Actually Raise Its Debt to GDP Ratio to 50 Percent?
By James Guild
Prabowo's deficit-driven economic vision draws from that of his father Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a key intellectual of the early post-independence period.
June 18, 2024
Southeast Asia’s Digital Banking Race Has Gotten Off to a Slow Start
By James Guild
Digital banking services have struggled to live up to the hype, even in nations like Indonesia, where large numbers of people lack regular access to financial services.
June 14, 2024
What Is Happening at Indonesian State-Owned Pharmaceutical Company Indofarma?
By James Guild
The company has recently come under investigation for its involvement in a long list of fraudulent activities.
June 05, 2024
Why Southeast Asian Telcos Are Taking Losses on Their Overseas Holdings
By James Guild
The region's firms are suffering as governments begin tightening their control over strategically sensitive sectors.
May 28, 2024
Did Illegal Tin Mines Really Steal $26 Billion From the Indonesian State?
By James Guild
The Indonesian government recently brought corruption charges against Harvey Moeis, a wealthy businessman with interests in the mining sector.
May 21, 2024
Thailand’s Showdown Over Interest Rates, Explained
By James Guild
The economic rationale of the Bank of Thailand, and the political incentives of the current government, have been at odds since the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 17, 2024
The Philippines’ $35 Billion Military Modernization Plan, Explained
By James Guild
Manila is seeking to take a major step forward in the modernization of its armed forces, but current economic conditions are challenging.
May 07, 2024
2023 Was Another Big Year for Indonesian Cinema
By James Guild
Box office receipts have to return to their pre-pandemic levels, but locally-made films are making up a greater proportion of ticket sales.
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