Editor:

Busrin Treerapongpichit

Co-ordination:

Tony McAuley, Taksina Isarabhakdi

Copy Editing:

Eric Baker, Donald Entz,

Peter Hill, Taksina Isarabhakdi,

Tony McAuley

Cover and Graphics:

Sataporn Kawewong

Design and layout:

Napaporn Suktrakul, Chantiya Potayarom

Production co-ordination:

Veman Ittihiranwong

Price $ 6.00

‘You won’t cry until you see the coffin’’ is a popular local saying that ruefully sums up local attitudes to preparing for the worst. But more than a few tears have been shed lately in response to shocks that appear to be taking place more frequently in our risk- filled world.

Natural disasters such as the tragedy that struck Japan in March have a way of focusing people’s attention on how well-prepared they are to anticipate risk and to manage recovery should the unthinkable occur. The report card is mixed for Thailand, where laws, rules, regulations and systems abound to deal with disaster, but enforcement, implementation and compliance are less predictable.

Compared with earthquakes or tsunamis, shocks to the economy should be easier to predict and manage. High energy prices, for example, are a serious threat to the global economic recovery but many governments, Thailand’s included, apparently prefer quick fixes to long-term plans that focus more on conservation and efficiency.

Of course, governments can’t do everything, and it’s up to all of us to take stock of our strengths and weaknesses. In Thailand, the checklist needs to include some serious questions about political risk as well. As the country prepares to go to the polls, all sides would do well to commit to accepting whatever result the people deliver. Failure to do so could lead to yet another disaster, and one that could have been prevented.

    • It’s a wild world

      As the world grapples with multiple risks,Thailand is struggling to get its act together, which will require leadership to set the tone for long-term reforms.

      By Parista Yuthamanop

    • What goes up is staying up

      By Parista Yuthamanop

    • Preventing external and internal shocks

      By Wichit Chantanusornsiri

    • Windfall in the debris

      A glint of hope is seen for Thailand as Japanese manufacturers consider moving their bases elsewhere to guard against future risk,

      By Nanchanok Wongsamuth

    • Rollercoaster of volatility

      Despite more peaks and valleys, and higher inflation and interest rates, analysts still tout Thai markets’ potential this year.

      By Darana Chudasri

    • Cultivating a new farm policy

      The recent spate of natural disasters and the continuing threat posed by climate change have led to preventive plans for the agricultural sector and promotion of greener growing techniques.

      By Walailak Keeratipipatpong

    • A better way to protect farmers

      By Wichit Chantanusornsiri

    • Exports to stay on track

      Shipments abroad are expected to keep growing in the second half, although risk factors should not be ignored.

      By Phusadee Arunmas

    • Logistics firms prepare for worst

      As natural disasters, high oil prices and even political volatility affect delivery times, operators are spreading their risks.

      By Nareerat Wiriyapong

    • The calm after the storm

      After sailing through a perfect storm, shipping companies hope that Japan’s rebuilding effort will bring back substantial demand for them to move construction materials and food,

      By Nareerat Wiriyapong

    • Stuck in low gear

      Automakers are feeling the aftershocks of the tsunami, with full-year production poised to drop for lack of parts imported from Japan,

      By Nanchanok Wongsamuth

    • Time to come clean

      Improving usage efficiency and developing alternative sources, rather than subsidising prices, are seen as a sustainable solution to fend off any future energy crisis.

      By Yuthana Praiwan

    • Nuclear power on back burner

      After Japan’s tsunami and radiation crisis, Thailand is among many countries considering other sources of electricity generation,

      By Yuthana Praiwan

    • Reinforcing the foundation

      Recent calamities serve as a wakeup call for both developers and buyers, who are now keen about strict compliance with building laws.

      By Kanana Katharangsiporn

    • Building design complacency shaken up

      By Kanana Katharangsiporn

    • Reconstruction demand brings good news

      By Nareerat Wiriyapong

    • The new risk landscape

      Political unrest has joined the list of natural calamities for which insurers now need to be prepared, with some saying that a national disaster coverage pool is an option worth looking into.

      By Charoen Kittikanya

    • Anything that can go wrong . . .

      Tourism industry has learned the hard way in recent years that it ignores Murphy’s Law at its peril, but somehow it manages to show remarkable resilience.

      By Chadamas Chinmaneevong

    • Quality, not quantity, is now the focus

      By Chadamas Chinmaneevong

    • Flying in the face of disaster

      The Japanese catastrophe and political unrest in key markets have taught regional airlines some valuable lessons about staying aloft and minimising the risk from major shocks

      By Boonsong Kositchotethana

    • Staying connected

      Emergency communication system separated from mainstream lines should be high on the national agenda, say telecom experts.

      By Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn

    • Teleworking gaining momentum

      By Suchit Leesa-Nguansuk

    • Technology helps, but preparedness matters more

      By Suchit Leesa-Nguansuk

    • Changes in store

      Retailers have learned how to better protect their properties and ensure customers can get the essentials they need when disaster strikes.

      By Pitsinee Jitpleecheep

    • Don’t shoot the messenger

      The media are playing an increasingly prominent role in helping society to react quickly and effectively to natural disasters and other crises.

      By Prapasri Vasuhirun

    • The Earth is Full

      Are the world’s people and their leaders really ready to transform talk into action on the environment? If and when we do, the effort will require a revolutionary change.

      By Thomas Friedman