Article

2007-07-07 Southeast Asia

From political darkness, economic optimism

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Posted by Steve White 2007-07-07 00:12|| || Front Page|| [7 views ] Top

#1 How in the world would investor plop their money into what's going to be strife-ridden state, unless they're betting that the Buddhist north is going to land hard on the insurgents?

At number 63 out of 163 nations, Transparency International rates Lebanon and Columbia as less corrupt than Thailand. Go figure. For reference, the USA is number 20 and Finland leads the pack. At the link there's a very informative color-coded map that shows what a cesspit of corruption the entire MME (Muslim Middle East) happens to be.

Posted by Zenster">Zenster 2007-07-07 02:39|| 2007-07-07 02:39|| Front Page Top

#2 Zen, actually... the map shows what a cesspit of corruption most of the world is.

Posted by twobyfour 2007-07-07 03:10|| 2007-07-07 03:10|| Front Page Top

#3 Western and Japanese investing in Thailand was vogue back in the late 80's early 90's especially non-recourse financing of infrastructure projects like toll roads and transit systems. But the Thais renigged on a number of deals (i.e. lowering tolls and profit margins, etc.). I can't think of any changes that would revive western financial interest there.

Posted by Jack is Back!">Jack is Back! 2007-07-07 14:36|| 2007-07-07 14:36|| Front Page Top

#4 WRT corruption, apparently it can sometimes be useful, or at least less bad than some alternatives. (Dalrymple)

Posted by James">James 2007-07-07 17:13|| http://idontknowbut.blogspot.com]">[http://idontknowbut.blogspot.com] 2007-07-07 17:13|| Front Page Top

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