But for forward thinking, and for seeing the need to advance both Thailand and East Asia beyond the export-dependent era, Thaksin has few peers in presidential or prime ministerial palaces.
In the private sector, the golden apap goes to ... Daniel Lian, Morgan Stanley's Southeast Asia economist (who arrived this evening via sensible public transport, I think). Lian's take on Thailand -- he named Thaksinomics -- has been superlative in its curiosity, even-handedness, and insight. No less so are his reports on Malaysia and, most recently, Singapore (which has, in Lian, an accomplished technocrat free of charge). The pipes, the pipes are calling, Danny -- way to go.
That's it. We can grab our oranges and leave this feast en masse, for the year is over. Thanks to every one of my readers, especially those who have troubled to write over the months. On the other side of the camera, so to say, thanks to my editors at Bloomberg, among whom one must be singled out: Robert Jameson in New York, who no longer handles this column, has a natural editor's touch and managed to keep the faith throughout.
Tchin tchin, all. See you in 2002.
RSS