Thailand—the 'land of smiles'? David Armstrong has run—as editor-in-chief—many major newspapers including The Australian and The South China Morning Post. We catch up with him in his new role as president and chief operating officer of the Bangkok Post

Business Asia, August, 2007

The Thai stock exchange may be bureaucratic but it is moving with the times in demanding better corporate governance and better-qualified company directors. So Armstrong has completed a local director's course, backed by the Australian Institute of Company directors.

"Despite the frustrations, I love living here,' Armstrong says. "There is at least one difference between Thais and Chinese: jokes. Chinese people have a great sense of humour but you have to make sure the jokes are about other things and other people--until you know them very, very well.

"Thais, however, like to tease and they can take a joke. A bit like Australians."

David Armstrong Career Highlights

Editor: The Bulletin

Deputy Editor: The Daily Telegraph

Editor: The Australian

Editor: The Canberra Times

Editor & Editor-in-Chief: South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)

Editor-in-Chief: The Australian

Editor-in-Chief: SCMP Group

Director, Editorial: South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd

President & Chief Operating Officer, executive director: Post Publishing Public Company Limited, Thailand