The governor of Thailand's central bank has had an eventful first few months in the role, including raising the Bank of Thailand's benchmark rates by 25 basis points and having to closely monitor the baht.

Amid riots and concerns over more upheaval, Thailand's banks enjoyed a prosperous 2010. While the country's dependence on exports leaves it at the mercy of US and Chinese economic policies, major players in Thailand seem well prepared to cope with any slowdown.

Korn Chatikavanij is concerned that the country will get caught up in a currency war at a time when its own export-dependent economy is going from strength to strength. Interview by Brian Caplen.

Ongoing financial reform will not be held back by Thailand's political troubles, say Thailand's bankers. Neither portfolio nor direct investment inflows have been impacted, and the country's government is pressing on with two masterplans for the financial sector and capital markets. Writer Brian Caplen

The Bank of Thailand's tenacious governor reflects on the central bank's staunch risk management reforms which saw the country's banking sector through the credit crisis in good shape, and looks ahead to the next challenge - of negotiating a macro-prudential economic policy across south-east Asia. Writer Michelle Price

Unfazed by continued political and economic turmoil, Thailand is embarking on major deregulation to strengthen its banking and finance sector and, in the grander scheme, to diversify the country's economic base. Writer Michelle Price

Strong nerves and creative strategies have characterised the best-performing finance ministers over the past 12 months. Here The Banker recognises those whose will and skill have proved outstanding at tackling the immediate effects of the slump while positioning their countries for future growth.

The Thai finance minister's belief that the global crisis has presented the country with an opportunity to reshape its economy has seen him unleash plans for greater use of the capital markets, diversified exports and a boost in domestic consumption. Writer Brian Caplen