In recent years, the King has spoken out about the dangers of graft, environmental degradation, over-reliance on foreign investment and even the chronically gridlocked traffic in Bangkok--all issues affecting the everyday life of Thai citizens that their governments have been slow to address.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Thailand: The King and Ire

There is also a fear of an over-reliance on foreign direct investment.

FORBES: New Asia

What is absolutely fascinating is that if you dig a little deeper and look at the structural failures that are really holding back the Brazilian economy they are very (almost shockingly) similar to those that plague Russia: high taxes, insufficient investment, inefficient government spending, over-reliance on consumer spending, excessive government red-tape, unreliable courts, poor transport infrastructure, rent-seeking, persistent inflation, high interest rates, and (potential) de-industrialization.

FORBES: What is the Weakest BRIC? A Hint: It's Not Russia