Showing 1 - 10 of 23
Stimulus a band-aid for gaping wounds
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/11/2019
» Despite several "stimulus" measures launched by the government in the past year, the Thai economy is still being buffeted by the volatility of international trade. This year's growth projection has been adjusted to a level much lower than previous predictions due to a slowdown in exports, which account for 70% of the economy.
Good governance sorely lacking at state-run banks
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/07/2019
» During parliamentary debates on the Prayut Chan-o-cha government's policy statement, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday, the state-run Krung Thai Bank's (KTB) 9.9-billion-baht loan scandal will likely be taken up by the opposition targeting one cabinet member, Finance Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Uttama Savanayana. When the loan was approved in 2003, Mr Uttama was an executive board member of the bank.
New govt faces massive economic task
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 30/05/2019
» For the first time in five years, Thailand will soon be ruled by an elected coalition government. But the new administration, which is being formed by coalition allies, will not have any honeymoon period.
Act now on ageing society before it's too late
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 05/07/2018
» In the next three years, people aged over 60 in Thailand will account for 13.8 million, or 20% of the population. This means in a group of five, there will be one elderly person. In demographic science, a country where 20% of its people are aged 60 years old or higher is categorised as an ageing society.
PM must put friendship aside in graft fight
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 14/12/2017
» The high-profile scandal featuring a flashy watch and diamond ring worn by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon poses a dilemma for the military regime which came to power in 2014 when the country was in the political doldrums, with the public losing its faith in elected politicians.
Healthcare woes never too big to solve
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 23/11/2017
» Anyone who has never had to admit or nurse a loved one at state hospitals in the provinces cannot really understand what it feels like to be in such crowded and cramped state medical facilities.
Gap between rich, poor fuels our woes
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 01/09/2017
» For decades, poverty and inequality have been chronic problems which have derailed Thailand's economic growth and fuelled political conflicts and unrest. These problems remain even though about a trillion baht has been collectively spent by many governments to address them. What have we missed or done wrong?
Corruption? You can bank on it
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 18/05/2017
» The huge loss of the state-owned Islamic Bank of Thailand (IBank) has raised questions as to how a bank that runs on principles of integrity could turn into a financial institution riddled with suspected graft in just over a decade.
Govt pins hopes on stimulus to boost growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 15/12/2016
» In the hope of shoring up the ailing economy, the government looks set to apply another strong pill. Last week, it placed a high bet on a mid-year expenditure budget of 190 billion baht for the 2017 fiscal year. The need for such strong medication to help the country climb out of its economic sluggishness is understandable. But it must not be overused to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Rice policies must take focus off populism
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 13/10/2016
» Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has cried foul about the compensation, sought by the current regime, for damages caused by her government's loss-ridden rice-pledging scheme. She should instead have paid heed to concerns over irregularities and the scheme's lack of sustainability when she was in power.