Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Wake up and ‘smell’ the boiling water
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 10/01/2019
» Despite the uncertain date of the long-awaited election, political parties have intensified their poll campaigns, offering tempting policies to attract voters. A quick look at the campaign pledges of the competing parties suggests they want to turn Thailand into a welfare state. That would be a tough task.
Rethinking our attitude towards populism
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 06/12/2018
» The new package intended for the poor, valued at 38 billion baht issued by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration ahead of the election, is seen by critics as a populist tactic aimed at maximising political gain. Yet in my opinion, it's time we took a new look or changed our attitude toward populist policies. The fact is that all governments, elected or not, tend to embrace populism and even though some packages may not benefit the middle class, populist policies are just inevitable.
Next step in welfare scheme to be finalised by December
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 10/11/2017
» The second phase of the government's welfare and subsidy scheme for the poor, focused on helping those who are at the bottom rung of the income scale to cross the poverty line, is expected to begin next year.
Apisak cautiously upbeat
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/09/2015
» The economy is expected to bound back next year, but the government may need to inject more money into the economic system if the economy remains stubbornly in the doldrums, says Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong.
More stimulus on the cards if revenue surpasses expectations
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 01/12/2014
» The Finance Ministry is poised to add more spending to the mid-year budget in an attempt to boost the stuttering economy if the government's revenue collection exceeds its target.