Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Political instability adds to viral woes
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 05/03/2020
» The economy weakened last year thanks to the Sino-US trade war. This year, its health could worsen further due to two emerging factors. One is the Covid-19 outbreak which has hit the country's tourism industry hard. Another is potential political turmoil signalled by a series of "flash mobs" of students which gathered after the Constitutional Court's ruling to dissolve the Future Forward Party (FFP). If the rallies continue unabated, this year's growth could be worse than analysts predict.
Rich get richer, poor get the picture
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 09/01/2020
» This year the new land and building tax law takes effect with the new tax regime hardly affecting ordinary people who do not own second homes. It rather effects super rich people who have owned land in amounts so vast that they would have to spend a good part of their life if they wanted to walk around every plot of their land.
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.
High-income goal needs a reality check
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 31/10/2019
» Thailand "will become a high-income country by 2036", said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as he spoke of his "Vision 2036" at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.
Public debt isn't always a bad thing
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/08/2019
» The global economic slowdown, as a result of the ongoing Sino-US trade tensions, has hit the Thai economy hard.
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.
Instability threatens economic growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/04/2019
» Without decisive winners from the March 24 poll, there are fears that political instability will affect the country's economy. Such concerns are understandable given that three parties, namely the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party, and Pheu Thai Party and Future Forward Party (which brand themselves as the anti-regime camp), are engaging in a post-election tug of war.
Welfare not a banquet, but a necessity
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 07/03/2019
» The ongoing election campaign is seeing all competing political parties make ambitious promises to turn Thailand into a welfare state to entice their prospective supporters.
Savvy excise tax hike going up in smoke
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 06/09/2018
» I have a strong reason to oppose the recent decision by the Finance Ministry to delay an increase in excise tax on cigarettes for another two years, from next year to October 2021. The delay doesn't spell good news for the state coffers, which is one consideration. Another concern is that it would deal a harsh blow to the state's efforts to discourage young smokers.
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.