Showing 41 - 50 of 121
Supercar tax-dodging game far too easy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 08/06/2017
» The ongoing supercar saga reflects the flaws in the country's tax system and deep-rooted corruption in state mechanisms.
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.
Bill reins in populist 'mai pen rai' urges
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/04/2017
» While mai pen rai, a frequently used Thai expression for "never mind", "it's okay" or "don't worry", may represent the compromising nature of Thais, it also carries a negative connotation of our tendency to skip dealing with a problem or avoid fixing problems where it hurts.
Sad state of city buses holds back economy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 06/04/2017
» "Please make room for other passengers," a middle-aged female bus conductor shouted across the cramped cabin of an air-conditioned Bangkok bus during the Monday morning rush hour.
Thaksin share case rocks faith in tax system
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 16/03/2017
» The Revenue Department's failure to collect 12 billion baht in tax from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has shaken the public's confidence over the transparency, fairness and equity of the country's tax collection system. It stands as a reminder of the need for tax administrative bodies to be independent of political pressure.
Reserve tumble doesn't spell fiscal crisis
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 23/02/2017
» The dramatic fall in treasury reserves to 74.9 billion baht last December, the lowest in many years, does not indicate that Thailand is facing a fiscal crisis. However, it does not mean that the Thai government will be immune to fiscal traumas either. Factors that will affect the state's fiscal stability are still out there looming.
Weeding out corruption in state enterprises
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 02/02/2017
» The latest saga of bribery scandals involving state enterprises has caused me as much pain as it could possibly inflict on the average Thai.
Regime infrastructure push key to growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 12/01/2017
» The Prayut Chan-o-cha government's recent push to accelerate domestic investment for this year represents a key milestone on the road to lifting Thailand's economy out of its stagnant state, boosting growth and sharpening its competitive edge. But it remains to be seen whether the state's big-ticket projects will be able to inspire the confidence of private investors and spur an investment spree by the private sector.
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.
The farming sector needs change, now
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 24/11/2016
» With just about one year left in office, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government will have to give a high priority to existing problems in agriculture -- especially the falling price of rice. Thai farmers have suffered financial hardship due to repeated crises over low rice prices. The government's failure to address the problems in a timely manner will make its economic development goals hard to achieve.