Showing 1 - 10 of 25
Bank of Thailand needs to communicate
News, Editorial, Published on 29/04/2024
» Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's decision to meet key figures from Thailand's major commercial banks to discuss the possibility of cutting interest rates last week raised a lot of eyebrows. It was highly unusual for a prime minister to appeal directly to commercial banks to change interest rates, as the nation's financial institutions generally follow the rates prescribed by the Bank of Thailand (BoT).
The perils of populism
Oped, Editorial, Published on 04/03/2023
» The upcoming election isn't only inducing the spirit of democracy as well as sheer excitement over the pending political dramas and rivalries. It is also taking us back to populism -- a political approach that tries to win over the hearts of ordinary people who feel their concerns have been sidelined by the established elite groups. In populism, personable politicians offer generous welfare policies to cater to the needs of their voters.
Fairer welfare threatens the status quo
Oped, Wasant Techawongtham, Published on 20/02/2021
» Early this week, Krungthai Bank branches throughout the country were swarmed by large mobs of people wanting to register for the Rao Chana assistance programme.
Govt relief causes 'havoc'
Oped, Editorial, Published on 17/02/2021
» The registration for the government's relief aid for people without smart phones or internet access was a resounding success -- if success means turning everyone involved into a loser.
Debt relief half-hearted
Oped, Editorial, Published on 03/04/2020
» As tens of millions of Thais are battered by the economic ravages of the Covid-19 outbreak, banks and financial companies have recently come up with "financial relief measures" to help customers going through these hard times.
Spend budget wisely
News, Editorial, Published on 20/02/2020
» The Finance Ministry has finalised arrangements for 20 billion baht of loans from local banks to cover the national budget which will be made available immediately.
Chim Shop Chai: bane or boon?
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 14/10/2019
» In an effort to boost consumption and tourism in the country, the government is pouring 316 billion baht into its Chim Shop Chai (Eat, Shop, Spend) scheme, through which 10 million Thai citizens are entitled to 1,000 baht and a 15% rebate.
Single-ticket foot-dragging
News, Editorial, Published on 18/06/2019
» The delay in the launch of the long-overdue common ticket system that is designed to link all modes of public transport in Bangkok means city commuters will have to endure continued high transport costs and inconvenience.
Bridge inequality gap or worse will follow
News, Decharut Sukkumnoed, Published on 13/12/2018
» The latest annual Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse (CS) ranked Thailand as one of the countries with the highest rates of economic inequality, stunning many people, including policymakers.
Two hats not good
News, Alan Dawson, Published on 07/10/2018
» When Bangkok got too noisy because of all the criticism about cabinet ministers taking advantage by openly playing politics unfairly, the general prime minister escaped to the North on another scrupulously non-political trip to give away money and be photographed with every local personality and housewife within 20 kilometres.