Showing 1 - 8 of 8
Thailand must prepare for challenges ahead
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 18/05/2016
» In February, I discussed, with cautious optimism, the reality of our transport megaprojects and the sizeable impact on businesses. In particular, the service sector would subsequently flourish. As urbanisation accelerates from better connectivity, property and retail developments will quickly follow. Tourism businesses will expand to these new urban cities. Relatively new service businesses, such as transport maintenance, would be established in key junctions and pit-stops, as trains, planes and ships multiply.
A hopeful tale for China's old and new economies
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 16/03/2016
» Optimism was in the air for the Chinese economy at the IIF-G20 conference in Shanghai late last month. The annual forum set the stage for leaders in the financial community to share their economic perspectives and voice their concerns prior to the G20 meeting. This year, in particular, at the height of global fears of its crash landing, the crowd was listening closely for insights on how China's economic transition would unfold.
Megaprojects provide stimulus and long-term gains
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 17/02/2016
» The volatility in global financial markets has recently picked up again on the back of a series of mediocre economic data across the globe. Poor results for Thai exports in 2015 could very well extend further, putting a spotlight on the need for public investment more than ever. Without a doubt, the cabinet will be called upon to churn out the public infrastructure projects as promised.
Mega-investment is no longer a choice
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 27/01/2016
» As the year of the monkey kicks off, anxiety abounds. For the first time in nearly half a century, no single economic power enjoys bullish prospects. In the 1980s, Japan was at the height of its "miracle" with record salaries and employment. In the 1990s, the United States rode the success of rapid technological change that created waves of new jobs as well as the dot com bubble. At the turn of the millennium, the European Union was exuberant with the promise of growth driven by a streamlined internal market and single currency. Then China's accession to the World Trade Organisation helped it re-emerge as one of the world's great economic powers, marching briskly forward even during the global financial crisis of 2008. Today, there is no comparable big winner.
AEC puts Thai public healthcare at risk
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 20/05/2015
» Amid all the handwringing that Thailand has lost its export mojo, let's keep some good news in mind. In "exports" of services, a few Thai industries are thriving. Healthcare is especially successful, thanks in part to inbound medical tourism, which has helped Thai private healthcare providers enjoy solid growth for five years. During this time, the industry's listed companies have consistently outperformed the rest of the Thai stock market.
Cheap oil alone cannot grease the economy
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 21/01/2015
» Crude oil prices have more than halved since July, with a dramatic drop towards the end of 2014 as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) refused to curb output. The Thai equity market tumbled because energy stocks contribute as much as 20% to the SET Index market capitalisation. But most other sectors remained flat and there are a few sectors like consumer and transportation stocks that actually emerged as winners.
How to build a sustainable tourism future in Phuket
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 24/12/2014
» Phuket's vision has major consequences for the nation's economy. Thailand's exports are sluggish and commodity prices are falling. One of the few engines that can rescue growth next year is tourism.
Rebalancing China is possible, but at what cost?
News, Sutapa Amornvivat, Published on 19/02/2014
» In November, China’s new leaders spelled out the reform agenda, which is a key product of the so-called Third Plenum. The stated reforms are extensive, comprising some 21,500 words; the objective is to put China in the A-league. Specifically, China aims to double its GDP per capita by 2020 — securing its status as the world’s largest economy, just before the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party in 2021.