Showing 1 - 7 of 7
Is a return to gold standard possible?
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 11/12/2025
» We are now in the middle of the holiday season. Therefore, I will refrain from writing about heavy and depressing issues like the Thai economy and the outlook for 2026 and beyond. In this moment of joy, I will write about the possibility of returning to the gold standard, which some supporters say can be seen in central banks aggressively buying gold bullion to replace the dubious US dollar. The last article of the year will be about the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
2024 GDP forecast is wishful thinking
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 14/12/2023
» If one thinks 2023 was a not-so-good year for the Thai economy because GDP growth is likely below 2%, 2024 could be worse owing to three major economic risks: liquidity inadequacy, high gasoline price, and high electricity cost.
A tale of liquidity and (too much) debt
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 05/10/2023
» Before starting the article, I want to convey a message to the government. The message is "Nothing is free; everything has to be paid for". Acting like Santa Claus is nice, but the government should be aware that every handout gift comes with a price tag.
A new middle class and core industries
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 04/05/2023
» This article, after a few interruptions, is Part 3 of "Changing Thailand: The Series." It began with a prologue that presented an overview, emphasising that Thailand has been lagging behind its neighbours in terms of per-capita income growth.
Expect inflation to worsen, not lessen
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 21/04/2022
» The economic theory is clear. Inflation always precedes a recession. Investors also think similarly. A recent Market Live Poll conducted by Bloomberg shows that 15% of investors are expecting a US recession to begin in 2022, 48% in 2023, 21% in 2024 and 16% looking at 2025 or later. Deutsch Bank also believes the US economy could face a recession in 2023.
Virus plus oil crisis spells recession
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 12/03/2020
» All economists, including myself, predict the spread of Covid-19 will put a big brake on economic growth through reductions in spending, particularly on travel. Assuming the virus outbreak lasts for about six months, the lower spending will likely last until the fourth quarter. Countries like Thailand, which depend heavily on foreign tourist revenue, will be hurt the most.
The creaking burden of infrastructure
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 11/04/2019
» In my opinion, Thailand has invested too much on the wrong types of infrastructure, namely the rail mass transit system and high-speed train system. These systems, despite their usefulness, are far from being cost-effective and certainly are not affordable. The financial burden of having these systems not only involves the cost of building infrastructure, but the operating expenses as well.