Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Thailand now 'the sick man of Asean'
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 30/10/2025
» The inspiration for this article comes from the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO) report for the month of October.
Don't let politics mask economic woes
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 26/06/2025
» As if economic problems in Thailand are not bad enough, political issues add to the complications. The worst is the split in the coalition. Even with an overwhelming majority of 314 (out of 493 parliamentary seats) prior to the break-up, the government could not push for many major policies, including the 10,000 baht cash handout scheme.
Financing FY 2026 deficit will fall short
News, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 12/06/2025
» My message is short, loud and clear. There will not be enough money to finance FY 2026's 860 billion baht budget deficit. Without enough money, the budget will collapse and take the economy down with it. The government is learning the bitter lesson of drying up finance sources now, but budget financing will be in crisis in the 2026 fiscal year.
The economy is waiting to hit an iceberg
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 20/03/2025
» This is not a scene from the 1997 film Titanic. On the evening of April 14th 1912, a small Canadian fishing boat, skippered by a French-Canadian captain called "Jacques-Chai", approached the Titanic wanting to convey a very important message to Captain Edward Smith. The message was that there was a sea of icebergs, one was particularly big, about 200 miles ahead.
How to finance the 2025 fiscal budget
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 27/06/2024
» The 2025 fiscal budget is supposed to be historic, aiming to turn around the sagging Thai economy. But it is going by almost unnoticed. The first reading of the Budget Bill passed with an overwhelming "yes" vote of 311 to 175. The debates were subdued and made few headlines. The second vote is expected on Aug 3. After passing the third vote by the House of Representatives, the 2025 budget will go to the Senate for final approval.
Digital wallet scheme hits another snag
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 13/06/2024
» The new financing problem of the 10,000-baht cash handout, commonly known as the Digital Wallet Scheme (DW), has not made much noise in the media. This may be because the government wants this to be a non-issue, but in reality, it is a serious one that could wreck the entire scheme.
Govt, BoT spat may not be economic
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 09/05/2024
» The row between the government and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) over its "high" interest rate is all over the news. Many have started questioning the appropriateness of the central bank's independence.
Part 2: Managing household debt
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 06/04/2023
» This is the second article, Managing Household Debt, of the Changing Thailand series.
Hiked wages could ease current slump
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 24/02/2022
» Before getting to the main story of raising wages, I have a point of concern to raise. That is the unusual movement of Thai baht exchange rates. Theoretically, this is the time the baht should be depreciating because of rising current account deficits due to the high prices of imported oil.
Omicron's threat to global supply chain
Oped, Chartchai Parasuk, Published on 13/01/2022
» By definition, a supply chain disruption is any event that causes a disruption in the production, sale, or distribution of products. Supply chain disruptions can include events such as natural disasters, regional conflicts, and pandemics.