Showing 1 - 10 of 93
Lottery retirement savings plan risky
Oped, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 23/10/2025
» Lotteries are among the oldest forms of betting. Yet in modern times, various governments have used this popular form of gambling to encourage financial savings among citizens and even retirees.
Borrowing for fiscal 2026 set at B1.2tn
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 13/10/2025
» The government plans new borrowing totalling 1.2 trillion baht for fiscal 2026, a slight decrease from 1.22 trillion in fiscal 2025.
B150 billion available for ‘quick-win’ stimulus
Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 17/09/2025
» The new Thai government has financial ammunition of roughly 150 billion baht to carry out its “quick-win” stimulus projects, according to a Ministry of Finance official who requested anonymity.
FPO suggests tinkering with co-payment scheme
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 15/09/2025
» The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has suggested designing the "Khon La Khrueng" co-payment scheme to be suitable for different areas and recommended the government's contribution should vary between weekdays and holidays, as well as for participants' income levels.
Fiscal Policy Office issues alert over B1tn debt burden for state agencies
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/08/2025
» The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has insisted the government should use the budget under Section 28 of the State Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act only when necessary to avoid affecting the operations of state agencies, as the debt burden under this framework has already exceeded 1 trillion baht.
Would more debt fix the economy?
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 17/05/2025
» A total of seven emergency loan decrees were issued from 1998 to 2021, authorising combined borrowings of 3.83 trillion baht to address various economic crises, including the Asian financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Unpacking the debt-to-GDP ratio
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/03/2025
» The Pheu Thai Party-led government has pursued aggressive fiscal policies, building on the work of the previous administration led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, which navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. During Gen Prayut's tenure, two special emergency loan decrees were enacted, resulting in total borrowing of 1.5 trillion baht and prompting an increase in the public debt ceiling from 60% to 70% of GDP.
Ministry nominates Somchai Sujjapongse
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 07/02/2025
» The Finance Ministry has nominated Somchai Sujjapongse, a former finance permanent secretary, as a candidate for the new board chairman of the Bank of Thailand, replacing Kittiratt Na-Ranong.
Tax reforms being studied, but remain on the agenda
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 03/01/2025
» The government remains committed to tax reform, but insists implementation as a comprehensive package encompassing value-added tax (VAT), corporate income tax and personal income tax to enhance the country's competitiveness while minimising the impact on vulnerable groups.
A closer inspection of negative income tax
Business, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/08/2024
» The first vision statement by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, after 17 years away from Thailand, has garnered interest on several points, including the proposal of a negative income tax (NIT).