Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Striving for a more balanced economy
Oped, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 14/05/2020
» In its bid to alleviate the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic through the 1-trillion-baht borrowing scheme, the Prayut Chan-o-cha government aims to provide immediate relief to millions who are in trouble, and also restore the grassroots economy, with a view to better balancing the economic system, so it depends less on exports and tourism.
Political instability adds to viral woes
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 05/03/2020
» The economy weakened last year thanks to the Sino-US trade war. This year, its health could worsen further due to two emerging factors. One is the Covid-19 outbreak which has hit the country's tourism industry hard. Another is potential political turmoil signalled by a series of "flash mobs" of students which gathered after the Constitutional Court's ruling to dissolve the Future Forward Party (FFP). If the rallies continue unabated, this year's growth could be worse than analysts predict.
Stimulus a band-aid for gaping wounds
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/11/2019
» Despite several "stimulus" measures launched by the government in the past year, the Thai economy is still being buffeted by the volatility of international trade. This year's growth projection has been adjusted to a level much lower than previous predictions due to a slowdown in exports, which account for 70% of the economy.
EEC is our only gateway to developed-nation status
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 03/10/2019
» The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been harshly criticised by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Future Forward Party, for its "lack of people's participation". On the contrary, I believe the EEC will help boost the livelihoods of Thais and transform Thailand from a middle-income country to high-income status.
Public debt isn't always a bad thing
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/08/2019
» The global economic slowdown, as a result of the ongoing Sino-US trade tensions, has hit the Thai economy hard.
Instability threatens economic growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/04/2019
» Without decisive winners from the March 24 poll, there are fears that political instability will affect the country's economy. Such concerns are understandable given that three parties, namely the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party, and Pheu Thai Party and Future Forward Party (which brand themselves as the anti-regime camp), are engaging in a post-election tug of war.
Populist policies hold farmers back
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 26/07/2018
» The launch of several populist projects by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government, especially those targeting poor farmers ahead of the election planned for early next year, are seen as a thinly disguised ploy to canvas support from prospective voters.
EEC needs political will to succeed
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/01/2018
» The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a project that will strengthen not only the country's economic performance but also its competitiveness, is making rapid progress, which is commendable.
Megaprojects vital to boosting the sluggish economy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 10/03/2016
» This year is set to be the year of public investment. Huge investment by the state, accounting for 1.796 trillion baht covering 20 megaprojects, is supposed to spark the engine of growth and lift up the sluggish economy.