Showing 11 - 20 of 107
New govt faces massive economic task
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 30/05/2019
» For the first time in five years, Thailand will soon be ruled by an elected coalition government. But the new administration, which is being formed by coalition allies, will not have any honeymoon period.
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.
Welfare not a banquet, but a necessity
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 07/03/2019
» The ongoing election campaign is seeing all competing political parties make ambitious promises to turn Thailand into a welfare state to entice their prospective supporters.
Wake up and ‘smell’ the boiling water
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 10/01/2019
» Despite the uncertain date of the long-awaited election, political parties have intensified their poll campaigns, offering tempting policies to attract voters. A quick look at the campaign pledges of the competing parties suggests they want to turn Thailand into a welfare state. That would be a tough task.
Rethinking our attitude towards populism
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 06/12/2018
» The new package intended for the poor, valued at 38 billion baht issued by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration ahead of the election, is seen by critics as a populist tactic aimed at maximising political gain. Yet in my opinion, it's time we took a new look or changed our attitude toward populist policies. The fact is that all governments, elected or not, tend to embrace populism and even though some packages may not benefit the middle class, populist policies are just inevitable.
Salt, sugar, grey hair a perfect health storm
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 15/11/2018
» A changing diet in past decades has seen Thai people grow accustomed to consuming too much sugar and salt, negatively impacting their health. This has led to more cases of non-communicable diseases (NCD), heart problems, high-blood pressure and diabetes in state hospitals, which is placing a heavy burden on government spending.
BoT right in fending off property bubble
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/10/2018
» The Bank of Thailand (BoT) deserves praise for warning about the risk of a speculative bubble in the property sector, in particular from mushrooming condominium projects.
Savvy excise tax hike going up in smoke
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 06/09/2018
» I have a strong reason to oppose the recent decision by the Finance Ministry to delay an increase in excise tax on cigarettes for another two years, from next year to October 2021. The delay doesn't spell good news for the state coffers, which is one consideration. Another concern is that it would deal a harsh blow to the state's efforts to discourage young smokers.
Debt woes expose education integrity crisis
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 16/08/2018
» Recent stories about teacher and student loan defaults have shed light on a crisis of integrity within our education system.
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.