Showing 41 - 50 of 107
Weeding out corruption in state enterprises
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 02/02/2017
» The latest saga of bribery scandals involving state enterprises has caused me as much pain as it could possibly inflict on the average Thai.
Regime infrastructure push key to growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 12/01/2017
» The Prayut Chan-o-cha government's recent push to accelerate domestic investment for this year represents a key milestone on the road to lifting Thailand's economy out of its stagnant state, boosting growth and sharpening its competitive edge. But it remains to be seen whether the state's big-ticket projects will be able to inspire the confidence of private investors and spur an investment spree by the private sector.
Govt pins hopes on stimulus to boost growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 15/12/2016
» In the hope of shoring up the ailing economy, the government looks set to apply another strong pill. Last week, it placed a high bet on a mid-year expenditure budget of 190 billion baht for the 2017 fiscal year. The need for such strong medication to help the country climb out of its economic sluggishness is understandable. But it must not be overused to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
The farming sector needs change, now
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 24/11/2016
» With just about one year left in office, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his government will have to give a high priority to existing problems in agriculture -- especially the falling price of rice. Thai farmers have suffered financial hardship due to repeated crises over low rice prices. The government's failure to address the problems in a timely manner will make its economic development goals hard to achieve.
His Majesty was our bulwark in times fair or grim
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 03/11/2016
» Seventy years ago, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej started his long journey of working tirelessly for his people. Throughout the country, he travelled to remote and rough areas to meet and hear first-hand accounts of the plight of locals. He waded through numerous jungles and tramped down dusty and muddy roads even though he could have just spent a comfortable life in the palace.
Rice policies must take focus off populism
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 13/10/2016
» Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has cried foul about the compensation, sought by the current regime, for damages caused by her government's loss-ridden rice-pledging scheme. She should instead have paid heed to concerns over irregularities and the scheme's lack of sustainability when she was in power.
Jury still out on government's ability to lift economy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 22/09/2016
» With the Prayut Chan-o-cha government in charge for more than two years, the Thai economy still hangs in the balance. Even though the government has managed to lift the country out of the economic stagnation we experienced before the 2014 coup, it has failed to accelerate growth.
Serious reform bids finally put on the table
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 01/09/2016
» The Ministry of Finance in recent years has come up with numerous fiscal reforms, including new tax measures, aimed to enhance Thailand's competitiveness and strengthen the economy. During this course of reforms, the ministry cannot afford to overlook the need for improved transparency, which is one of the most important reform aspects, within its own organisations.
Thais opt for quick fix over full democracy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 11/08/2016
» The results of Sunday's constitutional referendum demonstrate a critical reversion of political thought among Thai voters. In voting for a less democratic draft constitution, they have made it clear they prefer immediate remedies for political and economic woes rather than fully-fledged democracy.
Our elderly must have a safety net
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 21/07/2016
» Thailand's success in reducing fertility levels in the past few decades has brought it an unavoidable consequence -- a rising ageing population. The sheer size demands state measures to enable Thailand to be better prepared for dealing with an ageing society.