Showing 11 - 20 of 22
Reform, reform, reform: 3 gates to growth
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 10/08/2017
» Thailand's economic growth has been bogged down in the past decade by political instability. Since the 2014 coup, the military government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has managed to stabilise the political climate. But uncertainty prevails when it comes to the country's political future.
Unsustainable welfare a time bomb
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/06/2017
» I don't believe any government would be insane enough to revoke the Universal Healthcare Coverage (UC) scheme, also known as the "gold card", or cut the benefits it provides to about 49 million Thais, let alone propose a co-payment scheme as feared by health advocates. Such acts would effectively translate as political suicide.
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.
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.
Corporate tax changes hold out hope of cleaner society
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 09/06/2016
» When the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) which took the power in 2014, it put some goals, including corruption eradication, and national reform, on its priority list. Such goals are enshrined in the draft charter written by the Constitutional Drafting Committee under Meechai Ruchupan which is up for the referendum on Aug 7.
Development bank poised to drive businesses once again
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 07/01/2016
» Almost from ashes, the once-ailing Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank) has eventually made an impressive turnaround and looks set to resume its role as a financial institution to drive small- and medium-sized businesses into prosperity.
Land, buildings tax delay jeopardises fiscal health
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 09/04/2015
» Public uproar forced the Prayut Chan-o-cha government to put its controversial land and buildings tax on hold. But without new sources of tax revenue, the country's fiscal health is facing serious risks.
SME Bank might be better off closing its doors
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 26/09/2013
» I wonder who is in greater need _ Thai small businesses or the state bank set up to help them?
Claims of Finance Ministry graft jolt our faith
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 26/07/2013
» It's hard to make sense of the headlines last week about the authorities breaking up a gang responsible for defrauding the government out of more than 4.6 billion baht in illicit value-added tax refunds.