Showing 1 - 10 of 19
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.
Good governance sorely lacking at state-run banks
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/07/2019
» During parliamentary debates on the Prayut Chan-o-cha government's policy statement, scheduled for tomorrow and Friday, the state-run Krung Thai Bank's (KTB) 9.9-billion-baht loan scandal will likely be taken up by the opposition targeting one cabinet member, Finance Minister and Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Uttama Savanayana. When the loan was approved in 2003, Mr Uttama was an executive board member of the bank.
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.
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.
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.
Act now on ageing society before it's too late
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 05/07/2018
» In the next three years, people aged over 60 in Thailand will account for 13.8 million, or 20% of the population. This means in a group of five, there will be one elderly person. In demographic science, a country where 20% of its people are aged 60 years old or higher is categorised as an ageing society.
Healthcare woes never too big to solve
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 23/11/2017
» Anyone who has never had to admit or nurse a loved one at state hospitals in the provinces cannot really understand what it feels like to be in such crowded and cramped state medical facilities.
Welfare cards offer hope to family-run shops
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 02/11/2017
» Whether or not it is the intention of the government, social welfare cards for the poor can help revitalise a sagging traditional retail segment -- "mom-and-pop" shops.
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.