Showing 1 - 8 of 8
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.
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.
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.
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.
For higher returns, invest in human capital
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 17/10/2013
» The government has clamoured for months about the necessity of its 2-trillion-baht borrowing programme to help modernise our road and rail infrastructure. While many question the approach and methodology of how the programme will be financed, vetted and structured, few doubt that more public investment is sorely needed to support the country's growth over the next several decades.
Sacrificing happiness for development
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 17/01/2013
» I happen to agree with the adage that money alone can't buy happiness. So why do development policies seem to focus on economic growth with little consideration given to quality of life, social stability or public happiness?
Use state banks as tools, not political toys
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 24/08/2012
» A cursory scan of the local headlines over the past several months offers up some gloomy reading indeed.
Food security at risk as students shun agriculture
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 31/05/2012
» It's a telling fact that this year's university entrance exams put agriculture as the least popular area of study for incoming freshmen. Indeed, interest was so poor that Vudtechai Kapilakanchana, president of Kasetsart University, issued a plea to the government to develop measures to encourage students to study agriculture.