Showing 1 - 10 of 24
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.
Solid financials offer firepower to weather crisis
Oped, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 02/04/2020
» Like other countries, Thailand is fighting a war against Covid-19. For the government, it cannot afford to lose this war as it must ensure safety to public health, buffer the outbreak's impact on the economy and help affected people who have lost jobs and incomes.
Stimulus a band-aid for gaping wounds
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 28/11/2019
» Despite several "stimulus" measures launched by the government in the past year, the Thai economy is still being buffeted by the volatility of international trade. This year's growth projection has been adjusted to a level much lower than previous predictions due to a slowdown in exports, which account for 70% of the economy.
Public debt isn't always a bad thing
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 29/08/2019
» The global economic slowdown, as a result of the ongoing Sino-US trade tensions, has hit the Thai economy hard.
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.
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.
Looking forward to a THAI miracle
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/09/2018
» As THAI's new management team is struggling to get the ailing flag carrier back in the black by 2022, the public looks on with anxiety. Will there be a miracle?
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.
Time for new chapter in tackling poverty
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 14/06/2018
» Over the past years the government has boasted of numerous economic advances, including an increase in GDP figures. Yet this does not necessarily bode well for its plan to tackle poverty. In fact, these achievements have exacerbated economic inequality, with farmers now marginalised at the bottom of the social spectrum.
Bill reins in populist 'mai pen rai' urges
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 27/04/2017
» While mai pen rai, a frequently used Thai expression for "never mind", "it's okay" or "don't worry", may represent the compromising nature of Thais, it also carries a negative connotation of our tendency to skip dealing with a problem or avoid fixing problems where it hurts.