Showing 1 - 10 of 99
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.
Fiscal discipline can still save the day
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 03/05/2018
» Fiscal security is of the utmost importance. When the country faces an economic crisis, every government must resort to stimulus measures to reinvigorate the economy. At times, some make use of fiscal measures to narrow the socio-economic gap. Either way, much money is needed.
Citizens shoulder burden of vast state debt
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 11/06/2015
» Bad policies formulated by previous governments including the previous government's rice scheme have left the country in financial trouble, owing some 720 billion baht.
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.
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.
Proxy vote saga puts entire economy at great risk
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 30/01/2020
» As the Constitutional Court yesterday accepted a request by House Speaker Chuan Leekpai to rule on the validity of the 2020 budget bill, the fate of public spending and investment now hang in the balance, thanks to proxy voting by government coalition MPs which has put the legality of the bill in question.
Rich get richer, poor get the picture
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 09/01/2020
» This year the new land and building tax law takes effect with the new tax regime hardly affecting ordinary people who do not own second homes. It rather effects super rich people who have owned land in amounts so vast that they would have to spend a good part of their life if they wanted to walk around every plot of their land.
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.
High-income goal needs a reality check
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 31/10/2019
» Thailand "will become a high-income country by 2036", said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, as he spoke of his "Vision 2036" at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.
EEC is our only gateway to developed-nation status
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 03/10/2019
» The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has been harshly criticised by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the Future Forward Party, for its "lack of people's participation". On the contrary, I believe the EEC will help boost the livelihoods of Thais and transform Thailand from a middle-income country to high-income status.