Showing 21 - 30 of 121
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.
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.
Wealth gap still endangers democracy
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 24/05/2018
» Time flies. This week marks the fourth year of the military regime under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha taking power after it ousted the civilian government in a coup in 2014. It's hard to imagine the military could ever have made a comeback to politics after the 1992 uprising when the men in green were forced to go back to the barracks, never mind managing to stay this long.
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.
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.
Infrastructure land windfall tax a letdown
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 15/03/2018
» A new tax law which will enable the Revenue Department to collect tax from land owners who are to benefit from transport infrastructure development projects is a novel idea by the Finance Ministry.
Politicians must ditch 'analogue consciences'
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 22/02/2018
» While the government has implemented projects to drive the Thai economy toward the digital era, the conscience of the powers-that-be and the rich remain outdated and trapped in the analogue era.
EEC needs political will to succeed
News, Wichit Chantanusornsiri, Published on 25/01/2018
» The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a project that will strengthen not only the country's economic performance but also its competitiveness, is making rapid progress, which is commendable.