Opinion: Revitalizing Thailand’s economy through immigration policy reform

[webfact]

Thailand, under the new government of Srettha Thavisin, is at a pivotal moment in its economic history. After years of stability provided by traditional growth engines such as tourism and exports, the country is grappling with economic stagnation.

 

The challenges are multifold: uncompetitive talent pools, rising labor costs, and an increasingly aging population. As the government marks a return to civilian rule, it must also confront this complex economic landscape. It’s crucial to think beyond the usual scope and consider innovative methods for driving economic growth, one of which could be a transformative immigration policy.

 

In the era of globalization, human capital is arguably the most valuable asset. Many countries with technologically skilled workforces—like Ukraine, Russia, China, and Taiwan—are currently dealing with various forms of political and economic instability. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for Thailand, which, in contrast, boasts a more stable geopolitical landscape. A case in point is the recent crackdown in China’s tech sector and the fallout in its real estate market, leaving up to 20% of Chinese graduates jobless.

 

Closer to home, countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia are struggling with civil unrest and economic instability. For skilled laborers in these countries, Thailand could be perceived as an attractive haven for long-term residency, given its relative stability and growing industries such as FinTech, biochemistry, and renewable energy.

 

Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2023-09-26

 

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By Serichon

[Lacessit]

IMO the uncompetitive talent pools are a predictable outcome of the Thai education system, with its emphasis on conformity and obedience. You reap as you sow.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

It’s crucial to think beyond the usual scope and consider innovative methods for driving economic growth, one of which could be a transformative immigration policy.

So were screwed then, is that what this means?

 

[Srikcir]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

It’s crucial to think beyond the usual scope and consider innovative methods for driving economic growth

But within the economic bounds established by the junta's 20-Year National Strategy Plan enshrined in the junta's written 2019 Constitution. It will take in part the pro-military appointed Senate support. So innovation may be limited.

9 hours ago, webfact said:

After years of stability provided by traditional growth engines such as tourism and exports, the country is grappling with economic stagnation.

If you've had years of economic stability, might "stagnation" be a good thing? But in fact the 2014 coup drove the economy backwards and took five years to rebound just to the 2013 level, albeit virtually abandoning traditional high-value GDP instruments such as export of goods and services to be replaced with low-value tourism.

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Closer to home, countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia are struggling with civil unrest

Yeah, military overthrow and civil war in Myanmar is creating "civil unrest." But a criminal Myanmar government is BBF with the new government as it was with the old. 

 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Ukraine, Russia, China, and Taiwan—are currently dealing with various forms of political and economic instability.

I would hardly characterize Russia's almost 2-year war against Ukraine as a form of "political and economic instability." Same goes with China's desire to annex Taiwan into a Hong Kong-like state or China's declaration of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea..

 

Edited September 26, 2023 by Srikcir
Typo

[Mavideol]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

This presents an unprecedented opportunity for Thailand, which, in contrast, boasts a more stable geopolitical landscape.

where is the stable geopolitical landscape, military coup after military coup, corrupted officials, so called democratic elections whereby people selected a leader but such democratically elected leader can not lead the country, is that considered stable geopolitical  landscape, did I miss something somewhere

[Mavideol]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

one of which could be a transformative immigration policy.

you better be kidding, do you think they would kill the golden goose  555

[retarius]

Sorry, it's BS.

[Caldera]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Closer to home, countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia are struggling with civil unrest and economic instability.

Myanmar has both, Laos has economic instability, Cambodia has neither. A bit silly to lump them all together.