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Thailand Needs Visionaries, Must Become A Trading Hub: Pridiyathorn


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Posted

Thailand needs visionaries, must become a trading hub: Pridiyathorn

By Achara Deboonme

The Nation

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The five major political parties will retain their grip on power after the election and no matter who ends up partnering with whom, under the circumstances there is little hope for help to buoy the beleaguered economy, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, a former deputy prime minister, said yesterday.

In his speech on the "Prospects for the Thai Economy during the Election Year and Beyond" to the Euromoney Thailand Investment Forum, Pridiyathorn, also a former Bank of Thailand governor, laid out coalition scenarios that could influence both the political reconciliation process and stewardship of the economy.

In the first, most remote scenario, where the Democrat and Pheu Thai parties form a coalition government, progress in reconciliation and economic management would be very fast.

In the second scenario, where the coalition parties renew their cooperation, "everything will stay put" with continued "red" protests.

In the third scenario, where Pheu Thai leads a coalition government, the reconciliation process could improve and better economic management is promised, he said.

All the key players will stay in this "election game". While the Democrat Party has not paid much attention to economic issues, as seen from the past two years, Pheu Thai is directionless without a clear leader, he said. Bhum Jai Thai is dubbed as "a chapter of wealth creation".

Whatever the scenario, it would not easily help elevate the economy to a higher stage of development. Political party leaders are crucial in guiding the nation out of economic constraints, as the economy is reaching a point where it can no longer grow by focusing on manufacturing, given the rapidly depleting resources and growing environmental concerns.

Visionary leaders are needed who realise that Thailand must be geared towards a "trading nation" status as that could bring more wealth to the Kingdom and improve income distribution.

Thailand enjoys growth in hotels and hospitals, but trade is limited to products produced in Thailand and consumed by Thais. For Thailand to step up into a role as a trading hub for products produced by others and consumed by others, it needs proper rail links and deep-sea ports in the Andaman Sea to facilitate exports to the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Since Thailand is the major supplier of rice, sugar and rubber to the world, there is plenty of potential and exporters would become global merchants.

"Thailand could become a trading nation, with the right perception of leaders who can implement needed changes. If we are to become a trading nation, we need strong support from the government, particularly for the rail links and harbours. Can we find that leader? Now, no. Some persons have the qualifications but they don't want to enter politics," he said.

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-- The Nation 2011-03-22

Posted (edited)

There is no lack of visionaries in Thailand,

just a lack of accountability and professionalism to turn these visions into reality.

And, quite often, some projects are started with lots of enthusiasm but the final outcome is a disaster or just another facette of graft, greed or lack of forward thinking (see Suvarnabhumi airport, new airport rail system, continued tourist ripoffs by airport taxis, visa regulations, land ownership laws, Immigration handling vs. TAT goals, alcohol laws, food price regulations, rubber plant subsidies, "Thailand will be an XY hub" ideas, etc etc)

Edited by pepi2005
Posted

There is no lack of visionaries in Thailand,

just a lack of accountability and professionalism to turn these visions into reality.

And, quite often, some projects are started with lots of enthusiasm but the final outcome is a disaster or just another facette of graft, greed or lack of forward thinking (see Suvarnabhumi airport, new airport rail system, continued tourist ripoffs by airport taxis, visa regulations, land ownership laws, Immigration handling vs. TAT goals, alcohol laws, food price regulations, rubber plant subsidies, "Thailand will be an XY hub" ideas, etc etc)

Absolutely ! The Rule of Law instead of the Rule of Custom, and enforcement of the Law.

Posted
little hope for help to buoy the beleaguered economy,

Economically, Thailand is doing exceptionally well. What I think he means is politically? These two are not the same.

Much has been said about politics in Thailand; not much I can add other the obvious that politicians are not in it for the good of the country but for themselves. Credit to Abhisit who has tried to get everyone to obey the law, and do everything in a transparent and fair way, but not many people do, especially those that wield alot of power via money.

Sometimes I think we foreigners dwell too much on how badly the country is run, and the things that go on here, to the point were it affects our enjoyment of why we are really here: good food, nice climate, friendly welcoming people, beautiful women, easy going environment, etc, etc.

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