Thailand - Five challenges to raise competitiveness: IMD

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COMPETITIVENESS
Five challenges to raise competitiveness: IMD
The Nation


Traffic congestion is a common scene in Bangkok. Among 61 economies, Thailand's basic infrastructure is ranked the 30th.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand faces five major challenges this year to sustain its economic growth in the short and long term, said IMD Competitiveness Centre.

In the short term, the country needs to stimulate short-term economic growth by promoting alternative sectors to compensate for the declining export growth and expediting.

IMD however placed more emphasis on long-term challenges that Thailand is facing.

It urges Thailand to promote innovation-driven, high value-added industries for long-term growth. Thailand should also implement economic restructuring to facilitate income distribution. Meanwhile, Thailand should also implement necessary political and government reform leading to social equality and transparency. The education reform is also suggested, in anticipation of future agenda as well as to seriously foster honest and ethical national culture.

Among 61 economies covered in the 2015 World Competitiveness Index, Thailand is ranked the 30th.

The ranking has been falling for two years in a row - from the 27th in 2013, the 29th in 2014 and the 30th in 2015. In 2012, it was also placed at the 30th.

The ranking looks at several aspects of each country as a place to conduct business.

The ranking looks at 20 areas grouped in four main pillars - economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.

Thailand’s ranking in health and environment is the lowest, at the 54th. The best ranking is seen in the employment area (3rd) thanks to the below 1-per cent unemployment rate.

Among 61 economies, Thailand’s business legislation is also poor, ranked at the 51st. In terms of education, it is at the 48th.

The United States remains at the top of the ranking as a result of its strong business efficiency and financial sector, its innovation drive and the effectiveness of its infrastructure. Hong Kong (2) and Singapore (3) move up overtaking Switzerland, which drops to fourth place. Canada (5), Norway (7), Denmark (8), Sweden (9) and Germany (10) remain in the top 10. Luxembourg moves to the top (6) from 11th place in 2014.

Results for Asia are mixed. Malaysia (12 to 14), Japan (21 to 27), Thailand (29 to 30) and Indonesia (37 to 42) move down. Taiwan (13 to 11), South Korea (26 to 25) and the Philippines (42 to 41) slightly rise in the ranking. Most Asian economies in decline have seen a drop in their domestic economies and are impacted by weakening/ageing infrastructure.

"A general analysis of the 2015 ranking shows that top countries are going back to the basics," said Professor Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Centre. "Productivity and efficiency are in the driver's seat of the competitiveness wagon. Companies in those countries are increasing their efforts to minimise their environmental impact and provide a strong organizational structure for workforces to thrive."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Five-challenges-to-raise-competitiveness-IMD-30261043.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-27

[Thai at Heart]

These changes need a change to the thai geopolitical landscape not a quick touch up.

[trogers]

The first challenge is to reorganize those horrific electric cables along the roads...

[wowfactor10]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

[Jenny Adara]

never happen!

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles - LOL agreed - attention seeking idiots...

Edited May 27, 2015 by Jenny Adara

[mango66]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

Wow !

All this would bring you some benefit,

but over all it would not bring 1% more of productivity in Thailand;

go back to ols system would mean more corruption,

more ferraries and Lombourginis for the reach, but no consum in local product,

( not forget the shopping tours of former 1st lady in Paris and London, -

this is only tax money paid from hard working Thais, spend for

luxures goods abroad ;

the only growing point in your list is education ! YES !!

[oneday]

Challenge #1 - Better education.

Challenge #2 - Better education.

Challenge #3 - Better education.

Challenge #4 - Better education.

Challenge #5 - Better education.

[brain150]

I read lots about governments and the economy ... nothing about the people

The US with 50 Mio people on food stamps [means not enough money to eat !!!] is on top of

the list ??? Also the highest prison population per capita on the planet ???

Also the US is the most violent country on the planet in its relations to other countries.

Am I missing something here ???

Obviously being "competitive" is not that good for the people [or only for a few]

Makes me wonder when people start to use their own minds to find out where the REAL problem is.

For sure it is NOT competitiveness.

[Mr Somtam]

It urges Thailand to promote innovation-driven, high value-added industries for long-term growth.

With the current idiots running the show and the poor indoctrination education system, hmmm.

[brain150]

It urges Thailand to promote innovation-driven, high value-added industries for long-term growth.

With the current idiots running the show and the poor indoctrination education system, hmmm.

Didn't the US, all of europe and others try this before and ALL of them are broke now ???

[Completely independent from WHO is running the government]

[GiantFan]

If not for low unemployment, Thailand would be in number 40+ ranking.

Let's not ask how that rate is calculated.

[quandow]

"Among 61 economies covered in the 2015 World Competitiveness Index, Thailand is ranked the 30th."
- followed shortly by -
"Thailand’s ranking in health and environment is the lowest, at the 54th."

I read this several times and still don't get it. Am I missing the point or is this just poor reporting?

Edited May 28, 2015 by quandow

[maidee]

maybe thailand should join the 21th century ?

100% foreign ownership

right to buy land and own it, not your teerak or giveaway

right to work in your business without the crazy need of useless thais in a digital economy

about innovation & new technology & products, you must be joking right ?

thailand is only good for their "cheap" slave seafood, seriously tainted rice (chemicals, scams), and CHEAP low education LABOUR

[Crazy chef 1]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

...and this has to do with competitiveness for Thailand???

[Mr Somtam]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

...and this has to do with competitiveness for Thailand???

Nothing at all, ego centred BS...

[wowfactor10]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

Wow !

All this would bring you some benefit,

but over all it would not bring 1% more of productivity in Thailand;

go back to ols system would mean more corruption,

more ferraries and Lombourginis for the reach, but no consum in local product,

( not forget the shopping tours of former 1st lady in Paris and London, -

this is only tax money paid from hard working Thais, spend for

luxures goods abroad ;

the only growing point in your list is education ! YES !!

Mate look at the survey poll...700 people voted and 92% would like to be able to buy a small land plot in their own name.

I

[wowfactor10]

From viewpoint of farangs :

1.Ease land owning regulations so allow us foreigners to limited ownership example max purchase of one rai in our own name on the title deed.

2.Ban the 49% foreigner business ownership rules with thai share holders but change it into a 100% foreigner business ownership in Thailand.

3.Present us a one stamp a year hassle free visa.With no strings attached except our one year payment.

4.Land plots bigger then one rai should come with a minimum of one 100 year lease.

5.Police / and Thai courts need be more serious to end the Thai against farang crimes.(no 500 BHT fine for a bag snatcher)

6.Police need change their hot uniform in a uniform that is more suitable for this hot climate.Example bermudas and shirts with short sleeve.

7.Ban jet skies en horses from all Thai beaches.

8.Bring back on the beach chairs ,umbrellas,food and cooling drinks.

9.Consider all outdoor burnings a serious crime that carries a minimum of 2,500 BHT fine.

10.Modernize and simplify the rules for work permits.example 4 staff rules etc etc...

11.Ban all security guards from carrying whistles.

12.Go back to a democratic system as that will surely help to recover with the poor economical situation of Thailand.

13.Offer expats health care insurances for a reasonable price.

14.End the dual pricing in Thailand especially in hospitals.

...and this has to do with competitiveness for Thailand???

Nothing at all, ego centred BS...

Its just a list of what foreigners would like to see improved over here...

It will certainly help to get foreign investments back on track.

Will bring back positive feelings from foreigners towards Thailand as well.

[Mr Somtam]

Acknowledged, sir!

[ExPratt]

There going to have to go some this year ,event TAT have been telling Fibs , Believe it or not

Thailand's Economic Recovery Remains Slow and Fragile in April

BANGKOK--Thailand's economy hadn't emerged from months of sluggishness in April, as the recovery continued to be slow and fragile, the Bank of Thailand said Friday.

The country's private consumption index slipped 0.2% % from a year ago in April, compared with a revised 1.0 on-year increase in March, as non-farm households' income moderated and farm income remained under pressure from low agricultural prices and low output, the BOT said in a statement.

Private investment index went up 0.9 % year-on-year in April, easing marginally from a revised 1.0% on-year rise in March. The slight slip was blamed on weak domestic and foreign demand that led to a delay in business expansion, the central bank said.

Thailand's business sentiment index slipped to 45.2 in April from 52.4% in the preceding month, according to the central bank's report.

Meanwhile, the country registered a trade and current-account surplus of $1.7 billion and $1.1 billion respectively in April, compared with $3.5 billion and $2.2 billion in March.

The central bank also reported that while tourism continued to help support the economy, overseas arrivals dropped 18.3% year-on-year to 2.29 million in April, slowing from a 25.5% on-year increase to 2.53 million in March.

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/thailands-economic-recovery-remains-slow-and-fragile-in-april-20150529-00077?