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Uphill task for Somkid to deliver despite having economic dream team
WICHIT CHAITRONG
THE NATION


Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak

BANGKOK: -- CAN Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak deliver amid slower economic growth and the aftermath of last week's Bangkok bomb blast, which has shaken confidence?

It is obvious from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's Cabinet reshuffle that the ruling junta wants to enhance the nation's international image and boost economic partnerships with other countries.

The junta seems to be intent on capitalising on Somkid's marketing expertise, as he had proved his worth in the administration of former PM Thaksin Shinwatra.

Somkid, who holds a doctorate from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in the US, served as finance minister and commerce minister under Thaksin.

During his time in office, he won support from local and international businesses, probably because he spoke the same language of free trade with them, and his lively speech was able to get the audience's attention.

Somkid also seemed confident when he took to the public stage in making speeches to win support from foreign counterparts.

In its reshuffle, the junta has also removed General Tanasak Patimapragorn as foreign minister and replaced him with Don Pramudwinai, a veteran former diplomat, which suggests that it wants to make friends with de-|mocratic governments who are uncomfortable about talking to generals.

The government's relations with the West have been strained since the coup last year, while the United States has also maintained Thailand on Tier 3 in Washington's latest "Trafficking in Persons" report, a decision many have criticised as being motivated by politics, arguing that the military government has recently made progress in solving human-trafficking issues.

The European Union, meanwhile, has cut off official contact with Thailand, so Don, as a civilian diplomat, might be able to improve the relationship with both the US and Europe.

The junta has also appointed Apiradi Tantraporn to replace General Chatchai Sarikalya as commerce minister, as well as removed ACM Prajin Juntong and replaced him with Arkhom Termpittayapaisith as transport minister.

These moves also strongly indicate that the government wants to improve economic cooperation with the country's trading partners.

Currently, Thailand is facing the risk of trade sanctions by the US due to its perceived lack of progress in regard to human trafficking.

Moreover, the EU might also impose some trade restrictions on Thailand due to accusations of slave labour and illegal fishing practices among Thai trawler operators, while the Thai airline industry also faces a risk of boycott from other countries due to concerns over aviation safety standards.

As Don, Apiradi and Arkhom will be much more acceptable to their foreign counterparts than the three military top brass they have replaced, Somkid as deputy PM in charge of economic affairs might be able to do something more positive in the eyes of the international community.



Calls for stimulus package

Turning to the domestic economy, Somkid faces an uphill task to make people happy. The prolonged political conflict has resulted in an economic growth rate lower than its potential.

Moreover, the bomb blast at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, resulting in 20 dead and more than 100 injured, has put more pressure on the weak economy, as it is expected to hit the tourism industry hard.

Revenue from foreign tourists is currently the life blood of the economy, as exports have not yet returned to positive territory.

Economists have suggested that Somkid should launch a short-term economic stimulus package, aimed at supporting lower- and middle-income groups.

"A stimulus package such as [one including] a tax break is needed, as the bombing might wipe out half of the country's tourism income," said Chulalongkorn University economist Somprawin Manprasert, who expects gross domestic product to expand by just 2.5-2.7 per cent this year.

Somchai Jitsuchon, research director at the Thailand Development Research Institute, suggested that the government may have to give handouts to the low-income group.

Newly appointed Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong, meanwhile, faces a difficult task when it comes to budget disbursement.

He is part of Somkid's team, but he may not be able to do much due to the inefficiency of government agencies and state enterprises.

Thailand's infrastructure investment needs are estimated to be Bt2.4 trillion between 2015 and 2022. While the actual financing of public investment is not a serious concern, how to implement the projects efficiently is the hardest part.

The reform of state agencies and state enterprises has not yet made much progress, so implementing the public investment programme will take time.

Therefore, it could be said that while Somkid has a dream team at his disposal, he may not be able to do much to boost Thailand's image as long as the EU and the US remain at odds with the military regime.

On the economic front, Somkid may win back some confidence, but not a great amount due to the persistent domestic political uncertainty that is damaging both consumer and investor confidence.

Moreover, he will also find it hard to win the heart and soul of a low-income group that continues to be badly affected by the country's economic woes.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Uphill-task-for-Somkid-to-deliver-despite-having-e-30267241.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-24

[shirtless]

Dream team is about right keep dreaming guys things can only get better from this point

[tbthailand]

United States has also maintained Thailand on Tier 3 in Washington's latest "Trafficking in Persons" report, a decision many have criticised as being motivated by politics, arguing that the military government has recently made progress in solving human-trafficking issues.

the Thai propaganda machine trotts out this old "fib" again.

The politics involved in the TIP report was to rank some countries better than they had been evaluated, not - as implied here - to rank them worse than they had been evaluated. Thailand got the ranking it deserved in the TIP report. Period.

[ramrod711]

United States has also maintained Thailand on Tier 3 in Washington's latest "Trafficking in Persons" report, a decision many have criticised as being motivated by politics, arguing that the military government has recently made progress in solving human-trafficking issues.

the Thai propaganda machine trotts out this old "fib" again.

The politics involved in the TIP report was to rank some countries better than they had been evaluated, not - as implied here - to rank them worse than they had been evaluated. Thailand got the ranking it deserved in the TIP report. Period.

I don't disagree with you, the question is, why now? I looked at all the TIP reports, the first paragraph of every one was virtually identical. The only thing that has changed is the military government. I could understand the reduction to tier 3 if Washington argued that in addition to all the long standing human rights issues the coup had robbed people of their right to vote. The reduction to tier 3 seems to be a penalty, but Washington doesn't want to say for what. Diplomacy, wonderful isn't it.

[ezzra]

By ' dream team ' they mean that they all going to sit there dreaming how to get rich quick

now that they're feeding from the trough of plenty....

[MZurf]

United States has also maintained Thailand on Tier 3 in Washington's latest "Trafficking in Persons" report, a decision many have criticised as being motivated by politics, arguing that the military government has recently made progress in solving human-trafficking issues.

the Thai propaganda machine trotts out this old "fib" again.

The politics involved in the TIP report was to rank some countries better than they had been evaluated, not - as implied here - to rank them worse than they had been evaluated. Thailand got the ranking it deserved in the TIP report. Period.

I don't disagree with you, the question is, why now? I looked at all the TIP reports, the first paragraph of every one was virtually identical. The only thing that has changed is the military government. I could understand the reduction to tier 3 if Washington argued that in addition to all the long standing human rights issues the coup had robbed people of their right to vote. The reduction to tier 3 seems to be a penalty, but Washington doesn't want to say for what. Diplomacy, wonderful isn't it.

" The reduction to tier 3 seems to be a penalty..."

And what's wrong with that?

"Diplomacy, wonderful isn't it."

Wonderful is a strong word but in this case, yes.

[Eric Loh]

The junta has left it much too late to change the cabinet. The confidence factor has plummet too much for any V shape recovery. Investors just hate uncertainty and the tone and language by the junta and their supporters for longer stay has not deteriorate investor sentiments. The only way out is for the junta to quickly announce a election date and have it gazetted. Agree with a short term stimulus package or commonly known as populist policy is much needed plus fiscal policies aimed at reducing taxes to resuscitate the domestic economy and help SMEs. Still the junta should have change the cabinet early when the economic data start showing sign of deterioration.

[Emster23]

Dream team on a bed of nails. Free market and free trade needs to work both ways: so many restrictions on foreign owned businesses (51% rule), work permits, requirements to hire Thais even if not needed, huge import duties.... you guys know how it is. And the over riding hidden "corruption" tax that sucks huge percentage of commerce with no benefit to economic growth (unless you consider Bentleys, mia nois etc in some sort of trickle down voodoo econ sense).

[scorecard]

Taking the comment a step further, what would add weight to the overall credibility picture is some displayed progress with real education reforms.

The departing education minister appeared to be putting some strong pressure on the education ministry but nothing (noticeable) seems to have happened.

It's been known for years that the biggest / the absolute road block to real education reforms and especially in terms of education methodology (pedagogy) is the ministry itself combined with older teachers refusing to listen let alone implement change.

Many weeks back the PM appointed an education dream team with power to override the ministry / order the ministry to make changes. It was also reported that somebody (from memory the PM) ordered the new dream team to make visits to and observe the details of education methods in scandinavian countries and Singapore and then recommend changes.

Never mentioned again (that I've noticed). Any other TV members noticed any further reporting on this?

I hope the new minister just appointed will be even more demanding. Perhaps even move the first 2 or 3 layers of the permanent bureaucrats out and sideline them.

[Thai at Heart]

Indeed, talking to them about free trade scared the old money in Bangkok so badly, the banking mps from the Democrats marched front and centre with Sondhi, until their face was on the front page....

[lostoday]

I also have a degree from a well known University in the USA and I can tell them how to fix both the economic and security problems in a NY minute.

Put the military to work including the command structure on infrastructure projects like Pattaya sewers and Bangkok side walks.

The soldiers will buy food from the local vendors and see and be seen in all the major population centers. Dig holes in the ground and fill them with water that's called a reservoir.

All the usual clean up projects and the labor is already paid for (military). Fund the project equipment and supplies from the submarine budget and other areas like that. The people become very happy seeing officers actually sweating and doing physical labor and officer corps gets into shape for free (no spa fees).

I'm available if anyone wants to make me a finance minister.

[laocowboy2]

A shorter version would be - " we were f**&%# under the old team. However with the new team we are .... still going to be f**&%#. The reason is that the bureaucrats gain nothing from reform - and lose chances of tea money - so forget reform".

[wabothai]

Better to refrain from using the word "dream team".

[Charlie Croker]

I also have a degree from a well known University in the USA and I can tell them how to fix both the economic and security problems in a NY minute.

Put the military to work including the command structure on infrastructure projects like Pattaya sewers and Bangkok side walks.

The soldiers will buy food from the local vendors and see and be seen in all the major population centers. Dig holes in the ground and fill them with water that's called a reservoir.

All the usual clean up projects and the labor is already paid for (military). Fund the project equipment and supplies from the submarine budget and other areas like that. The people become very happy seeing officers actually sweating and doing physical labor and officer corps gets into shape for free (no spa fees).

I'm available if anyone wants to make me a finance minister.

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

[lostoday]

I also have a degree from a well known University in the USA and I can tell them how to fix both the economic and security problems in a NY minute.

Put the military to work including the command structure on infrastructure projects like Pattaya sewers and Bangkok side walks.

The soldiers will buy food from the local vendors and see and be seen in all the major population centers. Dig holes in the ground and fill them with water that's called a reservoir.

All the usual clean up projects and the labor is already paid for (military). Fund the project equipment and supplies from the submarine budget and other areas like that. The people become very happy seeing officers actually sweating and doing physical labor and officer corps gets into shape for free (no spa fees).

I'm available if anyone wants to make me a finance minister.

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

[skildpadden]

Try to sit down and ponder how to woo the investors- why should they choose Thailand over other countries in the region?

Of course corruption has eaten a good portion of investments and stimulus packages (as well as general negligence and disinterest), so confidence in the bureaucratic system is low.

However there are other factors:
The educational level is worse or similar to others in SEA. Your cheapest labor force can be found cheaper in neighboring countries and your "educated" labor force cannot compare with e.g. Singapore. This means education reform.

The infrastructure is in a terrible state. Trains derail frequently, highways are in a bad shape the further from Bangkok you get and Suvarnabhumi gets constant repairs - not forgetting that flooding management or even water management appears to be off the agenda now.

A clear political vision for AEC (Thailand is not the only one) is lacking and political priorities and commitments - that subsequent governments will honor - is non existing.

So yes he has an uphill battle in front of him - and a lot of ministries and agencies needs to start working together. Sounds like a Sisyphus project.

[lostoday]

Try to sit down and ponder how to woo the investors- why should they choose Thailand over other countries in the region?

Of course corruption has eaten a good portion of investments and stimulus packages (as well as general negligence and disinterest), so confidence in the bureaucratic system is low.

However there are other factors:

The educational level is worse or similar to others in SEA. Your cheapest labor force can be found cheaper in neighboring countries and your "educated" labor force cannot compare with e.g. Singapore. This means education reform.

The infrastructure is in a terrible state. Trains derail frequently, highways are in a bad shape the further from Bangkok you get and Suvarnabhumi gets constant repairs - not forgetting that flooding management or even water management appears to be off the agenda now.

A clear political vision for AEC (Thailand is not the only one) is lacking and political priorities and commitments - that subsequent governments will honor - is non existing.

So yes he has an uphill battle in front of him - and a lot of ministries and agencies needs to start working together. Sounds like a Sisyphus project.

If the Thai infrastructure is so bad why is Thailand the 10th largest producer of automotive vehicles in the world and the 1st or 2nd largest producer of hard drives?

Edited August 24, 2015 by lostoday

[Thai at Heart]

Try to sit down and ponder how to woo the investors- why should they choose Thailand over other countries in the region?

Of course corruption has eaten a good portion of investments and stimulus packages (as well as general negligence and disinterest), so confidence in the bureaucratic system is low.

However there are other factors:

The educational level is worse or similar to others in SEA. Your cheapest labor force can be found cheaper in neighboring countries and your "educated" labor force cannot compare with e.g. Singapore. This means education reform.

The infrastructure is in a terrible state. Trains derail frequently, highways are in a bad shape the further from Bangkok you get and Suvarnabhumi gets constant repairs - not forgetting that flooding management or even water management appears to be off the agenda now.

A clear political vision for AEC (Thailand is not the only one) is lacking and political priorities and commitments - that subsequent governments will honor - is non existing.

So yes he has an uphill battle in front of him - and a lot of ministries and agencies needs to start working together. Sounds like a Sisyphus project.

If the Thai infrastructure is so bad why is Thailand the 10th largest producer of automotive vehicles in the world and the 1st or 2nd largest producer of hard drives?

Coz they built purpose built estates with roads to them. 30 years ago. Everything is centred in one place. Hard drives are going to be in big trouble soon enough.

They need to find the next industry to attract and incubate inside Thailand so that all the suppliers and logistics are formed around it.

That's what they did on the eastern seaboard. They need to attract something new, or exports are going to be in the doldrums for quite a while.

[Thai at Heart]

I also have a degree from a well known University in the USA and I can tell them how to fix both the economic and security problems in a NY minute.

Put the military to work including the command structure on infrastructure projects like Pattaya sewers and Bangkok side walks.

The soldiers will buy food from the local vendors and see and be seen in all the major population centers. Dig holes in the ground and fill them with water that's called a reservoir.

All the usual clean up projects and the labor is already paid for (military). Fund the project equipment and supplies from the submarine budget and other areas like that. The people become very happy seeing officers actually sweating and doing physical labor and officer corps gets into shape for free (no spa fees).

I'm available if anyone wants to make me a finance minister.

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

Why can't the Thai army get an army Corp of engineers to do some of the infrastructure work? It's a good idea.

On the basis they aren't even shooting their own people right now, it is a win win

[lostoday]

Try to sit down and ponder how to woo the investors- why should they choose Thailand over other countries in the region?

Of course corruption has eaten a good portion of investments and stimulus packages (as well as general negligence and disinterest), so confidence in the bureaucratic system is low.

However there are other factors:

The educational level is worse or similar to others in SEA. Your cheapest labor force can be found cheaper in neighboring countries and your "educated" labor force cannot compare with e.g. Singapore. This means education reform.

The infrastructure is in a terrible state. Trains derail frequently, highways are in a bad shape the further from Bangkok you get and Suvarnabhumi gets constant repairs - not forgetting that flooding management or even water management appears to be off the agenda now.

A clear political vision for AEC (Thailand is not the only one) is lacking and political priorities and commitments - that subsequent governments will honor - is non existing.

So yes he has an uphill battle in front of him - and a lot of ministries and agencies needs to start working together. Sounds like a Sisyphus project.

If the Thai infrastructure is so bad why is Thailand the 10th largest producer of automotive vehicles in the world and the 1st or 2nd largest producer of hard drives?

Coz they built purpose built estates with roads to them. 30 years ago. Everything is centred in one place. Hard drives are going to be in big trouble soon enough.

They need to find the next industry to attract and incubate inside Thailand so that all the suppliers and logistics are formed around it.

That's what they did on the eastern seaboard. They need to attract something new, or exports are going to be in the doldrums for quite a while.

I believe cars are still considered new and there are 170 countries in the world that would love to have Thailand's car business. Of course industrial estates are built with roads leading to them and near oil refineries and seaports. Duh.

Maybe you want to check out South East Asia GDP's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asian_and_Pacific_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)#Southeast_Asia

Thailand ranks #2

Easy to tear down isn't it? So, what new industry would you add to Thailand? English teachers? Stock salesmen? Bankers?

[Thai at Heart]

Try to sit down and ponder how to woo the investors- why should they choose Thailand over other countries in the region?

Of course corruption has eaten a good portion of investments and stimulus packages (as well as general negligence and disinterest), so confidence in the bureaucratic system is low.

However there are other factors:

The educational level is worse or similar to others in SEA. Your cheapest labor force can be found cheaper in neighboring countries and your "educated" labor force cannot compare with e.g. Singapore. This means education reform.

The infrastructure is in a terrible state. Trains derail frequently, highways are in a bad shape the further from Bangkok you get and Suvarnabhumi gets constant repairs - not forgetting that flooding management or even water management appears to be off the agenda now.

A clear political vision for AEC (Thailand is not the only one) is lacking and political priorities and commitments - that subsequent governments will honor - is non existing.

So yes he has an uphill battle in front of him - and a lot of ministries and agencies needs to start working together. Sounds like a Sisyphus project.

If the Thai infrastructure is so bad why is Thailand the 10th largest producer of automotive vehicles in the world and the 1st or 2nd largest producer of hard drives?

Coz they built purpose built estates with roads to them. 30 years ago. Everything is centred in one place. Hard drives are going to be in big trouble soon enough.

They need to find the next industry to attract and incubate inside Thailand so that all the suppliers and logistics are formed around it.

That's what they did on the eastern seaboard. They need to attract something new, or exports are going to be in the doldrums for quite a while.

I believe cars are still considered new and there are 170 countries in the world that would love to have Thailand's car business. Of course industrial estates are built with roads leading to them and near oil refineries and seaports. Duh.

Maybe you want to check out South East Asia GDP's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asian_and_Pacific_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)#Southeast_Asia

Thailand ranks #2

Easy to tear down isn't it? So, what new industry would you add to Thailand? English teachers? Stock salesmen? Bankers?

I am not doing it down. It's great they have the car business. But to get more gdp something has to grow. What's the next big thing in Thailand?

[englishoak]

Next big thing ? a fatter and bigger cold from China I expect...

Wont be seeing the chinese tour groups enmass for long at this rate.

And the Thai economy cant do much about any of what is happening except devalue along with the rest

Edited August 24, 2015 by englishoak

[lostoday]

Coz they built purpose built estates with roads to them. 30 years ago. Everything is centred in one place. Hard drives are going to be in big trouble soon enough.

They need to find the next industry to attract and incubate inside Thailand so that all the suppliers and logistics are formed around it.

That's what they did on the eastern seaboard. They need to attract something new, or exports are going to be in the doldrums for quite a while.

I believe cars are still considered new and there are 170 countries in the world that would love to have Thailand's car business. Of course industrial estates are built with roads leading to them and near oil refineries and seaports. Duh.

Maybe you want to check out South East Asia GDP's. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asian_and_Pacific_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)#Southeast_Asia

Thailand ranks #2

Easy to tear down isn't it? So, what new industry would you add to Thailand? English teachers? Stock salesmen? Bankers?

I am not doing it down. It's great they have the car business. But to get more gdp something has to grow. What's the next big thing in Thailand?

More cars and parts and more electronic components build on what is already here. Thailand is only 10 in car manufacture they could go to 8th or 7th.

[lostoday]

Next big thing ? a fatter and bigger cold from China I expect...

Wont be seeing the chinese tour groups enmass for long at this rate.

And the Thai economy cant do much about any of what is happening except devalue along with the rest

What other countries have devalued their currency in South East Asia?

[Charlie Croker]

I also have a degree from a well known University in the USA and I can tell them how to fix both the economic and security problems in a NY minute.

Put the military to work including the command structure on infrastructure projects like Pattaya sewers and Bangkok side walks.

The soldiers will buy food from the local vendors and see and be seen in all the major population centers. Dig holes in the ground and fill them with water that's called a reservoir.

All the usual clean up projects and the labor is already paid for (military). Fund the project equipment and supplies from the submarine budget and other areas like that. The people become very happy seeing officers actually sweating and doing physical labor and officer corps gets into shape for free (no spa fees).

I'm available if anyone wants to make me a finance minister.

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

Not quite sure what your degree was in, but it sure isn't economics.

There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

Tourism might yet take a hit from a recent bombing situation which you may have heard about.

Leaving just 1 leg on the teetering donkey of Thai economics.

1 way the government can control feeding money into an economy in recession; because the agriculture sector has failed (floods and drought), the export orders have dried up, therefore the manufacturing industry are not producing and the tourism market is in decline. The people are not buying, borrowing or lending and the economy is stagnating.

Your solution is to turn off the last remaining tap feeding money into the septic tank and get the work done for free?

Nice play - Are you Thaksin by any chance?

He's been trying to derail the Thai economy for ages.

[lostoday]

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

Not quite sure what your degree was in, but it sure isn't economics.

There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

Tourism might yet take a hit from a recent bombing situation which you may have heard about.

Leaving just 1 leg on the teetering donkey of Thai economics.

1 way the government can control feeding money into an economy in recession; because the agriculture sector has failed (floods and drought), the export orders have dried up, therefore the manufacturing industry are not producing and the tourism market is in decline. The people are not buying, borrowing or lending and the economy is stagnating.

Your solution is to turn off the last remaining tap feeding money into the septic tank and get the work done for free?

Nice play - Are you Thaksin by any chance?

He's been trying to derail the Thai economy for ages.

Yes I have a degree in Economics.

You wrote, " There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

"Thailand is an export oriented economy with exports accounting for around 65 percent of the GDP. The country mainly exports manufactured goods (86 percent of total shipments) with electronics (14 percent, vehicles (13 percent), machinery and equipment (7.5 percent) and foodstuffs (7.5 percent) being the most important. Agricultural goods, mainly rice and rubber, account for 8 percent of total shipments. Major export partners are China (12 percent), Japan (10 percent), the United States (10 percent) and the European Union (9.5 percent). Others include: Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. "

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/thailand/exports

Our debate would be about the definition of "functioning drivers."

[Charlie Croker]

I can't see how paying some food vendors in Pattaya is going to increase liquidity in the Thai economy.

People aren't spending because the world economy - which Thailand's economy is tied to - is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Thai government are merely able to navigate the country through what many people are claiming to be a massive international economic slump.

Good luck to them, the odds are stacked against there being much they will be able to do.

Thailand relies of tourism infrastructure development and manufacturing/agricultural export to keep going.

These are not looking good. Paying the army (already in employment) is not a good as paying the private sector to employ people. That way money goes into the private sector.

BTW - I don't have a degree from a respected US university.

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

Not quite sure what your degree was in, but it sure isn't economics.

There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

Tourism might yet take a hit from a recent bombing situation which you may have heard about.

Leaving just 1 leg on the teetering donkey of Thai economics.

1 way the government can control feeding money into an economy in recession; because the agriculture sector has failed (floods and drought), the export orders have dried up, therefore the manufacturing industry are not producing and the tourism market is in decline. The people are not buying, borrowing or lending and the economy is stagnating.

Your solution is to turn off the last remaining tap feeding money into the septic tank and get the work done for free?

Nice play - Are you Thaksin by any chance?

He's been trying to derail the Thai economy for ages.

Yes I have a degree in Economics.

You wrote, " There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

"Thailand is an export oriented economy with exports accounting for around 65 percent of the GDP. The country mainly exports manufactured goods (86 percent of total shipments) with electronics (14 percent, vehicles (13 percent), machinery and equipment (7.5 percent) and foodstuffs (7.5 percent) being the most important. Agricultural goods, mainly rice and rubber, account for 8 percent of total shipments. Major export partners are China (12 percent), Japan (10 percent), the United States (10 percent) and the European Union (9.5 percent). Others include: Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. "

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/thailand/exports

Our debate would be about the definition of "functioning drivers."

There is no debate-

Exports are just 1 of the economic drivers,

There are other ways which Thailand make a Baht.

Currently tourism and government infrastructure disbursement are considered the only functioning economic drivers.

Exports have fallen below 3% growth which is the recognised point in economics where indicators see decline in a sector.

What about your soldier idea?

Did you forget that?

And paying some food vendors in Pattaya to boost the economy?

[lostoday]

1. Now the Army gets paid but does no profitable work. By having the Army build infrastructure projects they will make a positive contribution to the domestic economy. 2. Exports (65% of GDP) and tourism although important are not the whole of the Thai GDP. 3. Thai soldiers don't normally eat out at lunch and by doing community projects they would pay retail for food consumed and assist in the domestic economy while providing security that the police can't because they never leave the station house.

By building infrastructure projects Thailand will become a more attractive destination for foreign tourists and investment dollars.

For example if the Army built an electricity generation facility it could provides jobs and electricity for industry. A submarine costs money and only provides jobs for the country building the submarine.

Quite simple actually eliminate all of the items in the Thai budget that do not benefit the Thai people as a whole.

Not quite sure what your degree was in, but it sure isn't economics.

There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

Tourism might yet take a hit from a recent bombing situation which you may have heard about.

Leaving just 1 leg on the teetering donkey of Thai economics.

1 way the government can control feeding money into an economy in recession; because the agriculture sector has failed (floods and drought), the export orders have dried up, therefore the manufacturing industry are not producing and the tourism market is in decline. The people are not buying, borrowing or lending and the economy is stagnating.

Your solution is to turn off the last remaining tap feeding money into the septic tank and get the work done for free?

Nice play - Are you Thaksin by any chance?

He's been trying to derail the Thai economy for ages.

Yes I have a degree in Economics.

You wrote, " There are currently only two-read it 2, - just 2 functioning drivers in the Thai economic sector. The others are officially in contraction.

1 - is tourism

2- is government infrastructure

"Thailand is an export oriented economy with exports accounting for around 65 percent of the GDP. The country mainly exports manufactured goods (86 percent of total shipments) with electronics (14 percent, vehicles (13 percent), machinery and equipment (7.5 percent) and foodstuffs (7.5 percent) being the most important. Agricultural goods, mainly rice and rubber, account for 8 percent of total shipments. Major export partners are China (12 percent), Japan (10 percent), the United States (10 percent) and the European Union (9.5 percent). Others include: Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. "

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/thailand/exports

Our debate would be about the definition of "functioning drivers."

There is no debate-

Exports are just 1 of the economic drivers,

There are other ways which Thailand make a Baht.

Currently tourism and government infrastructure disbursement are considered the only functioning economic drivers.

Exports have fallen below 3% growth which is the recognised point in economics where indicators see decline in a sector.

What about your soldier idea?

Did you forget that?

And paying some food vendors in Pattaya to boost the economy?

That was actually an allegory. The budget needs to be made public and prioritized by someone who has a clue. i would be an improvement and that't not saying much for me.