STREETWISE

Conquering the fear of change in a turning world of good and bad

Achara Deboonme 
 

BANGKOK: -- The Erawan Shrine bombing last year placed Bangkok’s tourism industry under a dark cloud. Some small businesses shuttered, but the attack failed to deter big-time investors with more money to spend. They have since cashed in on continued growth. Bangkok has now overtaken London to become the world’s most popular destination, set to welcome 21.47 million international visitors in 2016, according to the latest MasterCard survey.

 

This is very good news for an economy currently grappling with dismal export figures and subdued consumer confidence. More tourists means more revenue, which is what the Thai economy direly needs given that this year's exports are likely to contract for the fourth year in a row. 

Consumer confidence is also shaky, with overtime payments cut for manufacturing workers, and agricultural commodity prices remaining low in line with oil prices.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Conquering-the-fear-of-change-in-a-turning-world-o-30296227.html

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-09-27

Title of article seems to have nothing to do with article, in case anyone didn't notice....

The only fear I have left is for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In the future my daughter can tell them about her swashbuckling freebooter of a father a true world traveler explorer and pillager. Sadly my prodigy will only have my adventure stories on which to build dreams on there will be no retirement, pensions benefits for them they will only be surfs to the rich unless there is a Bill Gates gene imbedded somewhere inside of them. I do hope they can invent a better mousetrap and live in style like a very small few have been able to. I am trying to come to terms as to what the word good in the article states will offer nothing I fear.  

1 hour ago, Emster23 said:

Title of article seems to have nothing to do with article, in case anyone didn't notice....

You need to read the story in the link to get the big picture.

The words "change in a world of good and bad" in the headline is code for Thailand's good news and bad news story.

I suspect the supposed good news about tourist numbers is BS while the dreadful news about the Thai economy is the truth. All adding up to a depressing economic scenario under the junta's rule.

But can the masterful PM pull a rabbit out of the hat to turn things around? Everyone is waiting, waiting...