Economy
From The Report: Thailand 2018
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Macroeconomic recovery in Thailand gained momentum in 2017, with GDP growth hitting a five-year high on the back of a positive performance in exports, tourism and financial services, as well as a moderate uptick in private consumption. Meanwhile, the main index of the Stock Exchange of Thailand hit an all-time high on the first day of trading in 2018, returning to levels not seen since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. Under the auspices of new economic development strategies such as Thailand 4.0 and the Eastern Economic Corridor, infrastructure investment should further support expansion in 2018, with public spending on key transport projects set to surge, even as the government seeks private partners to help deliver billions of dollars of planned initiatives. This chapter contains interviews with Kanit Sangsubhan, Secretary-General, Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand; Nishita Shah Federbush, Group Managing Director, GP Group; and Kalin Sarasin, Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand.
Articles from this Chapter
Generation of demand: Economic indicators and development strategies contribute to a positive outlook for 2018
Generation of demand: Economic indicators and development strategies contribute to a positive outlook for 2018OBGplus
Macroeconomic recovery in Thailand gained momentum in 2017, with GDP growth hitting a five-year high on the back of positive performance in exports, tourism and financial services, as well as a moderate uptick in private consumption. Although non-performing loans (NPLs) remain a concern for the banking sector, lending growth accelerated in 2017. Meanwhile, the main index of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) hit an all-time high on the first day of trading in 2018, returning to levels not seen…
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Interview : Kanit Sangsubhan How does the EEC Act balance attracting investment and managing natural resources? SANGSUBHAN KANIT: We drafted the EEC Act so that it benefits both investors and communities, while providing long-term sustainability in the corridor. The aim of the initiative is to develop the EEC in a systematic and sustainable manner. Advanced technologies in both commercial and industrial activities will be used in accordance with environmental best practices. To create a framework…
Open corridor: Kanit Sangsubhan, Secretary-General, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office of Thailand, on fostering investment, e-commerce and tourism in the EECOBGplus
Interview : Kanit Sangsubhan How does the EEC Act balance attracting investment and managing natural resources? SANGSUBHAN KANIT: We drafted the EEC Act so that it benefits both investors and communities, while providing long-term sustainability in the corridor. The aim of the initiative is to develop the EEC in a systematic and sustainable manner. Advanced technologies in both commercial and industrial activities will be used in accordance with environmental best practices. To create a framework…
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Raising the bar: Nishita Shah Federbush, Group Managing Director, GP Group, on political uncertainty and the strength of local banksOBGplus
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Raising the bar: Nishita Shah Federbush, Group Managing Director, GP Group, on political uncertainty and the strength of local banksOBGplus
Interview :Nishita Shah Federbush To what extent is the ongoing political uncertainty impacting local investor confidence? NISHITASHAH FEDERBUSH: Although the general economy has not experienced any major impacts due to election delays, everyone wants a stable government. Traditionally, politics has not really interfered with business. Nevertheless, as long as there is transparency and stability the economic situation will continue to improve, and there should be no effect on investments…
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Household consumption in Thailand has been constrained by an ageing population and rising consumer debt, and a string of failed stimulus packages launched in the early 2010s led to a sharp increase in the number of distressed and non-performing loans (NPLs) in the consumer segment, exacerbating already challenging circumstances. However, the tide is beginning to turn. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has worked to tighten lending, and household debt has eased since reaching a peak of 80.8% of GDP in 2015.…
Spending patterns: Moderate uptick in household consumption recorded following period of stagnationOBGplus
Household consumption in Thailand has been constrained by an ageing population and rising consumer debt, and a string of failed stimulus packages launched in the early 2010s led to a sharp increase in the number of distressed and non-performing loans (NPLs) in the consumer segment, exacerbating already challenging circumstances. However, the tide is beginning to turn. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has worked to tighten lending, and household debt has eased since reaching a peak of 80.8% of GDP in 2015.…
New prospects: Kalin Sarasin, Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, on the need for strategic partnerships within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)OBGplus
Interview : Kalin Sarasin, Chairman How can further policy reforms and incentives encourage private investment? KALIN SARASIN: Thailand 4.0 has contributed to improving the ease of doing business, and the reform plan has been tackling the many factors previously obstructing businesses. As a result, we now rank 26th on the World Bank’s “Doing Business Report 2018”, which is an increase of 20 ranks compared to 2017. In the near future, starting a business will begin online through e-registration…
New prospects: Kalin Sarasin, Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, on the need for strategic partnerships within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)OBGplus
Interview : Kalin Sarasin, Chairman How can further policy reforms and incentives encourage private investment? KALIN SARASIN: Thailand 4.0 has contributed to improving the ease of doing business, and the reform plan has been tackling the many factors previously obstructing businesses. As a result, we now rank 26th on the World Bank’s “Doing Business Report 2018”, which is an increase of 20 ranks compared to 2017. In the near future, starting a business will begin online through e-registration…
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