Policy and tariff talks key to Thai economic recovery, says Thaksin
BANGKOK: Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has outlined Thailand's path to economic recovery, focusing on public policy and tariff negotiations.
Thaksin told The Nation on May 30 that the government must urgently deliver key policies to the people in its remaining two years in office, particularly tackling drug abuse and improving the economy, with a focus on reducing the cost of living.
Looking ahead to the second half of the this year, Thaksin stressed that the government needs to raise agricultural product prices as a way to directly support the public.
However, he acknowledged that the government no longer has the capacity to offer extensive subsidies as it once did, due to high public debt levels and a steep household debt-to-gross domestic product ratio.
It's essential that the government addresses the debt issues while simultaneously stimulating the economy, he said.
Concerning the 157 billion baht or about US$4.8bil budget initially earmarked for a digital wallet scheme in the 2025 fiscal year, Thaksin explained that changes were now needed.
This is largely due to complications arising from US tariffs, prompting the government to reallocate part of the funds to directly support affected citizens, while directing the remainder toward broader economic stimulus efforts.
Thaksin reiterated that the digital wallet policy was still on the agenda but would be implemented once economic conditions improve.
'Whatever we promised the people must be delivered, be it the 20 baht flat fare electric train or the digital wallet. It may take time, but it must be done. It's like having a 100 baht debt and only 10 baht in hand – you still need to start paying it back bit by bit,' he said.
Speaking about the current economic uncertainty driven by US tariff policies, Thaksin remarked that Thais must fundamentally change how they earn a living.
He pointed out that Thailand is facing intense competition, particularly due to a surge of Chinese imports flooding the market and affecting multiple sectors.
He noted that the government is currently investigating improperly imported Chinese products, many of which fail to meet quality standards.
The illicit imports, he warned, threaten the survival of Thai businesses and must be addressed urgently.
As for ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, Thaksin observed that progress may stall temporarily due to a US trade court ruling suspending a previous directive on tariffs by President Donald Trump.
However, Thaksin expressed confidence that Trump could appeal the decision and eventually win.
'Therefore, trade talks must continue. Negotiations are happening on several levels, and the current conditions are starting to ease, giving Thailand more room to engage,' he said.
When asked about his own involvement in the negotiations, Thaksin clarified that any assistance he offered would be limited to within Thailand, as he had requested permission to travel abroad but was denied.
When asked about his greatest economic concern at present, Thaksin identified household debt as the most pressing issue.
He noted that out of five million affected households, debt resolution had already been achieved for 500,000.
He expressed confidence that resolving the debts of this initial group within the year would help ease the overall burden and allow the public to better adapt.
Regarding proposals by members of parliament to write off debts for the poor, Thaksin dismissed the idea.
He stated that such an approach would not be adopted.
Instead, he said the government plans to use funds from the Financial Institutions Development Fund, along with mechanisms from state-owned specialised financial institutions, to manage and restructure household debt.
Full debt forgiveness, he warned, could lead to moral hazard.
Thaksin also emphasised the importance of ensuring policies truly reach the people.
He pointed to the Interior Ministry as the key ministry responsible for this, but criticised it for not fully engaging at the grassroots level.
With just two years remaining in the current government's term, he said it is crucial that the Interior Ministry steps up its efforts to serve the public effectively. — The Nation/ANN
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