Bangkok: The Puey Ungphakorn Institute of Economic Research (PIER) convened a forum to address persistent structural issues in Thailand, highlighting the need for immediate reforms in education and agriculture to bolster the country's competitiveness and sustainability. The forum emphasized that despite some progress over the past three years, significant challenges remain unresolved, impacting Thailand's growth and development.
According to Thai News Agency, the forum, titled "Revisiting 16 Ideas for the Lives of Thai People: Exploring Progress and Urgent Solutions," aimed to evaluate the progress made on structural issues since the publication of the article "16 Ideas for the Lives of Thai People: What Is, What Are the Problems, and Issues to Consider" in 2023. It was noted that while Thailand has made some advancements, these have been insufficient to address the critical challenges of declining competitiveness, worsening inequality, and increasing vulnerability, particularly among small-scale farmers.
Dr. Veerachart Kilenathong from the Research Institute for Policy Evaluation and Design (RIPED) highlighted that Thai education reform has stagnated over the past three years, with rural education quality remaining a significant hurdle. The forum proposed several measures, including designing incentive systems for teachers, empowering parents and students, and utilizing education vouchers to foster competition. The government is urged to use reliable data and research to inform policies and efficiently utilize education budgets.
In the agricultural sector, Dr. Somrasmi Chantarat from PIER pointed out the sector's potential to tap into global markets for high-quality food and clean energy but noted the concentration of growth among large corporations. Small-scale farmers face challenges such as low productivity and high costs. The forum recommended connecting the supply chain through a central platform and shifting government roles to facilitate private sector investment in infrastructure, aiming for sustainable agricultural upgrades.
Dr. Kannika Thammapanichwong from PIER raised concerns about Thailand's vulnerability to extreme weather events and the slow adaptation to global environmental regulations, which could undermine competitiveness. The forum suggested enacting climate change legislation, liberalizing the clean energy market, and promoting awareness among businesses to adapt to environmental impacts.
Fiscal constraints were addressed by Dr. Athipat Mutitacharoen from Chulalongkorn University, who warned of the impending public debt ceiling and stressed the need for budget restructuring to support an aging society. Tax reforms and enhanced fiscal discipline were suggested to ensure long-term stability.
Dr. Naran Phiphatthanachai from the Office of the Council of State emphasized using policy and law as tools for transformation. He advocated for empirical data-driven legislation, streamlined processes, and improved government efficiency through technology.
The Puey Ungphakorn Institute reiterated the urgency of structural reforms, viewing them as essential for sustainable national development. The forum's proposals aim to guide Thailand towards targeted solutions and long-term growth.