Nicha Pittayapongsakorn Public education is sensitive to policy interventions, often with unintended consequences. Some changes such as an increase in teacher rewards or a tweak in curriculum design can cause a long-lasting effect on how schools operate, how teachers teach and ultimately how students learn. The Thai education system is under pressure not only to […]
Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu Alibaba’s planned investment in Thailand has made the country more attractive as a Southeast Asia e-commerce and digital hub.Last month, Alibaba Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce businesses, announced that it would invest in a “smart digital hub” in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and cooperate with the Thai government to develop […]
Like it or not, Thailand has to face up to the challenges of disruptive technologies, which have already radically affected many sectors of its economy, from agriculture and industry, to professionals and other services. Unfortunately, the country has yet to formulate a clear strategy about how to confront this challenge. The Thailand Development Research Institute […]
THE country could lose as many as three million jobs over the next 20 years if it is unable to adapt to and use disruptive digital technologies, the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) president, Somkiat Tangkitvanich, warned yesterday. At the TDRI’s annual conference,Somkiat said disruptive technologies could prevent the economy from growing at an average […]
Wichsinee Wibulpolprasert Thailand’s electricity production has relied heavily on natural gas for the past several decades. In an attempt to increase energy security, the most recent Power Development Plan (2015) proposed a transition away from natural gas and towards a more diversified portfolio of renewable, hydro and coal. However, the government’s plans to build two […]
GUNN JIRAVUTTIPONG NATCHA O-CHAROEN The emergence of ride-hailing firms such as Uber and Grab, which recently merged their services in Southeast Asia, has received mixed responses. With the use of smartphone apps to connect commuters with drivers, this service, said to be a disruptive innovation to the existing point-to-point transport industry, has enjoyed consumer support […]
Adis Israngkura The Thepha coal-fired power plant conflict in Songkhla province of the South shows the public decision-making process in Thailand is in a serious coma. Previous large-scale infrastructure initiatives, such as the Krabi power plant, the Mae Wong irrigation dam, or the more historic Kaeng Sue Ten irrigation dam were all put on hold […]
Female workers usually get lower salaries than male colleagues working in the same positions, but the pay gap appears wider among those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to a Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) researcher. Worawan Chanduaywit, social security advisor to the TDRI, said although more women in the workforce tend to pass […]
A study into ride-sharing services has been handed to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) ahead of deliberations that could pave the way for US-based industry leader Uber to operate legally in Thailand. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) submitted the study to the department and the Ministry of Transport is expected to decide on […]
Kwankamon Thanadkah Alongkorn Chaladsook Late last year, Thai rock star Artiwara Kongmalai – also known as Toon Bodyslam – undertook a charity run of 2,215 kilometres across Thailand to raise donations to buy medical equipment for 11 state hospitals. The mega-marathon drew massive public attention. It also sparked public debate on how badly underfunded the country’s public […]
Chayathorn Termariyabuit In its attempt to eradicate poverty from Thailand, the Prayut Chano-cha government has come up with a number of aid schemes for the poor. One of them is the child support grant – a programme that provides a subsidy as basic welfare for newborn babies from poor families or households considered at risk […]
If they are not offered support, many people risk falling into difficulties when they lose their independence, physically and financially, in their final years. Dr Worawan Chandoevwit, an adviser on social security at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), has suggested that the government consider establishing a long-term care fund for the elderly. This is […]
