Transforming Thailand into a Low-Carbon Economy and Society

By Somkiat Tangkitvanich Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) 1. The Twin Climate Change Challenges Addressing global climate change is crucial for the survival of Thailand’s economy. This involves confronting challenges related to both reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide[1] (“mitigation”), and preparing for more severe climatic conditions (“adaptation”). For instance, mitigation efforts include transitioning […]

Finding a remedy for reckless driving

Every year, nearly 20,000 people are killed in road accidents in Thailand. That is 50 people every day or two every two hours. Such a horrific toll makes Thailand’s roads among the most dangerous in the world. The loss not only concerns human lives. The economic cost to the government amounts to nearly 500 billion […]

Tackling vague laws, for public safety

In Bangkok’s construction industry, demands for kickbacks from city authorities are nothing new. But when it was the Bangkok governor who exposed the corruption himself, change may be on the way. Early in June, governor Chadchart Sittipunt reportedly revealed an attempt by a public works official from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to demand 300,000 […]

Clean energy key to Thai climate goals

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt last year, Thailand maintained its previous goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 — another 27 years, and having net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2065 –or almost half a century. As the country’s largest producer of carbon dioxide, which is the major cause […]

Meeting new job demands in the post-Covid economy

To survive the rapid digital transformation, the government must act fast to upskill and reskill the workforce while education institutions must equip students with new in-demand skills to grow in the post-Covid digital economy. “The pandemic has speeded up digital transformation with a drastic impact on job and market demands. If Thailand cannot adapt in […]

Five things to do to win Covid-19

Thailand has money to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet people are falling like leaves. It’s clear. Cash handouts cannot save lives. Highly effective vaccines can. Rapid mass vaccinations for everyone in the country can. Repeat, everyone.  But can these effective Covid-19 solutions happen fast enough to save lives and rescue the national economy? Amid rising […]

Use satellite tech for farmers in crisis

Kamphol Pantakua Ask any Thai rice farmer to describe government assistance when they are hit with natural disasters. Their answers will most likely be the same: Too little, too late.In an occupation with already high investments, farmers are at the mercy of Mother Nature, which has become increasingly erratic and wrathful. Natural disasters reduce farmers’ […]

Hacking the Operating System of the Thai State: Learning from Handling the Covid-19 Crisis to Prepare for New Challenges

If Thailand is a computer, its bureaucracy is an outdated operating system that needs a drastic upgrade to restore system competency, a move that must start with a new inclusive constitution, said Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). “It is mandatory for Thailand to reform the bureaucracy. Like an old computer, […]

The future is not mass tourism

Adis IsrangkuraKanjana Yasen True, the tourism industry is the country’s biggest income earner. But the massive influx of tourists far exceeds the country’s carrying capacity which has dealt a heavy toll on the natural environment. True, the global Covid-19 pandemic has brought the tourism industry to a standstill, destroying businesses and millions of jobs. But […]

Time to give child protection a boost

Boonwara SumanoNatinee Na Chiangmai  In the first half of this year, there were numerous reports of violence against children. Many of these cases share a similar pattern — those responsible for the violence are people close to the child. According to statistics from the 1300 hotline, from October 2018 to September 2019, reports of violence against […]

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