The Economic Policies of Political Parties Reflect the Vision of Political Leaders.
Thailand is, in terms of world economy, a small country.Globalisation compels Thailand to become aware of its need to participate in worldwide systems, this being essential when considering its economy. Thailand must face fluctuation and impact from evolving economic situations and the policies of trade-partner countries.
The economic policies of visionary leaders are crucial in successfully leading a country to economic vitality and especially stability at this juncture.World economy lacks stability, especially in being able to solve the current, wide-ranging economic problems. The Thai people have immense expectations of any new Governmentrsquo;s ability to bring such economic stability.Currently there are critical obstacles and risks facing the future of the Thai economy.The export sector, the important engine that drives the economy, is greatly hindered by non-tariff barriers.
Globalisation strengthens the link between social standards and general economic issues.For example, the implementation and maintenance of environmental and labour standards help a countryrsquo;s ability to improve their exports, whilst the lack of such standards will hinder it in selling its products and services.Thailand depends on other countries for international trade and if the wolrd changing standard of its products and services is not dynamically improved, it will become increasingly difficult to export. Entrepreneurs need to adapt themselves to these new global conditions and the Government should instigate a policy to support domestic entrepreneurs and national benefits.
In the lecture,lsquo;The Impact of Globalisation on the Thai Economyrsquo;, given in response to the Industrial Estate of Thailandrsquo;s invitation to speak at a seminar lsquo;Overcoming the crisis . . . and a strategy to deal with Thai exports in 2008rsquo; on 28 November 2007, I spoke about the concept of stipulating economic policy, especially the solution of non-tariff barriers that Thai entrepreneurs have to face in the future, by never agreeing to be affected.The leaders who never agree to be affected will try to do something rather than ignore the problem or wait, despite being able to anticipate the problem, until it has become obvious.In one case, Thai shrimp farmers asked their government to help them in their difficulties with the US government.The Shrimp Association of Louisiana had asked the US government to review its anti-dumping policy and cut off GSP for Thai shrimps on the grounds that the Thai shrimp industry uses child labour. This was a sign that the USA was attempting to hinder the import of Thai shrimps because previously Thai entrepreneurs had been required to pay anti-dumping tax and for C-bonds to the US government.In this type of situation, first-class leaders would try to negotiate with the US, whilst adhering to world-wide regulations, allowing Thailand greater opportunities to resolve the conflict and improve on this important export.However, usually Thailandrsquo;s leaders have not conducted economic business using this strategy.They have accepted and followed the regulations set by other countries, accepting the impact and attempting to solve the problem until almost too late.
Good national leaders show diplomatic manners in line with global rules, bravely arguing with other countries on the world-stage, negotiating for proper regulatory powers and preventing their country from being intimidated.A good leader estimates carefully, persuading other nations to agree to an outcome of common benefits with the least damage to all.
World economic situations change rapidly, especially when concerning the standard of products. Thai leaders require foresight in anticipating the procedures Thailand needs to implement so that it has economic advantage over other countries, the area of standards being one that can easily and readily be addressed. The government needs to introduce pro-active policies based on the anticipation of precise standards, especially those of standards already upheld by trade-partner countries such as the USA and the EU, thus trying to improve Thai standards in the same direction.
If the anticipation and improvement of product standards is effected too early, high production costs could result and the Thai economy would not be able to compete with other countries.It is essential to negotiate with other countries so that product standards improve at a common rate. All future production of Thai goods could involve inclusion of components produced in other nations, particularly from neighbouring countries.It will be imperative for Thai commerce to exert pressure on such external suppliers to attain acceptable standards of production such that the resultant quality of the final Thai goods is not compromised in any way.
Unfortunately, Thailand still lacks politicians who have long-term vision. Most of them consider only the immediate issues in order to win elections, particularly those involving the politics of their local area, without appreciating that the world has leapt forward. It is time for us to look ahead and use our intelligence by voting for the politicians who know what they are doing, who know how to govern a country with vision, not for the politicians who denigrate people by giving them narrow, short-term immediate gratifying policies.
เผยแพร่:
The Nation
เมื่อ:
2007-12-12