|
|
| • EXCH RATES |
|
Baht/$ 34.50/55 (Bid/Ask)
|
GOLD |
13,250
|
|
SOMRUEDI BANCHONGDUANG
Compromise is the best way to solve the country's political crisis, according to Thammasat University economists.
Dr Praipol Koonsup, a Thammasat University professor, said the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy needed to retreat from their positions and forge a compromise solution for the country's troubles.
A referendum, as proposed by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, would do little to address the problem, given the lengthy time required.
''If the turmoil does not end within a month, it would significantly impact the country's exports and tourism. As a result, each side should back up a step and acknowledge each others proposals. And they should do so quickly,'' Prof Praipol said.
The tourism industry has already been clearly affected by the country's political turmoil, and risks further losses as the country enters the year-end high season. Dr Praipol said political chaos was the main drag on economic growth right now.
Dr Direk Pattamasiriwat, another Thammasat University lecturer, said the government could fall short in its revenue target for fiscal 2008 if tourism and export revenues slowed.
The budget deficit this year and next year could balloon if tax revenues fell due to poor market sentiment, undermining the country's fiscal position.
Dr Direk suggested the government rethink its existing policies for the poor, with new insurance and savings incentives more likely to benefit the public than the six-measure, six-month programme adopted last month.
The ''anti-inflation'' programme includes free water and electricity for small households, free bus and train rides and excise tax cuts for fuel.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Next
