ECONOMY

Ready for any scenario
High above the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Tarisa Watanagase offers a smile. "I'm actually quite optimistic about the future, all things considered,'' she says.

Recovery takes time
Cynics may argue that an honest politician is an oxymoron. Which is why the blunt words come as an interesting, if not somewhat depressing surprise.

Putting money to work fast
It seems almost odd, to hear a senior Finance Ministry official urge the political leadership to push spending. In times past, it has been more common to see the politicians decry the fiscal conservatism of the ministry in implementing pet projects and policies.

Crisis of confidence spells doom
Consumer confidence sank to the lowest in 82 months in November 2008 as anti-government protesters forced the closure of Bangkok's two airports and the global recession dampened exports.

Sputtering export engine needs tune-up
Exports helped Thailand out of its last major crisis a decade ago but few people expect a repeat performance during the current global economic crisis. The financial contagion that originated in the United States has firmly taken hold in other giant economies, curbing demand for thousands of products made in Thailand.

Bracing for a tough year ahead
Food and transport costs rose substantially in the first half of 2008 on the back of skyrocketing oil prices, posing monumental challenges for several governments around the world in harnessing cost-push inflation and mapping out measures to help alleviate hardships faced by local consumers.