Wiwan Tharahirunchote
President, One Asset Management

Iwould like to see a leader who will really lead, someone who has strong discipline and financial acumen. It will be important to see how the new government will tackle the problems of poverty that we still face, and what can be done to reduce it. And Dec 26 showed the importance of having a strong leader in office.

Nipon Surapongrukchareon
Vice-chairman, the Federation of Thai Industries

We saw the Thai Rak Thai government make huge efforts to support small-and medium-sized enterprises. But the quality of business operators remains low, despite the tens of billions of baht spent for financial support, skills training, and marketing and technology assistance programmes.

Too many new entrepreneurs simply cannot survive. If these small businesses cannot stay in business, then it has been money spent for nothing.

The next government should be more prudent in its budget priorities. Policies such as the village investment funds and the One Tambon, One Product programme should be reconsidered. And more needs to be done in terms of educational reform and promoting skills development.

Praphad Phodhivorakhun
Chairman, the Federation of Thai Industries

Iam confident that the people will be able to select the most appropriate leader for the country. Personally, I don't think that economic policy is a concern _ the new government will help support the needs of business.

The government needs to encourage Thai industrialists to become more self-reliant. All too many rely on foreign know-how for their production technology, designs, raw materials and human resources. We need to promote research and development to reduce these dependencies.

Businesses also need to be made more aware about the threats and opportunities of trade liberalisation. Competition will increase in the market in the future. At the same time, Thai products and services have huge opportunities to expand their presence in the international market.

Robert Penaloza
Deputy chief investment officer, Aberdeen Asset Management

Idon't foresee any major political change _ Thai Rak Thai will stay in power.

Foreign investors expect the new government to continue the dual-track policies, which will help keep the country's economy stable. But if the government does make any major changes, it could potentially cause confusion among foreigners.

But most are optimistic about the elections, and believe that market sentiment and consumer spending will increase afterwards.

I would like to see the Thai market develop further in terms of depth and diversification. Good governance, transparency and less political intervention are still key issues when investors decide to buy stocks, as we really need to have confidence in what we invest in.

Parames Rachjaibun
Chairman and chief executive of Turnaround Co
Chairman emeritus of the Advertising Association of Thailand

Our next prime minister needs to show a strong committment to the country's development, and play a role similar to that of an orchestra conductor, managing the government so that all levels move in the same direction.

A good leader has vision, acts with transparency and ensures harmony. We need a leader who can recognise and adjust to the changes in the global environment, while still recognising the importance of Thai culture.

The next government needs to have a good understanding of business. Free-trade agreements need to be more carefully considered, given the huge potential impact on the country. Right now, we seem to face only two choices: change or die.

Phaibul Kanokvatanawan
Executive vice-president, The Mall Group Co

Income distribution needs to be made a priority by the next government. More should be done to help balance the benefits of growth.

Incentives should be offered to help attract investors to upcountry provinces. Lower labour costs are not enough to persuade companies to invest upcountry, not when operating costs are the same as Bangkok but purchasing power less by half.

The next government should encourage businesses to invest in rural areas by offering lower-cost infrastructure and utilities. This will not only help distribute income nationwide, but ease overcrowding and traffic in Bangkok.

I believe Thai Rak Thai will lead the government again. One thing I would like to see is greater decentralisation _ it seems that ideas and initiatives come only at the hands of the prime minister. At the same time, I would like to see the opposition parties do their duty and homework better, to help maintain a balance.

Anant Asavabhokin
President and CEO, Land & Houses Plc

The next government needs to do more to help Thailand catch up to the rest of the world, as well as help businesses adjust and improve themselves to be able to compete. The government needs to have the right vision to see the strengths and weaknesses of our country.

And a good leader needs to have good vision, good ideas and the ability to execute and translate those ideas into action.

Nattha Eungthong
Third-year business student, Kasetsart University

Iexpect nothing more from the government than for it to work hard and stay free from scandal and corruption.

Reducing poverty and raising educational standards are the most important challenges facing the government. Good leaders do their best for the people they represent and considers the people's happiness ahead of their own.

I believe Mr Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai are the most qualified to lead the country again. The Democrat Party seems to be weaker, in both policies and the ability to carry them out.

Thai Rak Thai has done a good job in many areas as the government, although it seems that huge amounts of money have been spent on some projects with little gain.

Charn Sirimontaporn
GM, Thailand-China Business Council

The next government can expect any number of economic problems, whether it be market volatility, oil prices and currency swings. But I think that the economy is in good shape, and I would like to see the next government continue the work of the current one to ensure policy continuity.

We live in the age of globalisation. Our leader needs to have an international image and be recognised abroad.

But it's important that the government maintain the trust and confidence of the people. We don't need a parliament that is a monopoly, without checks and balances.

Visit Tantisunthorn
Secretary-general, the Government Pension Fund

Institutional investors now play a greater role in the market than four years ago, thanks in part to the government's strong commitment to market development.

Looking forward, we can expect the new government to look to develop the debt market to help investors diversify risk and achieve greater balance with the stock market.

The government should continue to promote and increase the number of institutional investors, and allow local institutions to invest abroad to diversify their market risk.

As for the quality of the market, more should be done to improve the quality of new listings, including stricter listing requirements. Larger offerings, whether state enterprises or large private companies, are also needed, as size does matter.

Uthai Sonluksub
President, Rubber Authority of Thailand and the Agro Industrial Co-operative Federation

Iwant to see farmers earn more from value-added products, rather than just commodities. Frankly, it's quite odd to see synthetic rubber used for the floors at Suvarnabhumi Airport, rather than natural rubber. By expanding the use of rubber products, it is the farmers and consumers who gain. But the government has mostly focused on exports of raw materials.

Still, I have been impressed with the ability and vision of Mr Thaksin. The majority-ruled government has been good for farmers. But we will not stand a dictator. If anyone who holds power uses it in the wrong way, the farmers will rise up and take him down.

Suvarn Kathavut
President, Thai Rice Growers Association

Agood leader is one who puts the interests of others ahead of himself. I want to see politicians work towards the national interest, not just take office only to enrich themselves. In the end, their actions will show whether they are honest or not.

For the agricultural sector, the next government should continue to support prices and initiate programmes to help reduce production costs for farmers and develop new rice strains to stay competitive in the future.

Sming Anumas
Retired, former unit manager, American International Assurance Co

Iwould like to see the government focus more on micro-economic issues rather than emphasising macro growth.

The government should change its strategy, and see how it can help the people and small retailers survive in the long-term. I often walk along Silom Road, and see shops open, then close, all the time.

Thailand needs an honest leader, a straightforward person who takes responsibility for his words. We don't need a leader to necessarily be a showman or play the role of a regional spokesman.