Laureates urge govt to tackle inequality

Laureates urge govt to tackle inequality

Economist Pasuk Phongpaichit, second left, and historian Chris Baker, centre, gave a lecture at the 30th anniversary symposium organised as part of the 2019 Fukuoka Prize.
Economist Pasuk Phongpaichit, second left, and historian Chris Baker, centre, gave a lecture at the 30th anniversary symposium organised as part of the 2019 Fukuoka Prize.

Eminent scholars and Fukuoka Prize laureates, Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker, addressed the country's growing social inequality at a symposium held to mark the 30th Fukuoka Prize on Tuesday.

Ms Pasuk said while Thailand's leaders are aware that inequality is becoming a bigger problem in society, no substantial solution to address the matter has been laid out.

"In our time, growing inequality has been a problem worldwide for around 25 years. There have been many, many books and reports on the subject. But not much has been done," said the economist.

"[Leaders] give speeches and write manifestos, promising to do something about it.

"They ask economists like me to give them advice, and so I do. But nothing much ever happens."

She also added one major reason contributing to Thailand's social inequality is the fact big corporations and rich people have power, both in public positions and behind the scenes, which makes changes difficult.

Established in 1990 through collaboration between academia, businesses and city authorities, the Fukuoka Prize -- formerly known as the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize -- recognises people who have made outstanding contributions in the field of academia, art and culture in Asia and those who are committed to promoting peace and diversity.

Ms Pasuk and her husband, British historian Mr Baker, received their Grand Prize in 2017, which was the first time the prize was awarded to two laureates.

This year's Grand Prize went to Filipino public sociologist Prof Randolf David, while Japanese playwright and stage director Sato Makoto won the prize in the Arts and Culture category.

The award presentation ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre. Crown Prince Akishino and his wife Crown Princess Kiko, along with the Mayor of Fukuoka City Takashima Soichiro, were also present at the ceremony.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)