The Chulalongkorn University Engineering Alumni Association, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy Alumni Association, and Economics Alumni Association, in collaboration with The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which comprises the Board of Trade of Thailand, The Federation of Thai Industry, and the Thai Bankers' Association, hosted the “Better Thailand Open Dialogue” (aka “Better Thailand” event). This is the first-ever forum to openly share constructive ideas leading to a better Thailand.
The forum, which is supported by BRANDi and the Innovative Engineering for Sustainability Program, ran for two days from 19 to 20 May 2022 and was broadcast live on the YouTube channel BetterThailand2022.
H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, as the chairman of the opening ceremony, gave a keynote address on “Past, Present and Future: The Better Thailand.” He encouraged all parties to engage in development for the better, pushing forward to make it a reality and ensure Thailand is ready for the world after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event featured a main stage along with concurrent activities on smaller stages. The “Better Stage” was for the new generation to showcase their creativity and inspirations and how they can contribute to a better Thailand. “Better Thailand” exhibitions from the government sector and 30 private-sector companies and Bio Circular Green (BCG) model-based startups highlighted various dimensions of Thailand. The general public were welcome to join the activities at the “Better Stage” and visit the exhibition with free entry during the two-day event at Royal Paragon Hall 5F, Siam Paragon.
Mr. Sakchai Yodvanich, President of the Chulalongkorn University Engineering Alumni Association, said, “The Better Thailand Open Dialogue forum is the country’s first-ever collaboration at a national scale involving the education sector, public sector, private sector, and social sector co-hosting a forum to exchange ideas constructively to mutually find clearer answers in five areas relating to all Thais. These areas include: 1) Thailand overall; 2) the Economy; 3) Society; 4) the Environment; and 5) Quality of life. Over 50 topics were discussed with ideas exchanged among 35 experts and key participants to drive the country's policy and direction with input from the education, government, private and social sectors.”
“Better Thailand” Day 1 draws energy to drive the Thai economy to the fullest
Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, and Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Finance, presented approaches to drive the Thai economy on the panel discussion “Looking at the World, Reflecting Back on the Thai Economy.” Other panel members included Mr. Danucha Phichayanan, Secretary-General, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council; Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartanarueput, Governor, Bank of Thailand; and Dr. Somprawin Manprasert, First Executive Vice President and Chief Economist of the Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), Siam Commercial Bank. They actively exchanged views on the global economy and its impact on the Thai economy, especially post-COVID-19, to find solutions to problems and mitigate short-term economic effects. They also discussed how the Thai economy will be shaped over the long run, identifying ways to cope with changes in the post-COVID-19 era that should pose opportunities for Thai people.
In the afternoon session, Mr. Chantanon Wannakhajorn, Secretary-General, Office of Agricultural Economics, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, joined a discussion on “The New Era of the Thai Economy: How will Thailand Move Forward?, Part 1” together with Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; ML Chayotid Kridakorn, Thai Trade Representative; Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries; and Mr. Aukrit Unahalekhaka, Co-Founder & CEO of Ricult. They had a fruitful discussion about the future direction for Thai industries and developing the services and agriculture sectors, while moving on the design of infrastructure and supporting factors such as technology and area-based development. Focusing on these topics will help Thailand prepare for future crises and changes.
Moving on to the “New Era of the Thai Economy: How will Thailand Move Forward?, Part 2,” Mr. Saksiam Chidchob, Minister of Transport, joined a panel with Dr. Kanit Sangsubhan, Secretary-General of the Policy Committee, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC); Ms. Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary-General, Board of Investment (BOI); Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Suradech Taweesaengsakulthai, CEO of Cho Thavee Public Co., Ltd., to explore ways to support the growth of the Thai economy through infrastructure and area-based development to lay a strong foundation for Thailand’s future.