Kriengsak Chareonwongsak A government plan to unify co-ordination

Based on different strategies of economic stimulation, a tourism drive is a possible means to sustain the economy this year. Income from foreign currencies can be raised, as seen in a double rise (from 5.48% to 10.03%) of GDP in 1991 and 2001 respectively.

Tourism can naturally and sufficiently distribute income to rural regions if more tourist attractions are opened in every province. A swift outcome can be achieved if the quality of tourist attractions is upgraded by encouraging private participation.
Thailand’s tourism industry is capable of bringing in foreign currency because of the country’s beauty, nature, tourist attractions, diversity of cuisine, and tropical fruits. Thailand incorporates a unique culture where the national demeanor is one of hospitality and friendship towards foreigners. Furthermore, Thailand is situated in a safe location, free from domestic turmoil and away from foreign wars. There is simple, effective transportation and adequate accommodation. Thus, tourism is a potentially good component for the country’s economic development.

If a goal is set to welcome 15 million foreign tourists this year (2002), it can bring a 15.71% increase in the inflow of foreign currencies for GDP. This will provide encouragement not only for the intermediate future but also for the economy’s recovery and growth.

A government plan to unify co-ordination between agencies to support the growth of tourism is essential. Both public and private sectors as well as educational institutes need to cooperate and be supportive of a tourism drive. These cover both direct tourism policies, such as policies to improve and open new tourist attractions, to enhance tourist’s safety, and indirect policies, such as commercial aviation policies, and staff training in management skills.

If we look at the relationship between commercial aviation and tourism, we can see that both Thai and foreign tourists can be facilitated by commercial aviation. Last year (2001), the proportion of all international tourist arrivals who traveled via air rose to 84.3%. In 1999, the number of Thai and foreign tourists who traveled by air to the 17 main tourist attractions in the Kingdom were 8% and 26% respectively. Therefore, commercial aviation can genuinely facilitate tourists inside the country.

Social security for small businesses - losses and gains

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Professor Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak Peru is a place of high promise

Peru is a place of high promise for future trade relations with Thailand because it is the gateway nation of the ANDEAN Group, which has a combined population of more than 110 million people. With the proper strategy, Thailand-Peruvian trade could grow from its present limited levels into a mutually beneficial economic relationship. Peru could become the jumping board for Thailand to access other nations in South America, and beyond, to the rest of Latin America. Proactive steps to creating such a relationship include the distribution of trade information, the nurturing of good bi-lateral business relationships, negotiating a reduction in tariffs, the development of compatible products and services that will suit the needs of consumers in both countries, the development of public utilities and the improvement of transportation services linking the two nations. Peru is a land of possibility for Thailand.

new gateway to Latin America

Professor Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Kriengsak Chareonwongsak The Peruvian economy

The Peruvian economy is more stable than that of its neighbors. Peru has experienced higher economic growth than any other nation in South America during the past decade. In 1999, when many South American nations faced economic slow downs, or serious economic crises, or less than 1% economic growth, Peru’s economy grew by 1.4%. This was due to its stable currency caused by international reserve funds of more than 15 months of the country’s import value. The Peruvian financial industry is also strictly regulated in such a way as to promote vigorous development of the nation’s financial system, a natural lure for overseas trade and investment interests.

However, some drawbacks to this proposal do exist. Peruvian tariffs are, on average, higher than those of neighboring countries. However, between 1990 and 1998, Peru’s import levies have fallen steadily from 80% to 13%. Moreover, laws exist for the creation of four types of free trade zones specializing in the following four areas: export processing, special commercial treatment, special development, and tourism. This falls in line with WTO direction that supports the elimination of none-tariff barriers, state subsidies, the need for import licenses, import prohibitions and quantitative restrictions. In addition, Peru is the only nation in the ANDEAN Group that is, like Thailand, a member of APEC. This link alone should open opportunities for the reduction of trade barriers between the two countries.

new gateway to Latin America

Professor Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th

Kriengsak Chareonwongsak Tourism plays

Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy

    Not only is tourism good for the country’s current economy but it is also good for Thailand's future economic development as well. Each year, the tourism sector generates hundreds of billions of baht, or nearly 10% of our country's income (GDP). In addition, it is known to boost the economy both in normal times and in times of crisis. In 1987, the ‘Visit Thailand Year’, initiated by General Chatichai Chunhavan's government, demonstrated just how obviously important this sector was to the country’s economy. Not only did it bolster the country's income but it also created growth in the Thai economy during the early 1990s. In 1997, Thailand's tourism sector again played an important role in Thailand's future economic development, at a time when Thailand struggled with the economic crisis. A policy to promote tourism has an immediate earning potential in the form of foreign currencies, which enhance our economic survival. It should be noted however that tourism significantly benefits not only developing countries but indeed many developed countries such as USA, England, France, and the Netherlands, all promote tourism as a vital source of income as well. 

Travelling the high road

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th