The past year has been an eventful one for Thailand, with the country dealing with recovery from floods at the end of 2011 as well as political change. Thailand experienced strong growth in 2012 – but the situation for this year is uncertain. In the present global economic climate, many have argued the way forward for ASEAN countries is to build closer ties within the grouping and with other Asian countries. Given Thailand’s importance as a major economy, strategically and geographically at the heart of ASEAN, what lies ahead for the kingdom? To answer these and other questions, the SIIA held an exclusive closed door dialogue with former Thai Prime Minister and leader of the Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva, as well as former Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.
- What will be the impact of recent domestic developments in Thailand, such as the new minimum wage and the Bank of Thailand’s October cut to key lending rate?
- What are the prospects for regional integration efforts such as the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, and the future Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at the ASEAN+6 level?
- How do Thailand and other ASEAN economies stand in relation to China, Japan, and other regional neighbours?
Venue: SIIA office, The Atrium@Orchard
Date/Time: 21 January 2013, 2.30pm – 4.00pm
