Srettha and Move Forward party cases threaten Thailand’s economic revival: Expert


BANGKOK: Thailand’s economic revival is being threatened by major political issues including court cases against the prime minister and opposition party, an expert from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said on Monday (June 24).

TDRI researcher Nonarit Bisonyabut warned that Thailand’s new “economic dawn” driven by global recovery and domestic stimulus was being overshadowed by heavy clouds.

Interest rates in Europe and the US had begun falling, signalling a global revival cycle, Nonarit said. But political turmoil in Thailand was blocking the light, he added.

“Dawn is spreading for the Thai economy, with the sky still dark but the sun about to rise,” Nonarit said.

“The global economy is poised to escape the cycle of high interest rates without severe recession while the domestic economy is about to be boosted by government spending from the 2024 budget bill.

“But in the short term, the concern is whether political issues will delay the sunrise.”

He cited the cases in the Constitutional Court against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (pic) and the Move Forward Party as political issues that could put the brake on Thailand’s economic revival.

A group of senators have asked the Constitutional Court to remove Srettha from office for allegedly breaching the charter by appointing Pichit Chuenban as a minister despite his prison record.

Nonarit said changing the prime minister would also result in a change of Cabinet, which would delay economic stimulus measures.

In Move Forward’s case, the Election Commission has asked the Constitutional Court to dissolve the party for allegedly trying to undermine constitutional monarchy with its push to amend the lese majeste law.

Nonarit said dissolution of the popular opposition party, which won most seats at last year’s election, could trigger street protests that would not bode well for the economy.

“These factors could mean Thailand remains in the dark for longer,” he said. - The Nation/ANN

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Thailand , economy , cases , Srettha , Move Forward

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Wednesday (Feb 19, 2025)
Singapore's School of the Arts students fall ill from ready-to-eat meals distributed during Total Defence exercise
Memento jewellery maker in Singapore under probe after failing to deliver orders worth about S$19,000
Thai DPM Phumtham said Cambodia PM Hun Manet regretted the incident at Ta Muen Thom temple
Over 19,000 smoking violations recorded under new Public Health Act
Former manager at DBS Bank Singapore admits cheating four clients of S$348k in total
Myanmar scam centre survivors recall torture and coercion
Study reveals nearly half of chronic kidney patients in Malaysia face job loss
North Korea reopens to tourists, including Singapore visitors
Malaysia working on holding special Asean-US summit

Others Also Read