Bangkok Post and PostToday’s well-received virtual conference entitled “Future of Growth: Thailand Vision 2030” held on 9 February 2022, featured experts, executives, and think tanks sharing their insights into Thailand’s prospects, economic directions, and growth strategies for the next decade to come.
Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith targeted several areas Thailand needs to work on over the next decade to raise the country's competitiveness. He highlighted the area of climate change and called for the promotion of digital technology, health and wellness sectors, and SMEs. He also called for a shift from quantity to quality tourism, aiming to attract travellers with high spending power. Other important areas he highlighted included providing a social safety net for all and careful planning to manage the impacts of Thailand’s ageing society.
Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council, warned that Thailand will fall behind unless it changes. “The restructuring of Thai businesses and the public sector require serious attention,” he said. “Any further delay will leave the country's overall development at high risk.”
For his part, Bank of Thailand Governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said the bank aims to help Thailand’s move to embrace modern trends involving digital technology and sustainability.
Also participating were key leaders in various industrial sectors.
Rak Vorrakitpokatorn, President, Export-Import (Exim) Bank of Thailand, said: “Digital disruption will force financial institutions to venture into the metaverse. Moreover, banks need strategies to turn business competitors into partners to benefit both parties.”
Natwut Amornvivat, Co-President of True Corporation Plc., a telecom operator, highlighted five global tech trends that will shape the world of the future, namely, the Internet of Things (IoT), applied artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the metaverse, and robotics. “These technologies will transform economies, society and daily life, creating new opportunities and challenges," he said.
Last not least, Tanatip Suppradit, Chief Executive Officer of Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc., shared that, “Thais will be living on average one-and-a-half years longer by 2030 as more advanced medical and non-medical technologies, including genomics, blockchain-based data management, and telemedicine technology, keep people healthy for longer.”
