Remembering the life, work and legacy of economist Ammar Siamwalla

15 Sept 19:59 Key points summarised by AI

Pivotal Thai Economist: Ammar Siamwalla, a highly respected Thai economist, significantly shaped national economic policy, academic discourse, and public debate, notably as former president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
Champion of Economic Reform: He famously critiqued the "rice premium" export tax, leading to its abolition, and advocated for the baht's devaluation before the 1997 Asian financial crisis, influencing crucial policy changes.
Principled Stance on Governance: Siamwalla consistently warned against government market interventions and subsidies due to corruption risks, a stance vindicated by later policy failures, though he strongly supported universal health coverage.
Legacy of Integrity and Public Service: Known for his intellectual rigor and unwavering integrity, Ammar Siamwalla dedicated his work to the welfare of ordinary people, embodying principled scholarship and a commitment to public good.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.