Unctad chief Supachai calls on Thailand to enhance competitiveness
Dr Supachai Panitchpakdi, the secretary general of the United Nations for Trade and Development, has called on the Surayud government to pursue an economic policy that stimulates competition and also engages broadbased participation from the Thai people at all levels.
Supachai has met with Prime Minister Surayud Chulnanont at the Government House and given the government some recommendations on key policy issues. He is scheduled to deliver his address on globalisation and economic sufficiency.Supachai said the street demonstrations against the Surayud government do not have an impact on Thailand's image because it has a clear time frame about completion of the new constitution and the general election. "The protest might have some negative impact on the government. Some journalists do not have a good understanding of the Thai situation. If the Thai government has patience and despatches officials to clarify the situation, then the foreigners should have a better understanding of Thailand," he said. Supachai assured that the Thai economic fundamentals remain strong, although it has been facing weak investment. Most importantly, he said the Thai economic policy has never deviated from the global trend. Asked about the impact of the movements of Thaksin Shinawatra on Thailand, Supachai said the foreigners do not pay much attention to the news of the former prime minister. But he said they are more interested about the policy actions of the Surayud government. He also said it is right for the Thai government to send officials to the overseas to clarify Thailand's policy on pharmaceutical patents so that the foreigners understand what Thailand is doing in this regard. In Geneva, he has been acting as a mediator for both the drug companies and member governments to discuss their opinions. Supachai also expresses his full support for the economic sufficiency theory, which has been endorsed by the United Nations. He said the economic sufficiency theory can help nations to avoid the shocks from globalisation. The Nation
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