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Published on March 17, 2008

As we get back to normal, restoring credibility is the first thing that the newly elected prime minister and his government have to emphasise. Although a push towards domestic demand may be part of the recovery process and most business leaders seem to favour this option, consumer confidence is a very important element.

Before we move on in "D", passengers may need to feel more comfortable about their driver. This is like restoring faith. Credibility in our leadership and their visions and values should be a fundamental buy-in by investors before they take any investment move.

We all know that business and consumer confidence slumped after the 2006 coup against then-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. And the newly elected government led by Samak Sundaravej, who is a close Thaksin ally, has vowed to boost the economy by making heavy investments to improve the national transportation network while pouring cash into the rural economy. It seems that the mega projects are resuming where they left off after a 17-month intermission.

Although there are concerns about rising prices for oil and consumer goods and a global slowdown, these factors will affect our economy less if the government carries out its policies with proper financial and monetary measures, while also making the private sector feel confident in the economy.

The policy to boost the economy may be the sweetest words we could want to hear, but steering this gigantic vehicle requires a lot of skill and professionalism. What is curious to us is how we can feel confident about the

ministry portfolios. Although some ministers are very competent, some appear to have no business being in their positions at all.

At the end of the day, a good driver also needs a good navigator and a good mechanic, and these sweet words that we heard maybe just wishful thinking.

Long-term confidence is the key to long-term stable capital investment. But for sustainable growth, Thailand needs a sustainable government, and Thailand's current situation

may not present a good time for major investment. Some business leaders may ignore these concerns and carry on with expanding

their businesses with the idea of being ready at the finish line, ahead of the competition,

when the economy returns to normal.

The return to the motherland of the former prime minister with the vow to quit politics for good is also still a big question to the public, whether he really means that or not, and what effect this will have on politics. The finale is yet to be seen.

To "D" or not to "D" is still a question, and we as passengers may need to sit silently in the back seat, waiting for our driver to make the final decision. Who knows, shifting into "R" may not always mean a retreat, at the end of the day.

Witawat Mesommonta

Senior communications Department

Manager of YUM resturants international (Thailand) Co Ltd.

The Nation