Somkid: Strong Cabinet is a must to address problems

Under the current political conditions, Thailand needs someone would could solve problems and stimulate the economy, not just caretakers as in the past.

At the seminar entitled "Thailand Tomorrow", he said that ministers should contain three main qualities: having no conflict of interest and winning public acceptance; having capability to steer the economy; and devotion.

He added that the Thai economy is hit by four risk factors. First, declining credibility following political conflicts since the Sept 19 coup. Second, the US economic chaos could cost an unfathomable indirect impact on the Thai economy. Though Thailand has enough experience to withstand the impact, it should be alert for possible impacts. This requires the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand to jointly address the problems and impose preventive measures.

 Third, the fact that several officials are implicated for wrongdoing as a result of political wranglings, many are discouraged to take actions.

 Fourth, due to declining credibility, Thailand's bargaining power in the regional and global area would drop.

 "If Thailand is sick, nobody would pay attention to Thailand. Before, our voice was louder but now Thailand has few listeners. For example, in the Phrea Vihear case,  Cambodia's voice is louder than ours," he said.