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At the moment there are many ideas of what to do and what not to do, and many of them are related to the interest of an individual or industry. So my suggestions below will not be of interest to PTT or similar firms, unless the course changes, because it is already part of their policy to support green technologies.

I understand that governments around the world need to boost their economies, but it is important to understand that we have to let unhealthy businesses fall, otherwise they will obstruct innovation through their demand for resources. It is time to change, but it will hurt. If we support unhealthy businesses, we will damage healthy ones, and our focus will be taken from innovation and development. We have to accept a period of rising unemployment and at the same time support innovation, green technology and development of government-supported environmental and maintenance services.

It is fair to try to boost the economy by the present means, but to start a new progressive development it is important understand what is going to be vital for society in the future.

All over the world, lots of countries are developing new green technologies; this development is going to require a whole new fundamental of industry and basic science. Many countries want to be less dependent on fossil fuel. Recycling is another way to save resources.

In Thailand there are many possible solutions. Solar energy is an obvious one, while bio-gas from households and industry, water power, wind and fission are also possible solutions. I am convinced that Thailand can overcome its problems through massive investments in green technology and further development of its recycling industry. These measures will very quickly make Thailand less dependent on imported fossil fuel. This will also make a significantly positive impact on the national holdings of foreign currency. Furthermore Thailand can through the development of its public services create jobs and stabilise spending and GDP. It is also important that the government take further steps and create supplementary unemployment insurance to protect the income of each citizen. This will further stabilise the economy, spending and saving in this time of crisis.

Thailand still has many areas to develop and, by doing that, create better GDP. My suggestions are as follows:

l Massive investments in green technology and recycling industry

l Creation of innovation colleges and investing in developing creative minds

l Establishing supplementary unemployment insurance

l Developing of public-service organisations.

If these ideas are not followed then Thailand will be left far behind the rest of the world in the next three or four ears.

PETER LEIF TRONBORG PETERSEN

BANGKOK