Substance sorely lacking in party policies

The election campaigns of political parties should focus on improving the country’s competitiveness with effective short- and long-term economic policies rather than populist sops or market intervention that could mar the economy and add fiscal burden, says business leaders.

They are hoping for a peaceful political atmosphere to draw more investment to Thailand and enable the country to better compete with its neighbours.

MORE INSIGHTS SOUGHT

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) wants political parties to demonstrate more insight into economic solutions rather than wooing voters through eye-catching campaigns.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the FTI, said on the whole, parties’ economic policies are “not that different and inclined towards populism”.

He said Thailand needs…