Thailand’s economic policy commits to growth but remains sketchy on details

[BANGKOK] Thailand’s new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s first appearance in Parliament after he took office last month didn’t quite get the desired reaction he would have liked.

After he delivered his first policy statement on Monday (Sep 11), the 61-year-old real estate mogul and political newbie was panned for an agenda that the opposition described as vague and lacking in both details and direction.

Srettha, who is also finance minister, said his Cabinet would meet on Wednesday to confirm details of the agenda, which he claimed would include policies to address the cost of living, suspend the debts of farmers, boost tourism and raise the daily minimum wage.