Thailand ranked 3rd in ASEAN on Economic Freedom Index

[snoop1130]

Thailand ranked 3rd in ASEAN on Economic Freedom Index

 

(Photo by Jack TAYLOR / AFP)

 

Thailand ranked 3rd in ASEAN, 9th among 40 Asia-pacific countries and 42nd in the World on the most recent on Economic Freedom index. Singapore tops the list for the second consecutive year, followed by New Zealand and Australia.

 

Thailand has a business freedom index of 85.3 out of 100. This is a big improvement over last year, which helped to increase the country’s overall score to 69.7, a 0.3 point jump from last year.

 

The report, by American conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation, stated that the Thai economy registered its highest-ever score in this year’s index, putting the country within easy reach of the ranks of the mostly free. The government has made remarkable progress in expanding economic freedom, the report added.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-ranked-3rd-in-asean-on-economic-freedom-index/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-03-04

 

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[PatOngo]

I wonder how that compares with their Freedom of Speech index, their Political Freedom index, their Freedom to Gather index??? 

[ChrisY1]

But ranks last in condemnation of the Myanmar military! Disgraceful!

[internationalism]

economic freedom doesn't translate as prosperity.

Thailand was hardly hit by covid, because of decimated tourism and low exports.

Those figures are confusing:

"Thailand has a business freedom index of 85.3 out of 100. This is a big improvement over last year, which helped to increase the country’s overall score to 69.7, a 0.3 point jump from last year."

 

Unfortunately, also for foreigners, dropped from "partly free" to "not free" in this index:

 

"Thailand’s status declined from Partly Free to Not Free due to the dissolution of a popular opposition party that had performed well in the 2019 elections, and the military-dominated government’s crackdown on youth-led protests calling for democratic reforms.

Following five years of military dictatorship, Thailand transitioned to a military-dominated, semi-elected government in 2019. In 2020, the combination of democratic deterioration and frustrations over the role of the monarchy provoked the country’s largest anti-government demonstrations in a decade. In response to these youth-led protests, the regime resorted to familiar authoritarian tactics, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, lèse-majesté charges, and harassment of activists. Freedom of the press is constrained, due process is not guaranteed, and there is impunity for crimes committed against activists."

 

It's 69 from the back of index, worse than Angola Turkey Algeria Mali Uganda

https://freedomhouse.org/country/thailand/freedom-world/2021

Edited March 5, 2021 by internationalism

[spidermike007]

And they do not even mention the high tariffs on luxury goods, the onerous taxes on wine, and the very restrictive environment when it comes to importation of even beer from ASEAN neighbors.

 

It does state: The progress will, however, be impeded without comprehensive reforms, to reduce corruption and improve judicial effectiveness. The independent judiciary is generally effective, but courts are politicized, and corruption is common in the judicial system. Corruption, bribery, cronyism, and nepotism have been widespread and are viewed as a normal part of doing business.” Thailand received a score of 48.1 in Judicial Effectiveness, and 45.1 in Government Integrity. These two areas seem to be the weakest areas in the country.

 

Get rid of Prayuth! Out with the dinosaurs. In with the youth, who are the future of this nation, and represent any chance of Thailand moving in a forward direction. 

Edited March 5, 2021 by spidermike007

[HaoleBoy]

11 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

And they do not even mention the high tariffs on luxury goods, the onerous taxes on wine, and the very restrictive environment when it comes to importation of even beer from ASEAN neighbors.

 

It does state: The progress will, however, be impeded without comprehensive reforms, to reduce corruption and improve judicial effectiveness. The independent judiciary is generally effective, but courts are politicized, and corruption is common in the judicial system. Corruption, bribery, cronyism, and nepotism have been widespread and are viewed as a normal part of doing business.” Thailand received a score of 48.1 in Judicial Effectiveness, and 45.1 in Government Integrity. These two areas seem to be the weakest areas in the country.

 

Get rid of Prayuth! Out with the dinosaurs. In with the youth, who are the future of this nation, and represent any chance of Thailand moving in a forward direction. 

What it doesn't state is the corrupt monopolies protected by law in Thailand.

 

Craft Beer wouldn't have to be imported as much if Thai Craft Beer was allowed to be made in Thailand and to compete with the 3 biggy monopolies - Singha, Leo, Chang.  These monopolies are so scared of losing any THB even as they produce their own swill Craft Beer.

 

Boycott the 3 big monopoly Craft Beers - U beer, Copper, Snowy ... - until they let Thai's create their own Craft Beer here in Thailand.

[connda]

Blah blah blah.  Yada yada yada. 

Really?

[spidermike007]

On 3/5/2021 at 11:14 AM, HaoleBoy said:

What it doesn't state is the corrupt monopolies protected by law in Thailand.

 

Craft Beer wouldn't have to be imported as much if Thai Craft Beer was allowed to be made in Thailand and to compete with the 3 biggy monopolies - Singha, Leo, Chang.  These monopolies are so scared of losing any THB even as they produce their own swill Craft Beer.

 

Boycott the 3 big monopoly Craft Beers - U beer, Copper, Snowy ... - until they let Thai's create their own Craft Beer here in Thailand.

And the real shame of it, is that there are no good Thai beers. They are not horrendous. But it would be a stretch to describe any of them as well made or tasty. They could do so much better. Nearly all the neighbors make better beer. 

Edited March 6, 2021 by spidermike007