Bangkok:At a forum analyzing Thailand's recent history and future prospects, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, highlighted the stagnation in the country's political and economic landscape over the past 30 years. He noted that the period could be divided into two phases: the initial decade of reform, leading to progress in areas like public broadcasting and local governance, and the subsequent "Lost Two Decades" following the 2006 coup, which saw a failure to resolve political issues and a detrimental impact on all societal dimensions.
According to Thai News Agency, Thanathorn emphasized that the Thai economy's growth over the past 20 years has lagged significantly behind global and regional averages. While the global economy grew at an average of 3.3% per year, Thailand's growth averaged only 2.6% annually. This underperformance was stark compared to ASEAN neighbors like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, leading to insufficient job creation and worsening regional economic disparities.
Educational challenges were also noted, with Thai students' PISA scores declining since 2006. Politically, the country has seen significant instability, with frequent changes in leadership, multiple constitutions, and numerous political upheavals, leaving little room for long-term policy development.
Thanathorn argued that undemocratic methods have failed to resolve Thailand's political crises and have instead regressed societal progress. He advocated for a return to democratic principles, emphasizing the need for dialogue among political and civil society groups to collaboratively draft rules for coexistence, thus preventing further conflicts.
He also pointed out the need for a shared constitutional framework that reflects a collective social purpose, suggesting that a more active role by the state in economic development could drive future growth. Thanathorn stressed that state reform, focusing on technological and human resource enhancement, is vital for Thailand's long-term stability and progress.