1. What inspired you to pursue a career in economics and policymaking?
What inspires me most as an economist is the ability to contribute to building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economy. I am driven by the opportunity to explore what more can be done to help the country achieve higher growth while reducing inequality. While the work of an economist plays a role in shaping economic policies, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle in building a stronger future for Thailand. I believe that a better future does not rely solely on the work of economists and policymakers¡ªit requires collective effort from everyone. To move forward, we need to foster a shared sense of social responsibility, particularly in protecting our natural resources and cultural heritage, embracing a growth mindset, and recognizing the importance of inclusivity in shaping a thriving society.
2. How does your work shape Thailand¡¯s economic future?
The role of a country economist involves supporting the development of economic policies that promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth. This includes analyzing Thailand¡¯s key challenges, identifying critical gaps, and exploring opportunities to help the country achieve its full growth potential. As a country economist, we also provide technical supports to the government, as needed, to help address economic challenges, such as ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability, assessing the economic impact of climate change and mitigation efforts, and identifying opportunities for structural transformation. Beyond fostering growth, a major focus of this assistance is to ensure that economic progress translates into broader opportunities and improved well-being for people across different income levels, social backgrounds, genders, and races, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
3. What are the key economic challenges and opportunities for Thailand in 2025 and beyond?
Thailand faces several economic challenges, including an aging population, sluggish investment, and limited productivity growth. Without urgent policy reforms, the country is projected to experience a structural slowdown, with potential growth expected to decline from an average of 3.2% in 2011-2021 to 2.7% in 2022-2030. At this pace, Thailand may struggle to achieve its high-income aspirations by 2037. However, there are significant opportunities to boost long-term growth. Structural reforms that enhance economic competitiveness can attract investment and help Thailand move into more innovative, productive, and sustainable global value chains.
Additionally, improving the labor market¡ªthrough higher female labor force participation, better education and skills development, and stronger healthcare and childcare support¡ªcan unlock untapped economic potential and drive inclusive growth. Despite progress made towards gender equality in Thailand, persistent gaps continue to impede development and socio-economic growth. The labor force participation rate for women is only 59% compared to 75% for men. Women also continue to spend 3.2 times more time on unpaid domestic and care work than men. Representation of women in national parliament is only 15.7%, which is lower than the average for East Asia and Pacific and upper-middle income countries. A crucial aspect of this is ensuring a robust support system for childcare and maternity leave. Without adequate policies in place, many mothers may struggle to provide the best quality support for their children while also participating fully in the workforce. Strengthening these systems will not only empower women but also help increase the future skilled labor force.
4. What message do you have for young women aspiring to become economists or policy leaders?
I believe that pursuing a career in economics or policymaking is a meaningful way to help shape Thailand¡¯s future and make a real impact on people¡¯s lives. This is because understanding the root causes of economic challenges is crucial, as it allows us to develop policies that not only promote stability but also create opportunities for people across all sectors of society.
However, economic policies are most effective when they reflect diverse perspectives. Ensuring gender balance in policymaking is essential to creating policies that meet the needs of all groups in society. When women¡¯s voices are heard and valued in decision-making, we move closer to a more inclusive economy where opportunities are distributed more equitably. For young women considering this path, know that your ideas and leadership have the potential to drive meaningful change for a sustainable growth and more inclusive Thailand.
