The COVID-19 pandemic has made massive impact to the global economy, including Thailand’s. While some emergency relief measures have been introduced, the country will need a social and economic recovery plan once the outbreak subsides. NXPO is currently preparing a scenario planning for social and economic recovery from COVID-19 in consultation with leading experts from different fields and sectors.
Following the success of the first telemeeting with experts on 9 April 2020, NXPO hosted the second online meeting on 16 April. Experts participating in the second meeting were Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Former Minister of Science and Technology and Former Minister of Digital Economy and Society; Prof. Dr. Naksitte Coovattanachai, NXPO Advisor; Mr. Kan Trakulhoon, Former President of the Siam Cement Public Company Limited; Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI); Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); Dr. Kitti Satjawattana, Acting Director of Program Management Unit for Area-Based Development; and Ms. Puangrat Asavapisit, Former Director-General of the Intellectual Property Department.
Dr. Kitipong Promwong, NXPO President, revealed that the panel of experts emphasized the potential of science, research and innovation in expediting the economic recovery. While the panel provided their useful analytical views and suggestions, they recommended that NXPO consult with organizations such as the Board of Trade of Thailand – key driver of service and tourism industries, the Federation of Thai Industries – key driver of manufacturing industry and SMEs, and sector experts to gain insights on needs of each sector to facilitate the recovery in order to design appropriate programs for each different sector.
Thailand is a major producer and exporter of food and agriculture products and this sector presents a strong post-COVID potential and opportunity. Food production is connected to other important issues such as water resources, employment in both agricultural and manufacturing sectors, income distribution and export. In addition, the agricultural sector has the potential to absorb new garduates and unemployment in the service and manufacturing sectors heavily affected by COVID-19. The panel therefore suggested that special attention is given to enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of food and agricultural sector utilizing science, research and innovation.
The panel also pointed out the importance of reviving tourism industry by focusing on domestic market. Hotel business may need to extend their service to cover health and wellness, and therefore preparation on personnel specializing in health and wellness may need to be put in action.
The meeting also reflected on the education sector that complete migration to online education may not be effective as the ability to learn from online classes vary from one student to another. Some universities are using the combination of online classes and one-one-one meeting between lecturers and students, as well as a coop program with industry.
President Kitipong concluded that comments and suggestions received from the panel were very useful and would be incorporated in the study.
