An Economist Speaks: The Numbers on Thailand's COVID Economy [Season 4, Episode 48]

An Economist Speaks: The Numbers on Thailand's COVID Economy [Season 4, Episode 48]

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In a great show for economics nerds and anyone just interested in how the Thai economy is faring, Dr. Jessica Vechbanyongratana returns to discuss the Thai economy during the pandemic and what - if anything - we can do to help the recovery. Spoiler: not much

Beginning with anecdotes of how economists were already predicting a bad 2020 at the end of 2019, Greg and Jessica get into just how badly the economy is doing with stats on some of Thailand's major sectors. On top of that, the Thai GDP is down 12% and meets the official definition of a recession. Unemployment numbers look a little better but are difficult to evaluate due to Thailand's very large informal economy.

Next, Greg and Jessica get into the Thai government's response to the worsening economy and the good and bad moves they have made, from efforts to reduce interest rates on loans to attempts to boost domestic tourism. Jessica gives good marks to the Thai government for doing what they can, but jeez...it's a nearly impossible situation.

Last, Greg presents questions from our listeners for Jessica, from issues relating to the Thai central bank to comparisons between the current crisis and the 1997 'Tom Yum Goong' economic calamity.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Episoder(561)

George Dupont: The Only Thai to Fight in the US Civil War [S7.E59] (Classic Recast)

George Dupont: The Only Thai to Fight in the US Civil War [S7.E59] (Classic Recast)

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Ajarn Ed: Explaining America to Thai University Students [S7.E58]

Ajarn Ed: Explaining America to Thai University Students [S7.E58]

Greg questions Ed about his main job - teaching 'American Studies' to Thai college students. Effectively, Ed's job and his side gig (the podcast) are opposites of each other, given that he is attempti...

18 Feb 202539min

Hmmm…A Few Things About Bangkok That Are Over & Underrated [S7.E57]

Hmmm…A Few Things About Bangkok That Are Over & Underrated [S7.E57]

Greg and Ed discuss various aspects of Bangkok that they believe are either overrated or underrated. The guys start with things that they believe get too many props. Greg mentions the Grand Palace and...

11 Feb 202538min

Redefining What A Modern Family Means in Thailand [S7.E56]

Redefining What A Modern Family Means in Thailand [S7.E56]

Continuing the exploration of some of the unexpectedly progressive moves that Thailand makes from time to time, Greg interviews his friend Jacob, an American, and his husband Geng, a Thai, about their...

4 Feb 202554min

Bangkok's Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat with Khun Chit [S7.E55] (Classic Recast)

Bangkok's Craft Brew Godfather: A Chat with Khun Chit [S7.E55] (Classic Recast)

Greg interviews the fascinating Wichit Saiklao, godfather of craft beer in Thailand and founder of Chit Beer, with podcast friend Scott Coates sitting in for fun. Khun Chit relates how he first learne...

28 Jan 202541min

What Changes Would Ed Make if He Was in Charge of Thailand? [S7.E54]

What Changes Would Ed Make if He Was in Charge of Thailand? [S7.E54]

Greg and Ed engage in a bit of fantasy as Ed imagines what he would do if he were the Prime Minister (or maybe more accurately, dictator) of Thailand. Ed begins with the caveat that he can only see th...

21 Jan 202544min

What's It Like Being An Exchange Student in Thailand? [S7.E53]

What's It Like Being An Exchange Student in Thailand? [S7.E53]

Greg interviews our new friend Jannik Hiller about his experience as an exchange student in Thailand. Jannik explains that while a university student, he decided he wanted to do an exchange year in a ...

14 Jan 202547min

Keeping Resolutions in Bangkok: A Fool's Errand? [S7.E52]

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Greg and Ed ring in 2025 with a difficult look back at their New Year's Resolutions from 2024. They recognize the obvious: if you don't keep your resolutions, you only have yourself to blame. But they...

7 Jan 202534min

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