TDRI Conference 2026 Addresses Economic Instability in Thailand Amid Global Uncertainty

Key summary

The TDRI Annual Public Conference 2026, themed 'Thai People's (In)Security in an Uncertain World', highlighted three primary drivers of insecurity: job instability due to technological displacement and declining competitiveness, widening economic inequality exacerbated by external shocks, and eroding trust in the state as a safety net. Dr. Wirat Santipap identified these issues and proposed reforms focusing on creating quality jobs, addressing inequality through education and welfare reform, and restructuring the public sector to combat corruption and maintain fiscal discipline. Dr. Somkiat Thongkijavanich emphasized that the state must act as the ultimate risk manager against geopolitical conflicts, aging demographics, climate change, and AI, advocating for targeted interventions that protect vulnerable groups without creating market distortions.