Entwicklungslinien der Wirtschaft Thailands in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten

Abstract For 20 years Thailand's economic policy and development have been guided by the principles of a market economy. While the government works out its targets and intentions in medium-term national development plans, final investment decisions rest primarily in the hands of private entrepreneurs. By massively building up the infrastructure, particularly during the sixties, and promoting private investment in industry, Thailand has obtained a remarkable overall growth rate of 7-8 % p. a. and a rapid increase of industrial production. However, two periods can be distinguished. While the sixties were more charakterized by economic prosperity, the seventies reveal considerable structural imbalances: in economic sectors, various regions and different income groups. Thus, Thailand's development policy today faces new and difficult tasks, for which some fair answers are distinguishable.