‘Economic Avengers’:

Jurin’s new team set to bolster growth

The Democrat Party yesterday unveiled its “Economic Avengers” team, headed by deputy leader Prinn Panitchpakdi, to develop economic strategies and policies, and push for growth in e-commerce and higher-priced farm goods.

The brainchild of new leader Jurin Laksanavisit, the team is made up of 10 people with expertise in various fields such as international economics, business start-ups, social marketing and green farming.

Mr Jurin presented a similar vision during the party leadership contest in which he was elected to succeed Abhisit Vejjajiva who resigned after the March 24 election defeat.

Among the “Economic Avengers” is Mr Prinn, son of Supachai Panitchpakdi, former secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, who will take care of stock exchange trading and business startups.

The other members are Ath Hemvijitraphan (green economics), Aksornsri Phanishsarn (international economics), Holly Amranand (women’s rights), Suriyapong Tabtimtae (sharing economy), Nawee Nakwatchara (organic farming and agriculture), Sanjay Popli (blockchain technology), Piyada Punnakitikasem (social media and social marketing), Poramin Insom (blockchain-based programmer) and Somsak Boonkham (community enterprises and tourism).

“We can’t buy a decent society, but we can build one. I thank everyone for contributing to create a ‘modern economy’ with the party. This is the party’s think tank in driving the economy in the future,” said Mr Prinn.

However, Mr Prinn said the policies to be drawn up by the new team would not be assigned to the party’s cabinet ministers for implementation until ordinary people had been consulted for their opinions

One of its short-term plans is examining unfair laws and regulations, and offering solutions, he said. Among the regulations the team will look into is online booking websites that use resources in Thailand and make large profits without paying taxes.

One of the team’s priorities is to promote the use of e-commerce to boost incomes for farmers and make them more competitive, he said. He pledged that his team will coach farmers on how to find new markets and add value to their products.

He said the team also plans to help workers develop skills to increase people’s income.

KATANYU CHANAT Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit, centre, gives a thumbs-up to deputy party leader, Prinn Panitchpakdi, who will lead the party’s so-called ‘Economic Avengers’ team. The 10-member working group is comprised of experts from various economic fields, which are tasked with formulating strategies to fit the changing economic landscape.