Bhanupong Nidhiprabha, Thammasat University: The paper explains how public fear of the pandemic and strict border control contributed to Thailand's low COVID-19 infection rate. The author wonders why Thailand suffered a large economic slump despite its success in controlling COVID-19. The author terms this sharp contrast between the impressive COVID-19 management and the economy---an expected dismal growth performance of −8 percent in 2020---as a paradox. The author tries to resolve the paradox by relating the deep recession to low growth potential, excessive tourism dependency, and the overly strict measures to control the virus. The author attributes Thailand's decline in potential growth to a rapidly aging population and rising income inequality.
I want to point out that, even without COVID-19, Thailand's growth has been the lowest in Southeast Asia. Several factors have been at work. China--U.S. trade disputes have lowered Thai economic growth by causing Thai merchandise exports to collapse. Political...