It’s now clear that Obama intends to stimulate the economy through large direct government spending on infrastructure projects as well as through business and individual tax cuts,” said Mr. Bledsoe, now an official of the National Commission on Energy Policy, a nonpartisan research group in Washington. “He is advocating things like guaranteeing every American a college education, wiring the entire country for Internet, putting in a smart electric grid. If he can do it, these will be major systemic advantages for the United States in the competitive global economy.”http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/us/politics/07radio.html?_r=1&hpI believe the Thai Gov. should consider similar measures to stimulate the Thai economy, increase energy efficiency and get people connected VIA the internet. 

we do have a master plan about Mega project which includes infrastruction

development, education..sth like that..like what you said.I am not surprised

because all thess basic development have been taugth in basic economic class.

All we need is simple effective things ..but.. I can't see the prosperousity of Thailand

in the coming years or let say next 10 years since Thais do have own interests and

problems and not get the sense of comunity .. leaving therie own benefits behind.

well. How can I blaim since we are all"human beings".

''Mega Projects'' aka filling your pockets and stealing money from the people.

Those projects are so bullshit, with contracts given to the most expensive companies owned by 'friends'.

But if people are connected to the internet they might not watch "The Truth Today."

The basic things is always good..

It depends on people who act on that.....

I hate to talk about moral issue.

unfortunately Thailand hasnt yet figured how to make a proper sidewalk, sort out street cabling or the bts. It cant even govern itself properly without ending up in a coup or a mess. And it raises, nurtures and condones lazy, good for nothing "elite" who would rather steal and lie than do any good for anyone but themselves. Its very sad for Thailand, I doubt any worthwhile "mega plans" will happen for quite some time.

i am just hoping that on january 21st, 2009 (the day after obama's inauguration) my old decaying school gets rewired, hi-speed internet, energy efficient appliances, video projectors for each classroom, and new lab equipment. should i hold my breath?

I think the Thais are capable of doing good work. Most of the main roads are decent (to many damm cars is the problem) and the BTS/MRT works. For sure there are big problems with the Thai Gov. procurement system. However, when a group of Thais decides they want to work together toward an objective they seem organize quickly work together well.

The country needs to implement a road map to the future, internet everywhere, efficient transportation system, energy efficiency & renewable energy, and affordable education for everyone. There's no choice for the Thais, either they get these things done or there's no future. And ditto for the rest of world.

You are forgetting two very important infrastructure projects/systems:

a workable and efficient irrigation grid/system for the farmers, especially in the northeast...

and a cooperative storage system for their crops so they are less at the mercy of the middlemen..

whey the pro-Isan party that was in power for six years never made a move on either of those is both mystifying and telling.

paint the white house black!

Mega infrastructure projects were part of his election mandate as he has to return some of the favours owede to the key fundraisers. It's fairly transparent in that those who gave him cash to get elected now want it back with interest...

Increased Government spending on large scale infrastructure will not stimulate the economy...it's just a semi plausible reason to justify the announcement in the current financial climate.

As for the Thai economy...with the recent activities and mumblings of corruption and vote buying...the Thai's could learn a lot from American politics...what not to do...

Having worked on two assignments with the former Thai administration, it's a bureacratic maze beyond comprehension but like any organisation, buried within it's alleyways and dark corners are some very astute young talent who have the cooperative selfless mindset and genuinely work to get things done. The next 5-10 years will see some dramatic changes to the country and the way it's leadership is structured.

I would love to see the day where a (any) country's government is selected like a court jury in that everyday people are obligated to serve a term and the only exception being that if you actually want to be a politician you're out! They would still have their think tanks and advisors but now decisions would be made for the country and not for their self interests. (it's a dream)