• 
• 

Published on December 25, 2007

Still, despite concerns from Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Santi Vilassakdanont about the lack of political and economic stability, most businessmen are resorting to rare optimism.

Many were seen at the FTI office yesterday. Certainly, the hottest topic was the political outlook, which will tell them how the economy will fare in the coming year.

The topic was serious enough, but veteran textile businessman Somboon Juasathirattana maintained a cheerful mood.

Asked if he was worried about politics and the outlook for his business, he smiled in response.

Turning toward his colleagues gathered there, he said: "See? Everyone is smiling."

Just then, another businessman emerged to join the conversation, asking what Somboon was saying. Instead of answering, Somboon told him to smile.

"Just smile so that this reporter knows we're not worried," he said.

The businessman immediately bared his teeth, as instructed.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about," he said. "But while I was smiling, I thought about a song by His Majesty the King: 'Yim Soo" (Smiling No Matter What). Do you know it?"

And he flashed another grin.

In this cloudy environment, what could be better than smiling? Indeed, if all of us are smiling at the election results, it could chase away the clouds and make things better than expected.

... and whistling in the wind

If anyone is not worried about political stability, it's former finance minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula.

Instead, he said the worrying issue was who would be prime minister. He said the new prime minister must demonstrate leadership in terms of new investment, in order to encourage private companies that have halted future projects.

"If the new prime minister is bold in new investment, the private sector will follow," he said.

"The Thai economy will grow as much as it did this year. Even though export value could drop, government and private investment would boost the economy. But if the new government lacks initiative, confidence will not be restored."

We all know People Power Party leader Samak Sundaravej is bold. The question is whether he is bold enough to fit Pridiyathorn's description. If he is, then we should not worry about the economic outlook. New jobs always follow new investment, and only jobs will keep people smiling.

busdsk@nationgroup.com

The Nation