Thailand has started to hand out cheques for 2,000 Baht to the less well off - these cheques are worth 20% more if used in shops. The attempt to jump start the economy is an interesting one which is criticised by the opposition as vote buying.

In Europe and America Governments have primarily pumped money into the system - bailing out bankers that had overstretched themselves to "free up capital". How have the banks repaid the favour - by not reducing mortgage rate interest rates in line with the national banks rates and by calling in loans and mortgages. What was the point of this excercise?

At least by handing money out to the public and encouraging spending where it matters - a relatively low cost alternative - it would seem that the Thai Government have a headstart on the more developed economies who seem to think that the world revolves around the bankers and little else.

What is your opinion? Please comment on news items and create forums to air your views on events in Thailand.