I recently had the great pleasure of enjoying a splendid and most energising lunch at the famed Fei Ya Restaurant in Bangkok with Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, better known as Dr Dan. He is an economist, former MP, Harvard and Oxford-trained academic and one of Thailand’s most insightful voices on the future of governance and growth.

During our conversation, which ranged from innovation strategy to the importance of ethical leadership in national development, Dr Kriengsak generously presented me with the first signed copy of his new book Contemporary Issues: Insights from Thailand.

Drawing from decades of public service, the book offers compelling reflections on the challenges facing Thailand today; challenges, I might add, that are common to many middle-income nations navigating the uncertain transition to high-income status.

Dr Kriengsak calls strongly for a skilled and innovation-driven workforce coupled with strong institutions, ethical leadership and a unified national vision. His work serves as a powerful reminder that effective development is not measured solely in terms of GDP but also most importantly in a society's ability to uphold values and think beyond the present moment.

It was a conversation full of depth and perspective. Time exceptionally well spent with one of the region’s most distinctive thinkers.

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