Thailand's Development Research Institute (TDRI) has cited the remarkable turnaround of Thai Airways International (THAI) as a crucial case study, arguing that the public sector must step back from intervening in state enterprises. According to the think tank, THAI's revival proves that a hands-off approach is key to driving reform and national progress. Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, the TDRI's president, said in a television programme on 11th August that THAI's recovery offers hope for the entire country. He explained that the airline's deep-seated problems pre-dated the COVID-19 pandemic, with its status as a state enterprise being the primary cause. This led to a slow, bureaucratic organisation that was susceptible to political interference, which resulted in a host of issues. Among the core problems were inappropriate procurement processes, overpaying for…