In the world of economics, few names command the same level of respect and admiration in Thailand as Ammar Siamwalla. A pioneer, a scholar, and a visionary, Ammar has left an indelible mark on Thailand’s economic landscape. His work not only shaped agricultural and rural development policies but also inspired a new generation of Thai economists to dream bigger, think deeper, and serve society more meaningfully.
Born with a thirst for knowledge and a heart committed to progress, Ammar’s journey is more than a professional triumph—it’s a human story of persistence, reinvention, and legacy.
The Roots of Greatness: A Global Education with a Local Purpose
Ammar Siamwalla’s educational journey took him far beyond Thai borders, yet his mind and mission always returned to his homeland. He began at St. Paul’s School in Darjeeling, India, an institution that cultivated not only academic excellence but also a global perspective. He went on to earn his B.Sc. in Economics with First Class Honours from the University of London, and then a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University, where he studied under towering figures like Alexander Gerschenkron, Wassily Leontief, and Edward Chamberlin.
These formative years laid the foundation for his future role in reimagining Thailand’s economic model—particularly in the realms of agricultural policy and rural development.
From Ivory Towers to Rice Fields: A Career of Purpose
Ammar Siamwalla’s early career began in the academic stronghold of Yale University, but his calling soon led him back to Thailand. Encouraged by the visionary economist Puey Ungpakorn, Ammar joined Thammasat University during a politically turbulent time. His tenure there ended tragically after the 1976 student massacre, a moment that shook the nation and caused many intellectuals, including Ammar, to step away from academic institutions.
Yet Ammar Siamwalla did not retreat from his mission—he adapted.
He took on roles that allowed him to influence policy directly, serving as a Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington, D.C., and as a Visiting Professor at Stanford University’s Food Research Institute.
Eventually, he returned to Thailand to join the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), where his impact would reach historic proportions. From 1984 to 1990, he directed the agriculture and rural development program. Then, as TDRI’s President from 1990 to 1995, he became a crucial figure in shaping national policies that improved farmer incomes, modernized rural economies, and strengthened Thailand’s food security.
Ammar Siamwalla: A Voice of Wisdom in Times of Change
As one of the first Thai economists trained in neoclassical economics, Ammar Siamwalla helped introduce rigorous analytical frameworks to public policy discussions. His work on Thai rice economics and agricultural development challenged outdated paradigms and brought empirical clarity to a sector that was—and remains—vital to Thailand’s identity and economy.
Despite his decades of service, Ammar Siamwalla has never faded into the background. As a Distinguished Scholar at TDRI, he remains actively involved in public discourse, offering insights into current economic challenges and development strategies. His voice is one of reason, often grounded in data but always delivered with a deeply human understanding.
Longevity Through Reinvention: A Personal Tale of Wellness and Discipline
At 78 years old, Ammar Siamwalla continues to inspire—not just through his mind, but also through his example of personal reinvention. After decades of relentless work, his doctor warned him of physical frailty. It was then that Ammar began a new chapter—embracing physical health as seriously as he did economic reform.
Ammar Siamwalla began walking on a treadmill for 30–40 minutes a day, improved his diet to manage his diabetes by reducing rice intake (ironically, the very crop he spent decades studying), and started incorporating more vegetables and protein into his meals. For a man who once admitted to disliking exercise and vegetables, these were major lifestyle transformations.
Ammar’s newfound commitment to health serves as a reminder that growth is lifelong. No matter your age or achievements, there’s always room to become a better version of yourself.
The Humble Philosopher: On Happiness and Human Behavior
Despite his acclaim, Ammar Siamwalla remains a man of humility. When asked about the secret to a happy life, his response is disarmingly honest:
“If one does not think about anything that causes suffering, that is all that is needed.”
It’s a sentiment that blends philosophical depth with practical wisdom—a principle that is as useful in economics as it is in everyday life.
Ammar Siamwalla believes that excessive thinking, especially negative rumination, can be a root of misery. He also reflects critically on human behavior—how our modern lifestyles, often sedentary and disconnected from physical movement, contradict our nature and contribute to age-related problems. Even in retirement, Ammar remains a teacher—not just of economics, but of life itself.
Also Read : UK Online Safety Rules: Ofcom Demands Stricter Age Checks from Elon Musk’s X