I generally agree Tud, but imho the last word has not yet been spoken in this regard. I still doubt the general population is so ready to embrace these principles of self sufficiency. And Thais are very sensitive when it comes to neighbours developping faster than themselves. Just ask them what they think about the economic growth of Vietnam, most Thais I've met, even workers, were well aware of that issue.
edit: And with the Philippines most likely doing very well with relaxed investment laws it may have the renewed chance to rival Thailand in a few key industries namely
-tourism
-automobile
-machine
-textile etc..
Certainly the Philippines have a lot of problems themselves and I am simplifying things, but it may eventually have that effect I think.