Dr Somchai Jitsuchon is currently research director of inclusive development at Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Thailand.  He began his research career as a macroeconomist focusing on macroeconomic policies and macroeconomic modelling.  His current interest includes inclusive development, theories and empirical applications on poverty and income distribution, social protection and welfare system, and sustainable development.  He has served in many government and private committees and director boards and is now a member of the National Reform Committee on Health, National Committee on Equity and Monetary Policy Committee. Dr Somchai received his doctorate degree in Economics from the University of British Columbia, Canada.