A sound proposal from Bhumjaithai 

The Bhumjaithai Party has come out with a compelling plank in its campaign platform – to enable everyone to work at home one day a week, in other words granting us the possibility of a four-day workweek, the fifth spent working from home. It advocates the same for students. 
Given the current Thai political system, though, it’s almost impossible to imagine this particular party driving the idea through on its own. But the notion is well worth considering by those who do form the government with a majority vote or as part of a coalition, because the available technology makes it quite feasible and millions of people would benefit if it could be properly implemented.
With a decent home computer and internet access, there are many kinds of jobs that would fit this concept well, as plenty of freelancers have already shown. Design, accounting, writing, photo processing and video editing spring to mind, but the range of work that could be readily tackled outside the office, in the comfort of one’s own home, might be endless.
The social benefits are obvious enough. When people work at home, they’re in immediate proximity to their families, and that’s good for everyone. Alternating on given days between home and office can reduce stress, fending off issues that might arise in mental health. The more familiar and thus more relaxed home environment would enhance concentration and hence performance. Bhumjaithai has specifically linked its scheme to improved urban traffic, since it would take thousands of cars off the road on any given day, easing both congestion and air pollution.
The initial criticism of the proposal has come from employers who rely on traditional staffing arrangements and are reluctant to cede the immediate control that offices and timeclocks afford, but they should be considering the financial benefits that would accrue. By establishing an effective rotation roster that allowed most of their employees to work at home one day a week, they could significantly reduce their electricity and water bills. They might even need less office space. And they could count on workers with improved personal lives being more productive.
The Bhumjaithai proposal is in no way extreme. Government agencies and private firms could get it rolling by experimenting with letting staff spend two or three or four days a month working from home. If trials prove fruitful, the number of designated days could rise.
Some private companies are testing variations on the idea, aided by software that enables online conferences with participants scattered across the country. Junior employees deal with customer complaints by phone and on the web, without leaving home. 
The only obstacles foreseen in the work-at-home concept would stem not from technology but human nature, such as supervisors wanting all staff members to remain in close proximity. Company owners might prefer a large office packed with employees, believing the appearance of busyness signals success.
Among the multitude of populist campaign pledges kicking around, this one seems both practical and affordable. It would genuinely help people, is immune to politicking, and takes advantage of modern technology. The next government – whether Bhumjaithai is part of it or not – should seize the idea.