By DAVID H. GELLIS

CRIMSON STAFF WRITER

Michael E. Porter, Lawrence University professor and director of the Harvard’s Center for Strategy and Competitiveness, cut off negotiations last week with the Thai government on a proposed study of the country’s stagnant economy. Porter cited misinformation and partisan bickering as a barrier to the study.

According to a statement Porter released last Thursday, informal discussions on the study had been “indefinitely suspended.”

Contrary to early press reports, Porter said he had never committed to the study.

Earlier this month, The Bangkok Post and other regional media outlets had reported—citing government sources— that Porter would be hired to complete a “competitiveness” study of the Thai economy for a fee of roughly $1 million.

At the time, a spokesperson for Porter disputed the reports and the $1 million figure.

Last week, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared to corroborate the report, saying that his government planned to pay Porter $1 million for services—including a visit to Thailand.