Korn: Spread of A (H1N1) virus will not affect national economy

BANGKOK, 12 June 2009 (NNT) – Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij assured that the spread of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) would not have an impact on the Thai economy.

Mr. Korn believed that the national economic situation would not be affected by the spread of the virus, reasoning that the Ministry of Public Health had been efficiently handling the outbreak and would be able to ensure Thai citizens and foreign tourists of their safety. He also admitted a high probability for the virus to pass into free trade countries such as Thailand but confirmed that the government had been closely monitoring the situation.

In order to boost the national economy Mr. Korn said the government had planned to launch several economic stimulus measures under the ‘Strength of Thailand’ scheme with a total budget of 1.43 trillion baht. The measures would aim to solve unemployment, increase purchasing power in the country and yield long-term economic advantages. The Finance Minister assured that the government’s plan to seek loans would not impact the country’s fiscal standing.