TCC calls for quick end to political standoff

BANGKOK, Mar 24 (TNA) – Concerned with ongoing political conflicts between the government and red-clad anti-government protestors, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) on Tuesday called for an end to the persistent standoff as soon as possible.

Speaking after a meeting of the chamber’s executive committee, TCC chairman Dusit Nonthanakorn said the committee believed that the private sector had attempted to keep the economy growing in the past four to five years amid political conflicts and so wanted to see the situation end quickly.

He said TCC would present its position to the Joint Private-Sector Committee made up of representatives from TCC, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers’ Association at its meeting in April before sending it to the Joint Private-Public Sector Committee for further consideration.

“I have no advice on the ongoing political conflicts because I don’t have much knowledge and skills in political affairs, but I believe the government is still able to supervise the situation. Even so, the private sector wants to see the incident end as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr. Dusit said the private sector had attempted to keep business alive despite the economic volatility all along, but the current political turmoil had affected the business sector, particularly tourism.

For instance, 70 per cent of foreign tourists had cancelled trips to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, and up to 50 per cent had withdrawn their hotel bookings. Also, around 20 per cent of inbound flights to Thailand had been called off.

Should the political disturbance continue unabated, he believed fewer tourists would visit Thailand.

He said exports continued growing impressively in the first two months of this year.

However, should the political standoff drag on, the exports would be negatively affected in the third quarter because foreign buyers might lack confidence
in Thailand’s capability to ship products as scheduled.

The situation could have a domino effect on supporting industries, which would lead to unemployment.

He said the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce was also concerned with the political situation and wanted the government and all parties concerned to find a solution to end the ongoing conflicts quickly. (TNA)