Government to help Ratchaprasong employees, business operators

BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) — Realising that business operators and workers are suffering as a result of the business shutdown due to the anti-government protest occupying Ratchaprasong, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that his administration will offer assistance to them the next two days.

In his weekly TV address, Mr Abhisit said his government had met with business operators and hoteliers operating in Ratchaprasong, Bangkok’s prime business district, on their business damage as a result of the protest and has decided to assist them regarding their cash-flow problem as well as finding ways to release certain non-durable goods.

Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship have rallied there since April 3 demanding Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House in 30 days and call for a fresh general election. Mr Abhisit has turned down the demand.

Shops and deluxe hotels around Ratchaprasong intersection and nearby areas have temporarily closed down their businesses on concerns of safety and it is still unknown when they would reopen.

Mr Abhisit said international agencies had forecast prior to the demonstration that the Thai economy this year will surpass its target and grow about 6.2 per cent.

Concerned Thai government agencies would now have to downwardly revise the growth as there is still no sign when the rally would end.

The tourism industry has been hit hardest as tourists and travel agencies canceled bookings for April and May, he said, so a remedy must be made urgently.

Stressing that it is necessary for his government to continue in office because it must solve poverty problem prevailing in Thailand and other policies including free education for students, free medical and monthly allowance for aged people, Mr Abhisit said his government must also prepare for the 2011 fiscal government expenditure, starting October 1.

“If the fiscal government expenditure happens to stop, every government policy will also cease and this would affect people, especially those underprivileged persons and low income earners,” said Mr Abhisit. (TNA)