Government offering Bt50,000 to riot-affected entrepreneurs

BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) –  Thai Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij on Monday said the government will pay Bt50,000 (about $1,500) to each
entrepreneurs and will seek cooperation from department stores to offer them space to set up temporary selling booths.

Silom, the capital’s main business district, will be considered to be a walking street for Bangkok residents to come there for shopping, he said.

The finance minister spoke after meeting Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to discuss rehabilitation for people affected by the protest that the
government will also seek to cooperate with the Government Savings Bank to offer loans without surety. Tax measures will be also proposed to the
Cabinet on Tuesday to help employers to restart their businesses without laying off their employees.

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey on Monday said 2,951 entrepreneurs overall registered with authorities to receive assistance
from May 21-23 with the damages of Bt4.8 billion ($150 million).

Anti-government Red Shirts began their protest on March 14 before occupying Ratchaprasong business area from April 3, demanding the prime
minister to dissolve the House and call a snap election. The prime minister proposed Nov 14 poll date and lays out a five-point reconciliation road map.

The Red shirts although tentatively accepted the road map but set new conditions before ending its rally. The prime minister then withdrew the No 14 election offer.

The military then launched an operation forcing the Red leaders to surrender and called off their rally on May 19. Some angry protesters launched grenade attacks and set fire to buildings, including the country’s stock exchange and biggest shopping mall.

Two months of rallies in Bangkok  saw clashes and blasts that left 85 dead and 1,402 injured. (TNA)