Mr Korn said that should the persistent political conflict turn violent with more physical explosions taking place, it would definitely undermine investor confidence and negatively affect economic growth.

However, Mr Korn said he believed the government’s security agencies have a contingency plan to deal with the situation and preempt any chaos or violence.

Security agencies are closely monitored the situation to prevent ill-intended groups from carrying out any violence.

The minister said he wanted all parties to stop resorting to violence or staging incidents that may put the country into disarray.

“Thai society is democratic,” Mr Korn commented. “Everyone has a right to express different points of view politically, but political rights must be exercised within a legal framework. It must not cause any disturbance to other persons,” he said.

Mr Korn said he met some hoteliers during Chinese New Year and learned that more tourists returned to visit and spend leisure time in Thailand.

Still, he said, some tourists expressed concerns about their safety. If the security agencies maintain peace and order, Thailand’s tourism and the economy will not be adversely affected. (TNA)