Thai economy will still experience four key risk factors

BANGKOK, Jan 22  – Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit on Friday warned that the Thai economy will still experience four key risk factors that could dampen its growth this year.

Global economic fluctuations in the wake of mounting public debts of some European countries are of central concern, he said.

The continued increase in oil prices, Mr Pradit said, could raise production costs of various goods.

Natural disasters are possible, he said, warning that they tend to occur frequently around the world, .

Thailand’s domestic political situation remains uncertain, and is a continuing risk factor for the country’s enonomy.

Mr Pradit said the government had attempted to attract foreign capital into the country by encouraging multinational companies to set up representative offices. Also, it had developed product distribution centers countrywide.

Both measures would help draw foreign investors into the country, which could boost investment and employment in many industries.

He said the state-supported mega-projects on the construction of four electric train routes worth Bt165 billion altogether are making much progress.

Simultaneously, the Finance Ministry is preparing a restructured tax system for the country as a whole, which is expected to be wrapped up in the next 3-6 months, he added. (MCOT online news)