Outbreak, drought leaving millions unemployed

By THE NATION

 

 

The impact the Covid-19 crisis and drought have had on job figures will only be apparent in the second quarter and will be clearer in the second half of the year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

 

The council’s report on Thailand’s social situation and outlook for the first quarter showed that more than 8 million people face the risk of losing their job, owing to the spread of Covid-19.

 

Those facing unemployment can be divided into three groups:

 

1. Some 3.9 million workers in the tourism sector who have been affected by the drop in domestic and foreign tourist numbers;

 

2. Workers in the industrial sector, which was already hit hard by the US-China trade war and is further suffering from a drop in both domestic and foreign demand due to the pandemic. However, some industries, such as the producers of food and beverage or necessary items are still growing;

 

3. Some 4.4 million people working in fresh markets, sports stadiums or shopping malls, stand to lose their jobs due to lockdown measures.

 

Meanwhile, the drought crisis is expected to affect up to 6 million farmers and 370,000 seasonal workers – the highest in seven years.

 

However, NESDC believes the rate of unemployment this year will be in the range of 3 to 4 per cent or no more than 2 million people because the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be under control.

 

Also, the council said, the government has started easing control measures and allowing some economic activities to start again. The government has also come up with measures to help the economy recover by focusing on creating jobs, while the agriculture sector should also be able to provide some jobs despite the drought.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30388674

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-05-28

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Add a totally incompetent government of army generals  to this mix and Murphy's law comes to mind.

49 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

more than 8 million people face the risk of losing their job

or

49 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

no more than 2 million people

?

The Thais have been very lucky for a number of years . The land was fertile and had plenty of water that was wasted . Maybe it’s gods way of saying they have to become more efficient and to stop relying on the natural resources/beauty . 

You mean all the government "stimulus" and regulations didn't counteract the forced government stay at home measures?  

 

Shocked I am, shocked i tell you.

 

Dons worry folks, there will be 10 new committees and 3 new departments to assess the situation and provide new policies.  It's amazing how brave these government workers are.  They assure us that we need to stay home for our safety because leaving the house may result in death but they are willing to take that chance and continue to work as normal.  It's almost as they don't believe their own rhetoric ????. 

14 hours ago, SoilSpoil said:

Add a totally incompetent government of army generals  to this mix and Murphy's law comes to mind.

Every reason to blame something else instead of the truth.... the economy & lack of tourism was already sliding before Corvid 19 came along for the perfect excuse for the governments monumental screw-up of the country.

From an expat on fixed income viewpoint—the higher they drive the Baht—the less we will spend.  Same rule applies to the export industry—the higher the Baht—the less they will export.

11 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Every reason to blame something else instead of the truth.... the economy & lack of tourism was already sliding before Corvid 19 came along for the perfect excuse for the governments monumental screw-up of the country.

This is exactly what is happening world wide.  Governments all over the globe are using this as a scapegoat for their past incompetence and failed policies.