Deputy PM outlines govt strategies to revive Thai economy in wake of Covid-19 outbreak

By Nakarin Srilert
The Nation

 

Deputy PM Supattanapong Punmeechaow outlines strategies of reviving the flagging economy.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, who is also energy minister, has outlined strategies to boost national revenue next year in a bid to reinvigorate the economy in the fallout of Covid-19.

 

He said the government will continue wooing targeted foreign investors to the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

The EEC has already made progress in launching mega infrastructure projects, including the development of a high-speed railway linking the country’s three main international airports and the development of the U-Tapao International Airport and the Eastern Airport City.

 

The government will also soon clarify the criteria of reopening the country to foreign tourists and foreign investors.

 

He added that the authorities should come up with clear cut answers within this month on whether the quarantine period for new arrivals will be reduced from 14 days. The reduction should be applied to travellers from low-risk countries, he said, adding that this will be one way of wooing more foreigners to visit Thailand.

 

The Public Health Ministry will come up with a list on countries with high, medium and low risk of infection for the government to consider if the quarantine period should be reduced.

 

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

 

Thailand welcomes some 40 million tourists per year on average, generating a revenue of Bt3 trillion. However, these numbers have plunged after entry was restricted as part of efforts to curb the outbreak.

 

He said the Board of Investment and related agencies are also working on measures to woo foreigners to buy properties in Thailand via special measures.

 

Last month, the government’s Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) approved in principle amendments to the criteria of granting permanent residence and smart visa to foreigners in a bid to lure more investment.

 

The centre is considering the option of granting permanent residence to buyers of condominium units, provided applicants do not mortgage, sell or transfer this asset for five years after purchase.

 

The Prayut Chan-o-cha administration is continuing to launch stimulus measures to boost the subdued economy.

 

Recently it launched tourism promotion and personal income tax deduction measures to boost people purchasing power, which are estimated to generate Bt200 billion in the last three months of this year.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30396671

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-10-26

 

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18 minutes ago, webfact said:

Deputy PM Supattanapong Punmeechaow outlines strategies of reviving the flagging economy.

"The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000."

 

If the tourists cannot show that they have at least 100,000 Baht cash when they arrive they should not be allowed to enter. And when they leave the country and they still have money left it should be confiscated by the government. It is that simple. 

45 minutes ago, Oldie said:

"The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000."

 

If the tourists cannot show that they have at least 100,000 Baht cash when they arrive they should not be allowed to enter. And when they leave the country and they still have money left it should be confiscated by the government. It is that simple. 

Never heard of people drawing money from cash machines in this day and age, ?

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

Why not  just  charge them 50k  extra for insurance at the airport, sorted!!

1 hour ago, Oldie said:

"The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000."

 

If the tourists cannot show that they have at least 100,000 Baht cash when they arrive they should not be allowed to enter. And when they leave the country and they still have money left it should be confiscated by the government. It is that simple. 

And  fine them another 50k and ban them for life!

"The centre is considering the option of granting permanent residence to buyers of condominium units"  And just like that you have permanent residency, yet those of us who have been here for years and married to a Thai girl are just permanent tourists.  Bar-steeds!

step 1 - resign

step 2 - open the border

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

Come on now, that’s an easy one Mr DPM - just double the prices.

Problem solved !

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

I assume these figures are per day. Yes, I know that's ridiculous - hence the assumption

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The government will also soon clarify the criteria of reopening the country to foreign tourists and foreign investors.

Clarify?  It is a going out of business sale.   To get permanent residency, you had to learn to speak Thai and hold down a job for three years.   Now you just buy a condo.   

 

Is it me, or does Kuhn Punmeechaow ???? have the perfect yes man face?  The man who wants the military to retain power until the economy is back on track.  They army was messing up the economy before the virus.  The kids are as dumb as their parents thank goodness.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

They have no shame what-so-ever, at least in days of old Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask.

And of course he can say it all with a broad grin as he is rich as they come and doesn't need to worry about what this 'so called' Government does or doesn't do !

7 hours ago, gunderhill said:

Why not  just  charge them 50k  extra for insurance at the airport, sorted!!

Put them in an expensive quarantine hotel with a couple of bar girls ! That will soon chew up B50,000. No idea where the wife will go !!

9 hours ago, webfact said:

The minister added that the government will also devise measures to encourage foreigners to spend at least Bt100,000 per person from the current average of Bt50,000.

It's called dual pricing

9 hours ago, webfact said:

granting permanent residence

Here's an idea ... if someone has diligently renewed their visa for 10-years or more is married to a Thai and has children born here ... how about giving them permanent residence?