By Tanakorn Sangiam

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai National Shippers’ Council has raised a concern that the export sector might face a 200-300 billion baht toll should the COVID-19 situation not be brought under control in six months, urging the government to speed up the vaccine rollout to all segments of the population.

 

The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has revealed Thailand’s export sector has seen continuous growth in the first half of this year, with the performance expected to remain on the positive side throughout the year.

 

The TNSC Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk, revealed that the export value in June this year was recorded at 236 billion US dollars, a remarkable 43.82% growth, while the council continues to expect good performances in the remaining months of this year, with the annual estimate of export growth now projected at 10%.

 

He has however raised concerns over the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand where cases continue to surge, saying the export sector could face damage of 200-300 billion baht if the situation cannot be brought under control within six months.

 

Mr Chaichan disagrees with sugggestions that the government should enforce a full lockdown to curb transmissions, calling for an exemption for the manufacturing sector and the logistics related to goods imported and exported, while cautioning a shutdown of these businesses could result in a shortage of essential goods within the country.

 

Instead, he has urged the government to speed up the vaccine rollout to all groups of people, particularly workers in manufacturing.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-04

 

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I really do worry about these type of articles. Of course there will be concern and for good reason. A very poor and slow vaccination roll out programme by the government and an extremely weak support package for businesses and people.

 

It should come as no surprise that exports will suffer as factories have production issues do to a few things, those being a disrupted supply chain, increased prices and a reduced work force due to Covid-19 infections.

Articles lke this is maybe the "best they can do" or more worringly they are already  doing their best.

To be fair to any media in the present framework there is pressure to fill space with non controversial upbeat news about its all going swimmingly .Of course postman bites dog , VIP found with pantsdown is the stuff of National Enquirer and similar rags.

Like the environment it is hard to disguise the pittis, corpses and beds in the streets the locals never miss a good wake.