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Businessmen show concern on proposed House dissolution

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Businessmen have expressed concern about a red-shirt proposal for the House dissolution within a month, saying it would affect the economy. They urge the government to weigh all factors before making a decision.

Pongsak Assakul, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the government should be given at least a month to formulate a clear timeframe for dissolution which would not end problems now.

He said once all conditions were agreed on, business people would have good reasons to pass on to their foreign partners.

If the House was to be dissolved now, it would be difficult explaining to foreign partners why the government was forced to act in response to protesters' demands.

Vallop Vitanakorn, director of the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association, said if dissolution was unavoidable, the government should clearly establish its timeframe.

"I think the one-year timeframe for the process should be accepted," Vallop said, pointing out that most businessmen do not agree with the idea.

Dissolution of Parliament will undermine confidence in trade and investment as well as the implementation of laws promoting international trade.

Another important effect included the reimbursement of budget under Thai Khemkheang. The process, which directly relates to enhancing the economy, has been delayed for months.

"The country's damage from the dissolution will come out in the last quarter of this year, " he said.

Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said dissolution would affect legal endorsement, such as price guarantees and distribution of commodity goods.

"We should give at least six months before dissolving Parliament to smooth out the working of all sides," proposed Chookiat, saying legal considerations take time - we cannot respond to any requirement within two weeks.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said it was an unsuitable time to pressure for parliamentary dissolution. It would directly damage the country's economic recovery, particularly foreign investor confidence.

"There's nothing clear right now on whether the red shirts have a proposal to solve the Kingdom's problems," Porntiva said.

The Democrat Party should take this opportunity to amend Constitution 2007.

-- The Nation 2010-03-30

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