NESDB Deputy Chairperson believes that Thailand's economy will continue to grow despite current political impasse

The Deputy Chair of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), Dr.Worapol Sokatiyanirak (วรพล โสคติยานุรักษ์), said he believes that Thailand’s economy will still continue to grow, as long as the demonstration goes in line with the democratic framework.

He said that the current political tension might affect the country’s economy because the implementation of economic system must go along with the country's political stability.

However, the NESDB is currently working on its proposal in developemnt plans. The proposal will be forwarded to the cabinet for approval on March 22, the day which the government will discuss ways to resolve problems in various areas such as economy, technology, environment, education, and social affairs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 March 2006

The political situation has not affected the Thai economy, said Deputy Finance Minister.

Deputy Finance Minister Waratep Rattanakorn (วราเทพ รัตนากร) expressed confidence that the impacts from the political situation will not affect Thai economy, as the investments in the Stock Exchange of Thailand still demonstrates a rebound in confidence among investors.

Mr. Warathep said that the government still set up policies to keep the economy intact, especially the policies that the government has promised to proceed. He said that the ministry has prepared matters in the megaprojects for the new administration to continue with the projects, so that investors will be confident that the government will not cancel the projects.

As for the economic figures and the investment climate, Mr. Waratep said that the figures demonstrates some impacts from the political situation, but he said that the people need not be worried yet. He said that the government will make sure that investors in Thailand will not lose confidence. He added that the tourism industry also suffered some effects from the political chaos.

However, Mr. Waratep said that this year’s economy will grow between 4.5-5%. As for the investment figures in the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Mr. Waratep said that the investor confidence has begun to rebound.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 March 2006