Rising Oil Prices Worry Krabi Businesses

[george]

Rising oil prices worry local businesses

KRABI: -- Rising domestic fuel prices are directly impacting businesses in this southern resort province, especially regarding tourism and investment, says a business executive.

Watana Thanasak-charoen, Chairman of the Krabi Chamber of Commerce, says transport here depends on cars and buses, as the province has no rail service.

Increased fuel prices would directly impact business activities, he said.

Raising fuel prices is "just like rubbing salt in the wound" because the province has already been affected from violence in the three southernmost provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala, as well as the country's recent political turmoil, he said.

The government should find measures to halt the fuel price hike, as it could create a new round of economic crisis, according to Mr. Watana, who suggested that one solution is to temporarily lower the oil tax.

--TNA 2006-04-22