'Govt should step aside': Thai Chamber of Commerce

[webfact]

'Govt should step aside'
The Nation

Chamber warns economy might collapse, reform period needed

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Chamber of Commerce has urged the caretaker government to suspend performing its duty to pave the way for negotiations before national reform and prevent the collapse of the economy.

The call yesterday came as pressure continued to build against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government.

Recent court rulings have been unfavourable to her administration and independent agencies are investigating allegations against the PM.

The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has called for another mass rally in Bangkok today in a bid to pile on the pressure. The group, which is campaigning to rid the country of the so-called Thaksin regime, has demanded that the PM and her cabinet resign and make way for national reform ahead of the next election.

Yingluck yesterday said she would not be "taking a break from politics" to reduce political pressure against her family. She said she was focused on how to get all the parties involved to agree to have a new election soon, after the Constitutional Court last week nullified the February 2 election. In that poll, protesters prevented candidates in 28 constituencies from registering, ensuring it could not be completed.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has accused the caretaker prime minister of dereliction of duty for allegedly failing to stop corruption in the government's rice-pledging scheme. The anti-graft agency has given Yingluck until Monday to defend herself against the allegation. But she said the time given was too short and suggested that the NACC was treating her unfairly.

If the prime minister is formally indicted, she will have to suspend performing her duties.

Isara Vongkusolkij, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, said the private sector expected a new election and a new government soon in order to have a budget to help prop up the economy. He said the country needed a permanent government in place by the third quarter if gross domestic product were to expand by 2.5-3 per cent this year. But if it were later than that, growth was projected to be lower than 2.5 per cent.

Isara said exports and tourism were expected to be the main drivers of the economy, with help from border trade. He anticipated that a solution to the prolonged political unrest would be achieved soon, with a "neutral prime minister" in place and one-year national reform.

Thai Chamber of Commerce deputy secretary-general Pornsilp Phatcharintanakul said: "The government may pause operating to pave the way for negotiations and the national reform, which could be done within three months, while I expect the national conflicts cannot be eased this year."

Given the national conflicts and not having a new government to deliver an investment promotion policy, Thailand has become less attractive to investors and some foreign companies that had manufacturing bases here have relocated to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia. Reportedly, some electronics companies and Japanese carmakers relocated their manufacturing bases to that country partly because of its larger population.

Pornsilp does not expect a new government to be formed until early next year. The country's economy will recover in the third quarter of 2015. He said there was no new public investment at present, while the private sector was afraid to invest.

Pornsilp said export growth this year might be less than 5 per cent, as Thailand’s key trade partners are underperforming.


-- The Nation 2014-03-29

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

What went wrong with PTP's promise "You will all be rich in 6 months"?

[Robby nz]

Pornsilp said export growth this year might be less than 5 per cent, as Thailand’s key trade partners are underperforming.

So poor exports are nothing to do with the protests.

Low tourist numbers obviously are but that was made worse by the SOE which meant many peoples insurance companies would not cover them in a country under a state of emergency.

There is also the Chinese zero $ tours that were stopped by the Chinese Govt that dropped the Chinese numbers.

[smedly]

I couldn't help thinking after reading the first paragraph of the OP - and after that we will put the toys in the basket and get the crayons out - just another day in Yingluc politics kinder garden

[thesetat2013]

What went wrong with PTP's promise "You will all be rich in 6 months"?

It was a bad translation. She meant her family and party leaders would be richer .

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Tatsujin]

So the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade is on board with reforms before elections and the Govt "stepping down". Very interesting. Are they in PDRC/Dem/Anti-Govt's pockets too? What do you think fab4?

[chooka]

Call an election and let the people decide who they want.

[Fryslan boppe]

>>>"The Thai Chamber of Commerce has urged the caretaker government to suspend performing its duty to pave the way for negotiations before national reform and prevent the collapse of the economy".

As would be expected from this "Most ammart of all ammart elements"

If there is any doubt this characterization, show me where there is any daylight between their pronouncements and those of the Ammart coup-mongers.

Just one more example of their attempts to segment themselves...Having entities not identified as the Elitist ammart/PAD-Dem's, issue statements reflecting their political agenda........a little bit like 'Agenda Laundering" if you will.

>>>"The call yesterday came as pressure continued to build against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government"

Pressure is not building on PM Yingluck and the PTP. If there is any pressure at all, it is on the electoral majority. The ploy of seeking separate Ms. Y. and the PTP from their electoral base, is spin.

>>>"Recent court rulings have been unfavourable to her administration and independent agencies are investigating allegations against the PM"

"Recent"?....Really?.....This attempt to make a coup not seem to be a coup as per above quote, is so blatantly obvious, suggesting otherwise is a slam against one's intelligence.

Meeting of UDD/Red Shirt happening all over the place at the moment, finalizing their plans for when the Ammart and anti-democrats pull the "coup-trigger" with these judicial and independent agencies.

Edited March 29, 2014 by Fryslan boppe

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Call an election and let the people decide who they want.

Have a referendum on Reform first or elections first , jesus Chooka, this is too easy mate

[Yunla]

Yingluck, it is time to stop falling out of vans, and to start falling on your sword.

Hugs, Yunla.

[Pimay1]

"The Thai Chamber of Commerce has urged the caretaker government to suspend performing its duty to pave the way for negotiations before national reform and prevent the collapse of the economy".

As would be expected from this "Most ammart of all ammart elements"

If there is any doubt this characterization, show me where there is any daylight between their pronouncements and those of the Ammart coup-mongers.

Just one more example of their attempts to segment themselves...Having entities not identified as the Elitist ammart/PAD-Dem's, issue statements reflecting their political agenda........a little bit like 'Agenda Laundering" if you will.

Rather than going ballistic and shooting the messenger I invite you to read past the first two paragraphs and comment on the GDP projections, economic recovery projections and also foreign companies relocating to other countries under the current conditions.

[ggold]

>>>"The Thai Chamber of Commerce has urged the caretaker government to suspend performing its duty to pave the way for negotiations before national reform and prevent the collapse of the economy".

As would be expected from this "Most ammart of all ammart elements"

If there is any doubt this characterization, show me where there is any daylight between their pronouncements and those of the Ammart coup-mongers.

Just one more example of their attempts to segment themselves...Having entities not identified as the Elitist ammart/PAD-Dem's, issue statements reflecting their political agenda........a little bit like 'Agenda Laundering" if you will.

>>>"The call yesterday came as pressure continued to build against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government"

Pressure is not building on PM Yingluck and the PTP. If there is any pressure at all, it is on the electoral majority. The ploy of seeking separate Ms. Y. and the PTP from their electoral base, is spin.

>>>"Recent court rulings have been unfavourable to her administration and independent agencies are investigating allegations against the PM"

"Recent"?....Really?.....This attempt to make a coup not seem to be a coup as per above quote, is so blatantly obvious, suggesting otherwise is a slam against one's intelligence.

Meeting of UDD/Red Shirt happening all over the place at the moment, finalizing their plans for when the Ammart and anti-democrats pull the "coup-trigger" with these judicial and independent agencies.

UDD/Red Shirt happening all over the place at the moment, finalizing their plans for when the Ammart and anti-democrats pull the "coup-trigger" with these judicial and independent agencies.

looking forward to blood on the streets are you?

[ThailandNoob]

This guy seriously needs his head read if he thinks "a reform period" under a "neutral Prime Minister" (i.e. Suthep's demands) will bring stability to the country. More like civil war.

The country will never be stable as long as armed thugs can shut down elections with the blessing of the courts and the military.

The only way for Thailand to become stable anytime soon is for the yellows to respect democracy, allow elections, and respect the results. If they lose (which is likely) then they need to either suck s!*t and accept being in opposition, or take a good hard look at themselves and change their platform to something that the majority of Thai people actually want.

As I imagine that though, I also mentally hear the sound of pigs flapping their wings, which is why I predict that the troubles (and associated economic stagnation) will continue throughout this year and the next.

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited March 29, 2014 by ThailandNoob

[Spalpeen]

"Government should step aside"..... Just shows how insane these people are. Anyone who thinks that an unelected elitist junta would be an improvement on a democratically elected government with a landslide majority needs their head examined.

The increasingly shrill pronouncements from the anti democracy faction shows how desperate they have become. Look at Sutheps latest stunt, another rally. Been there, done that, didn't work.

[jayboy]

This guy seriously needs his head read if he thinks "a reform period" under a "neutral Prime Minister" (i.e. Suthep's demands) will bring stability to the country. More like civil war.

The country will never be stable as long as armed thugs can shut down elections with the blessing of the courts and the military.

The only way for Thailand to become stable anytime soon is for the yellows to respect democracy, allow elections, and respect the results. If they lose (which is likely) then they need to either suck s!*t and accept being in opposition, or take a good hard look at themselves and change their platform to something that the majority of Thai people actually want.

As I imagine that though, I also mentally hear the sound of pigs flapping their wings, which is why I predict that the troubles (and associated economic stagnation) will continue throughout this year and the next.

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You raise an excellent point about the need for the opposition in its various manifestations to reform its policies.At the moment their position is akin to an arsonist who not only starts a fire but prevents the firemen from extinguishing the blaze, and then blames it on the home owner.The Democrats have disgracefully placed their hopes in a corrupt and thuggish provincial boss rather than internal reform which might produce a less discredited leadership and more attractive policies.Meamwhile the "reform before elections" mantra seems as imprecise and unthought out as ever.It is impossible to get a clear answer on what exact electoral reforms are required, or a coherent response on why the last election was not valid.

[Balance]

A Neutral PM? And where will that person be found, the United Nations? Right!! Yes, corruption needs to be stopped, but first the laws have to be enforced, and there needs to be a free press who can investigate corruption without the threat of law suits. Who will do that when the people responsible are as corrupt as the next person? Maybe the IMF or the World Bank needs to step in with a large stick and start to make it really hurt unless some corrupt people are tried and go to jail. There will always be people who think they can get away with with being corrupt, but if the penalties are stiff enough, it will deter most people.

[HonestQuietBob]

Yet another right wing institution opposed to elections.

Nothing new here, just the irrelevant musings of irrelevant nobody's.

The people decide who governs and for how long not trumped up lackeys of the elites

[ramrod711]

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has urged the caretaker government to suspend performing its duty to pave the way for negotiations before national reform and prevent the collapse of the economy.

Suthep you beauty, way to go you are hitting them in the pocket book, and they are beginning to squirm. The Shin clan is going down for the third time, throw them an anchor.

[ginjag]

Call an election and let the people decide who they want.

Old hat Chooka, that saying is out of fashion, bad move as there would be no notables from your party to vote for.

[ginjag]

Yet another right wing institution opposed to elections.

Nothing new here, just the irrelevant musings of irrelevant nobody's.

The people decide who governs and for how long not trumped up lackeys of the elites

The good thing about it all is The people did decide in the vote 2 years ago who will GOVERN, BUT LOOK, they didn't govern, just toyed with the funds, when democratically elected you do NOT toy with the funds you use the peoples money who voted for you for their benefit . Not for the members of government to benefit.

[ginjag]

"Government should step aside"..... Just shows how insane these people are. Anyone who thinks that an unelected elitist junta would be an improvement on a democratically elected government with a landslide majority needs their head examined.

The increasingly shrill pronouncements from the anti democracy faction shows how desperate they have become. Look at Sutheps latest stunt, another rally. Been there, done that, didn't work.

Your last six words, " been there done that didn't work" EXACTLY describes your beloved government.

[jpeg]

I reckon a bit of a slow down in the endless pursuit of 'growth' ie MORE construction/autos/i phones/stuff in general, together with giving nature a break from relentless mass tourism to be a jolly good thing.

[billsmart]

Suthep and the so-called "Democrats" should step aside and let the duly-elected government govern.

[Spalpeen]

"Government should step aside"..... Just shows how insane these people are. Anyone who thinks that an unelected elitist junta would be an improvement on a democratically elected government with a landslide majority needs their head examined.

The increasingly shrill pronouncements from the anti democracy faction shows how desperate they have become. Look at Sutheps latest stunt, another rally. Been there, done that, didn't work.

Your last six words, " been there done that didn't work" EXACTLY describes your beloved government.

.

"Been there, done that, couldn't get elected" would be an accurate description of the alternative.

[rickirs]

It continues to be a joke that Suthep relies on supporters calling for unconstitutional acts to accomplish regime change all the while Suthep relies on the constitutional court to roadblock the PTP administration through constitutional rulings. I would imagine that the first thing on Suthep's reform agenda, if and when the government collapses, is to not only suspend the constitution because it would block his reforms, but also to suspend the constitutional court in order to affect "reforms" without opposition challenges.

[visionchaser45]

The very idea is ridiculous on its face. What "negotiations" will take place prior to "reforms?" If she steps aside, she won't even have a seat at the table because stepping aside takes away all of her bargaining chips.

[whybother]

This guy seriously needs his head read if he thinks "a reform period" under a "neutral Prime Minister" (i.e. Suthep's demands) will bring stability to the country. More like civil war.

The country will never be stable as long as armed thugs can shut down elections with the blessing of the courts and the military.

The only way for Thailand to become stable anytime soon is for the yellows to respect democracy, allow elections, and respect the results. If they lose (which is likely) then they need to either suck s!*t and accept being in opposition, or take a good hard look at themselves and change their platform to something that the majority of Thai people actually want.

As I imagine that though, I also mentally hear the sound of pigs flapping their wings, which is why I predict that the troubles (and associated economic stagnation) will continue throughout this year and the next.

Sent from my IS11T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You raise an excellent point about the need for the opposition in its various manifestations to reform its policies.At the moment their position is akin to an arsonist who not only starts a fire but prevents the firemen from extinguishing the blaze, and then blames it on the home owner.The Democrats have disgracefully placed their hopes in a corrupt and thuggish provincial boss rather than internal reform which might produce a less discredited leadership and more attractive policies.Meamwhile the "reform before elections" mantra seems as imprecise and unthought out as ever.It is impossible to get a clear answer on what exact electoral reforms are required, or a coherent response on why the last election was not valid.

I don't know why everyone always brings up that the Democrats should change their policies, when a poll prior to the 2011 electionin the N/NE rated their policies as better.

There may a lot of things that the Democrats need to do to get elected, but changing their policies isn't one of them.

[sweatalot]

So the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade is on board with reforms before elections and the Govt "stepping down". Very interesting. Are they in PDRC/Dem/Anti-Govt's pockets too? What do you think fab4?

"Are they in PDRC/Dem/Anti-Govt's pockets too?"

You do not need to be in PDRC/Dem/Anti-Govt's pockets.

It is enough to have common sense and to be watching the government clearly

[sweatalot]

Call an election and let the people decide who they want.

I agree.

But first make the elections fair and free and inform the people about whom and what they are voting

[Spalpeen]

I don't know why everyone always brings up that the Democrats should change their policies, when a poll prior to the 2011 electionin the N/NE rated their policies as better.

There may a lot of things that the Democrats need to do to get elected, but changing their policies isn't one of them.

.

Poll? Poll? LMFAO! There's only one poll that counts in a democracy and it's called a 'General Election'. Any other kind of poll is just a piece of paid for propaganda. I thought everyone knew that.