ID :
110604
Tue, 03/09/2010 - 09:01
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/110604
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PM discusses contingency plan with economic ministers
BANGKOK, Mar 9 (TNA) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday convened a meeting of economic ministers and top officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand (BoT), and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to discuss possible impacts on the economy and a contingency plan in case there is a disruption of peace and order as a result of the political rallies on this weekend.
Speaking after the meeting, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the planned mass rallies by the anti-government Red Shirt demonstrators this Saturday and Sunday is worrying the public and some people are hoarding consumer products and keeping extra cash in hand because they fear possible
violence.
He advised the public not to keep more than usual cash in hand since the government and the central bank (BoT) face no financial liquidity difficulties in case violence does erupt.
Access to cash at the capital's ATM booths will continue as usual, Mr Korn said. If any ATM booths were out of order or out of service, consumers can count on other booth locations as the government has no plan for financial institutions or the stock market to suspend their services.
Mr Korn said the finance ministry had already discussed the issue with bankers and executives of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
However, the minister conceded it would be difficult to assess the damage if the rallies become violent as occurred in April last year.
“It is a pity if we miss an opportunity to count on the ongoing economic recovery to make a better living for people in case of the violence,” he said.
“I call on all parties to refrain from violence because those who suffer most in such incidents are all the Thai people and the country. Now, the economy is gradually recovering. It will make people earn more incomes."
"Actually," he said, "a general election is not far from reach. It is a political change under the true democratic system. Any call for an abrupt change now is made for a benefit of a few people only.
"It is the government’s duty to find every means to maintain the peace and order of the country,” Mr. Korn said. (TNA)
Speaking after the meeting, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said the planned mass rallies by the anti-government Red Shirt demonstrators this Saturday and Sunday is worrying the public and some people are hoarding consumer products and keeping extra cash in hand because they fear possible
violence.
He advised the public not to keep more than usual cash in hand since the government and the central bank (BoT) face no financial liquidity difficulties in case violence does erupt.
Access to cash at the capital's ATM booths will continue as usual, Mr Korn said. If any ATM booths were out of order or out of service, consumers can count on other booth locations as the government has no plan for financial institutions or the stock market to suspend their services.
Mr Korn said the finance ministry had already discussed the issue with bankers and executives of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
However, the minister conceded it would be difficult to assess the damage if the rallies become violent as occurred in April last year.
“It is a pity if we miss an opportunity to count on the ongoing economic recovery to make a better living for people in case of the violence,” he said.
“I call on all parties to refrain from violence because those who suffer most in such incidents are all the Thai people and the country. Now, the economy is gradually recovering. It will make people earn more incomes."
"Actually," he said, "a general election is not far from reach. It is a political change under the true democratic system. Any call for an abrupt change now is made for a benefit of a few people only.
"It is the government’s duty to find every means to maintain the peace and order of the country,” Mr. Korn said. (TNA)
