Economic ministers convene

 

The agenda was about the political impacts on the tourism sector, aside from the baht depreciation after the policy rate cut. Other economic risk factors were also discussed, said Govt spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi.

National Economic and Social Development Board Arkhom Termpittayphaisith reported the Economic Ministers Council that during October and November, a budget worth Bt476.6 billion has been disbursed, which is 15.2 per cent down from the same period last year.  The tourism sector has been affected by protests because as of Dec 3, 36 countries issued travel alerts for travel to Thailand. The protests also affected the confidence of consumer and investors, though a cut in sovereign rating should not happen soon.

Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak noted that tourists are still flocking to provincial tourists destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket. However, he was also worried about tourist confidence, particularly that in Japan. Some business meetings have also been cancelled. He suggested a campaign to boost tourism once the political chaos end.