Reopening of economy in Covid dark red zones expected to boost public, business confidence
Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Sanan Angubolkul said on Monday that the easing up of lockdown measures and reopening of more businesses from October 1 will improve the confidence of the business sector and increase people’s spending in October.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration announced on Monday that child development centres, libraries, museums, art galleries, nail salons, tattoo shops, spas and massage shops, and cinemas in dark red provinces will be allowed to open under certain conditions from October 1.
The curfew in dark red zones will also be reduced to 10pm-4am from October 1, while complexes, convenience stores and sports areas – indoor and outdoor – can stay open an hour longer until 9pm.
“We estimate that the easing up of lockdown measures will help create more economic activities and increase total economic spending in October to Bt10-12 billion per day,” he said. “If this trend goes on until the year-end, we could see total economic expansion of 2021 back in the positive realm.”
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Sanan added that the continued vaccination drive throughout the country, the arrival of more vaccines and increased affordability of antigen test kits will boost the confidence of businesses and general public in the government’s administration of Covid-19 situation, and in return they will be more willing to comply to disease control measures to curb the spreading.
The chamber, however, expressed concern over the flood situation in several provinces, which is estimated to cost the economy Bt5-10 billion, while urging related agencies to help affected entrepreneurs get back on their feet as soon as possible to minimise the economic impact.
