Economy OK but flood plan needed: Abhisit

Abhisit also urged the government to implement community welfare policies to strengthen the grass roots economy and social well-being. He had faith in many economic fundamentals, the level of national reserves and the fiscal situation, along with the country’s ability to compete as an exporter and tourist destination. “It’s up to the government to capitalise on them or eat up our economic capital,” he said.

Asked how people should prepare themselves to cope in the coming year, Abhisit said many were still trying to rebuild their livelihoods as a result of the devastating flood. They still faced many burdens and would need the state assistance to overcome them. “Many factors are difficult to predict. We don’t know if there will be more natural calamities or global economic uncertainty. It’s difficult to even predict the trend for the price of petrol.”

He vowed to closely watch state policies, including the seaport project in Dawei (Tavoy), Burma, and the Thai-China high-speed train project.