Govt’s first priority is economic recovery, not charter change, says energy minister
![Govt’s first priority is economic recovery, not charter change, says energy minister Govt’s first priority is economic recovery, not charter change, says energy minister](https://media.nationthailand.com/images/news/2020/10/22/30396616/800_f2643b645e8acb8.jpg?v=1603360589)
In a discussion on Thursday about the ongoing anti-government protests, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said this was not the right time for rallies, because the Thai economy has only just started pulling out of the downturn brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak.
He said the International Monetary Fund has only just revised its growth forecast for Thailand from a drop of 7.7 per cent to 7.1 per cent this year.
Meanwhile, the central bank’s debt extension starting to move in a favourable direction with some 94 per cent of the debtors restructuring their debts or negotiating new repayment terms.
He said that though the new generation is prioritising charter amendments and democracy, they should understand that the country’s priority now is economic recovery and people’s safety.
“For them, amendments to the Constitution take precedence, but for us, we are looking for an economic recovery plan, preventing a second wave of Covid-19 infections and maintaining political stability. We all have the duty to maintain stability so we can safely pull out of this crisis,” he said.