Prayuth urges businesses to do more to help poor
Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday urged business sectors to help the poor, saying it was time for everyone to help the country surmount this time of crisis
Speaking on his weekly television programme, Prayuth said that cooperation was needed across a broad spectrum of industries including merchandising, exports, construction, and transportation.
He said leading figures in those industries needed to brainstorm in order to find a way out for the country in this time of global uncertainty.
"Everyone must lower sale prices, increase the purchasing power, and maintain appropriate profits," he said. "They have to think of those with low income.
"If you substantially lower the price of the products you buy from farmers, they will not be able to survive. The state cannot spend a lot of money or provide price support for everyone."
Prayuth called on business associations and groups as well as companies and individuals to register with the Damrongtham Centers in each province as a way of helping the country, adding that name lists would be forwarded to the National Council for Peace and Order and the government.
"The NCPO and those with low income will then be well aware of your kindness. I would like to thank you all in advance," he said.
He urged people to refrain from protesting and find a suitable solution to a problem by petitioning the Damrongtham Centre, which would the connect them with relevant agencies for redress.
The centre should be involved in solving issues and preventing protests in Bangkok, he said.
"There is no need to camp out on the streets," he said. "It is quite difficult without amenities available.
"There is incurred transport and living costs, which is not only a waste of money but also time. It is better to stay at home and convey messages through the Damrongtham Centre," he said.