Thai private sector satisfied with government’s performance

BANGKOK, April 16 (TNA) - The private sector has expressed satifaction with the Thai interim government's performance over the past six months Suphan Mongkholsuthee, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), told journalists on Thursday the private sector views the interim government of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has been sincere in administering the nation over its first six months in office and its performances are considered satisfactory. Suphan pointed out that the interim government has also listened and cooperated with private business operators through issuing several laws beneficial to the country's trade and investment. Suphan cautioned, however, that there are still several issues the government needs to address, including declining prices of local farm products, the strengthening Thai baht, compared to currencies of other neighbouring countries, a slowdown in Thai exports and a new city planning law which could affect the local industrial and real estate sectors, while household debt also affects domestic consumption. The FTI chief noted that the private sector is ready to support the interim Thai government's attempts to achieve its economic programmes. Meanwhile, Worawan Tharapoom, Chairwoman of the Thai Capital Market Business Council, acknowledged that her council is also satisfied with the government’s performance on national reform, praising that, despite accumulative problems, the interim administration has achieved considerable success. Worawan proposed that the government also reform national population structure and welfare benefits for the elderly, along with focusing on domestic tourism promotion. (TNA)