Authorities discuss political impacts on Thai economy

BANGKOK, December 4 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called a meeting of economic ministers at Bangkok's Government House on Wednesday to discuss impacts from domestic political demonstrations on the national economy. It was Yingluck's first arrival at the government seat after days of stressful standoffs between anti-government protesters and riot police in the vicinity of the Government House, but police have continued strictly guarding the government seat and have thoroughly inspected visitors and visiting vehicles, despite their reduced number and the already removal of barbed wire and barriers. Royal Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Colonel Winthai Suwaree told reporters that Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has ordered the deployment of soldiers to offer medical services, repair damaged property and clean areas in areas in the capital affected by recent clashes between protesters and riot police. The prime minister later left for seaside Hua Hin District of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in the Upper Thai South, where she is scheduled to attend a mass audience granted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Klai Kangwon Palace on Thursday morning and a ceremony in which royal guards will take an oath of allegiance in front of His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the beloved Thai monarch's 86th birthday.(TNA)