Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow has maintained his forecast of growth above 4 per cent for Thailand’s economy next year, citing the availability of Covid-19 vaccines.

The vaccines will mean Thailand can open to foreign tourists and also reduce the quarantine period from 14 days, he added.

Most experts predict an expansion of 3-4 per cent next year.

Supattanapong said the fresh virus outbreak was limited to certain areas of the country, and the government could control the situation.

While the lockdown in Samut Sakhon, where the outbreak emerged, may cost the country about Bt50 billion, the damage was small compared to Thailand’s GDP of Bt12.6 trillion, he said.

 

He also maintained his forecast of 6 per cent contraction for the Thai economy this year, in line with the National Economic and Social Development Council’s projection.

 

 

The Nation