BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) — Investment would be a major factor to support the Thai economy next year, especially mega transport projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said.
During his speech on “Thailand 2020”, Mr Somkid said the Thai economy was slowing down as it grew by 2.3% yearly in the second quarter of this year but he believed that it would pick up in the second half of 2019.
He admitted that the delayed formation of the government and global economic problems were affecting the Thai economy.
The government was trying to maintain economic growth and considered that investment, especially big investment projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor, would stimulate the economy in addition to tourism, Mr Somkid said.
He mentioned the expansion of the Map Ta Phut industrial zone and the Laem Chabang port and the construction of a high-speed railway in the EEC to link three main airports.
“The government will quickly work out city planning for EEC to guarantee systematic development and good management,” Mr Somkid said.
He also said that the government would try to strengthen the grass roots economy through marketing campaigns for communities’ products and tourism promotion for less popular tourist destinations. The government hoped that the local economy stimulation could make up for the heavily affected exports on which Thailand depended much, the deputy prime minister said.
“2020 will be the year of risks but there will also be a chance for Thailand to progress robustly,” Mr Somkid said. (TNA)
