BANGKOK, Nov 27 (TNA) -- The ongoing shutdown of Suvarnabhumi international airport by anti-government protesters has affected Thailand's exports of fresh foods, especially vegetables and fruits, as well as leather products, a Finance Ministry's Fiscal Policy Office spokesman said Thursday.
Deputy spokesman Lavaron Sangsnit said exports of Thai agricultural produce and leather goods are now quite impacted as they are normally transported by air while the country's other key exports, including electronics and electrical appliances, are not affected so much as they are usually made by ship.
He expressed hope that the closure of the airport, located in Bangkok's neighbouring province of Samut Prakan, would be reversed soon.
Anti-government protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) stormed into the terminal, blocked runways and forced all inbound and outbound flights to be cancelled for an indefinite period.
They are demanding that the coalition government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resign unconditionally and that the 2007 Constitution must not be amended.
Because of the local political disorder, the Ministry of Finance will review economic growth projections for 2008 and 2009 in the last week of December, Mr. Lavaron said.
The ministry earlier projected that this year's gross domestic product would grow by 5 per cent, but the political turmoil has already slowed growth in October -- with the only exception being inflation which continued falling during the month -- the only positive sign in the economy, he said.
Meanwhile, Bank of Thailand governor Tarisa Watanagase said the ongoing political conflicts have occurred for several months already and that it would probably take some time to resolve the problem.
Regarding Thailand's economic growth, Mrs. Tarisa said it is difficult to make a projection as it also depends on the global economy problem, for which no one could predict an end.
Thailand's tourism business will definitely be affected by political problem and the closure of the Suvarnabhumi airport, she added. (TNA)
Business News : Last Update : 17:03:09 27 November 2008 (GMT+7:00)
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