The Thai National Shippers’ Council has raised a concern that the export sector might face a 200-300 billion baht toll should the COVID-19 situation not be brought under control in six months, urging the government to speed up the vaccine rollout to all segments of the population.
The Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC) has revealed Thailand’s export sector has seen continuous growth in the first half of this year, with the performance expected to remain on the positive side throughout the year.
The TNSC Chairman Chaichan Chareonsuk, revealed that the export value in June this year was recorded at 236 billion US dollars, a remarkable 43.82% growth, while the council continues to expect good performances in the remaining months of this year, with the annual estimate of export growth now projected at 10%.
He has however raised concerns over the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand where cases continue to surge, saying the export sector could face damage of 200-300 billion baht if the situation cannot be brought under control within six months.
Mr Chaichan disagrees with suggestions that the government should enforce a full lockdown to curb transmissions, calling for an exemption for the manufacturing sector and the logistics related to goods imported and exported, while cautioning a shutdown of these businesses could result in a shortage of essential goods within the country.
Instead, he has urged the government to speed up the vaccine rollout to all groups of people, particularly workers in manufacturing.
Information and Source
Reporter : Tanakorn Sangiam
Rewriter : Tarin Angskul
National News Bureau & Public Relations : http://thainews.prd.go.th
