วันศุกร์ที่ 23 กรกฎาคม 2564
40 CEOs to work together with Govt in leading Thailand out of COVID-19 crisis
40 CEOs to work together with Govt in leading Thailand out of COVID-19 crisis
July 21, 2021, at 1420hrs, at PMOC Room, Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House, Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over a meetingvia teleconferencewiththeChamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand,and 40 CEOsfrom the country’sleading firms todiscuss possible cooperation between the public and private sectors inresponse tothe spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri disclosed gist of the meeting as follows:
The Prime Ministerthanked representatives of the private sector for convening today to help the Government intackling with theincreasingly threateningCOVID-19pandemic. The Government has not stayed idleand strived tosolve the problem in an inclusive manner.As of July 20, 2021, over 14 million doses of vaccine have been given to the public.Various assistance/remedy measures have also been implemented, such assoft loans, consumption stimulus measures (e.g., Half-Half scheme with the spending of over 33 billion Baht so far),andstimulus measures for tourism and related businesses (i.e., Phuket Sandbox, Samui Model Plus).TheChamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailandandprivate sector have alsogiven useful advicesto the Government, some of whichwereimmediatelybrought into action. The Prime Minister also emphasized that Thailand is now facing with serious challenges, and there is a need toreduceconflict, and create awareness through proactive PR, as both the Government and the private sector share the same goal, which is,to lead the country out of this crisis.
Chairmanof theChamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, on behalf of the 40 CEOs, expressed appreciation toward the Prime Minister for convening the meeting, and proposed 4 key agendas as follows:
1.Disease control:25non-hospital vaccination centers,co-administered by the private sector and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA),could alleviate hospitalburden with the total vaccination capacity of 80,000 persons/day. The Private sector also stands ready toprovide medical equipment, i.e.,rapid tests, medicines, beds,and ICUunits,and supporthome isolation measures throughTeleMedtechnology andvarious platforms.
2.Remedies for businesses and people: extension of assistance measures,and labor shortage problem solvingwereproposed
3.Implementation of short and medium-term economic stimulus schemes: tostimulate spending among high income earners and those with high purchasing power, promote private investments to boost employments, andtoprepare Thailand for the New Economy.
4.National rehabilitation:turning crisis into an opportunity throughestablishinga joint state-private committeeto mobilizehigh-impact activities that yield great benefits to the people, e.g.,modern agriculture, andquality tourism,etc.,and enhancing economic capacity and competitivenesswith digital transformation.
Given the fact that the Government has to workwith difficultyunder extremelyvolatile situation,Chairman of theChamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailandgave the Prime Minister moral support andthe private sector’scommitment tosupport the Government’s endeavors.
The Prime Minister thanked them in return, and stated that their proposals were in line with the Government’s policies. He alsoemphasized that all sides have to work together in ensuring public understanding, and reducing conflict. The Government’spolicyto reopen the country in 120 daysremains committed. The private sector’s proposals would bebroughtinto consideration bythe cabinet and CCSA.