Open doors to foreign businesspeople, industry panel advises
In a move to help reboot the economy, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking will propose that foreign businesspeople be allowed to enter Thailand.
Kalin Sarasin, president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said this can be done if the government puts in place strict measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, such as ensuring every foreign visitor is tested for the virus 48 hours before landing on Thai soil.
“They can be tested again upon arrival and required to go into self-isolation for 14 days,” he said. “These foreign arrivals will also be prohibited from using public transport.”
Kalin, who also oversees the Board of Trade, says he expects businesspeople from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan to be given an opportunity to enter the country first.
“We also advise the government to let tourists from non-risky countries like Taiwan, Vietnam and China to land in Thailand provided they undergo Covid-19 preventive measures as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Supant Mongkolsuthree, chair of the Federation of Thai Industries, said a strengthening baht will not have an impact on the business sector because it is in line with regional currencies.
On Wednesday (June 10), the baht closed at Bt31.15 against the dollar which was partly put down to foreign investors making net buys of Bt859.49 million in the stock market and Bt3.04 billion in the bonds market.
Separately, the joint standing committee is also advising the government to meet and listen to the public sector’s proposals on economic recovery.
