Meeting explores impact of border spat

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira yesterday convened an urgent meeting with relevant public and private sector agencies to assess the economic impacts and prepare measures to cope with the escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Pichai said although the situation is currently under control, as the official overseeing the overall economy, it is necessary to be thoroughly and swiftly prepared for all possible scenarios.

According to Mr Pichai, yesterday's meeting had two main objectives: (1) to assess the economic impact on Thailand, including cross-border trade, manufacturing sectors that rely on raw materials from Cambodia, financial institutions with business interests in Cambodia, and service sectors such as airlines, telecommunications and energy; and (2) to plan mitigating measures, such as soft loans, tax measures, logistics support and stimulus initiatives for border provinces.

The government is open to receiving proposals from both public and private sectors.

He emphasised that yesterday's emergency meeting was purely a preparatory measure from an economic standpoint and should not be interpreted as a hostile signal.