Pattaya beach in Chon Buri province is sealed off for the Covid-19 crisis. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the gradual reopening of businesses and resumption of tourism will set the economy back in motion. (Pattaya City photo) Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai economy would improve once businesses reopen and employ people, and tourism resumes, with measures in place to give visitors confidence in their safety, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on May 8.
He made the statement when answering questions about the next step in relaxing the nationwide lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
"If workplaces reopen, there will be employment and salaries... If factories reopen and employ people, rehabilitation will start,” the PM said.
"Tourism, tourist destinations and hotels will be improved so that tourists will have confidence and return to Thailand. We will take special care of public health," he added.
He said that during relaxation of disease control measures, resumption of activities would be gradual. Otherwise, things would get out of control.
He pledged that the government will do its best to take care of everyone, as far as it can, with existing laws and budgets and it will use money efficiently, calling on the people to stay patient and helpful.
“We do not know how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last. The key is to make our country a safe place as soon as possible," Gen Prayut said.
As of May 8, Thailand had a total of 3,000 COVID-19 patients in 68 out of 77 provinces, including 55 deaths. The capital city of Bangkok had the highest number of 1,699 cases, followed by the southern region with 716 patients, the central delta with 380 patients, the northeast with 111 patients and northern region with 94 patients. The country has successfully cured 2,784 COVID-19 patients, accounting for 92.8 percent./.
VNA
