Thailand warned of possible long-lasting economic impacts of lockdown reimposition

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has warned that Thailand risks long-term economic and social effects if the Government imposes another blockade due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
Thailand warned of possible long-lasting economic impacts of lockdown reimposition ảnh 1Vaccination against COVID-19 in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 24, 2021 (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai Chamber of Commerce(TCC) has warned that Thailand risks long-term economic and social effects ifthe Government imposes another blockade due to the spread of the Omicronvariant.

TCC chairman Sanan Angubolkul gave the warning on January 6after the Public Health Ministry raised the country’s COVID-19 alert level from3 to 4 – the second highest level – amid the outbreak of Omicron variant. Theministry also recommended banning inter-provincial travel and gatherings whileimposing a work-from-home policy.

Opposing any tightening of restrictions, the TCC pointed outthat most people in the country have been fully vaccinated and the healthcare system is farfrom full capacity.

It urged authorities to focus on advising people to becautious, applying strict health controls at public venues, and acceleratingbooster vaccination to reduce infection severity and create herd immunity.

Sanan said that imposing a new lockdown would put thecountry back to square one.

As of January 6 morning, Thailand logged 2,245,250 COVID-19cases so far, including 2,185,502 recoveries and 21,780 deaths./.
VNA

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