BEIJING, Oct 23 — Finance Minister Sommai Phasee told the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting (APEC FMM) here that Thailand has returned to normal and is ready for renewed visits of foreign tourists and investors.
While attending the APEC FMM on Tuesday and Wednesday, Mr Sommai said that while the Thai economy was weak in the first half of this year due to the previous political turmoil, the post-coup government has made significant changes in restoring the country’s readiness to receive tourists and investment.
The government of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha implemented immediate economic stimulus measures in a bid to ensure a 1.5 per cent economic growth rate throughout this year.
He said that the government would adjust financial and economic structures to narrow down financial gaps among people and promote sustainable economic development.
In an interview with the Biz Talk program of China’s CCTV News, Mr Sommai said Thailand is focusing on infrastructure development and persuading the private sector to take part in the task.
He gave assurances that Thailand has returned to normal and that foreign tourists and investors, including those from China, could visit the country.
The meeting discussed possible serious slowdowns of the world and the Asia-Pacific economies and the necessity for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members to work closely together.
The meeting identified the importance of financial and tax reform for economic sustainability and security and the development of monetary services to give financial access to people at all levels.
APEC’s 21 Member Economies are Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Republic of the Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; Viet Nam.
