Businessmen seem resigned to poll delay
Businessmen believe the general election will not happen on October 15, mainly because of the delay in selecting a new Election Commission (EC).
They are also concerned that the political confusion will slow economic growth next year and that doubts over the election date will damage the confidence of foreign investors. Dej Pathanasethapong, president of the Thai Garment Manufacturers' Association, said doubts over whether the election will go ahead had harmed Thailand's image. "I'm so bored and tired with the country's political confusion. The election date should not be delayed more than a few weeks, otherwise foreign investors will lose confidence in doing business here," he said. Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, deputy secretary-general of the Board of Trade of Thailand, said it was clear an election would not take place on October 15. "The uncertainty over the election has damaged businessmen's confidence. We don't like the environment," he said, adding that the government should appoint a new EC as quickly as possible. Chookiat Ophaswongse, president of the Thai Rice Exporters' Association, said the election uncertainty would hit economic growth next year. "Before the problems settle down, foreign investors may shift their investment from Thailand to other countries," he said. According to Phaibool Poocharoen, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries' automotive sector, domestic consumption will be gradually decreased by the political uncertainty. He said some foreign investors understood the political situation but if the uncertainty went on too long, it would decrease investors' confidence to do business here. Nipon Surapongrakcharoen, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the government should try to hold the election this year in order to maintain the confidence of business people. Poj Aramwatthananont, president of the Thai Frozen Food Association, said economic growth was already falling. However, businessmen hoped to see transparency in the EC selection. Virachai Vongbunsin, vice chairman for the international trade committee of the Board of Trade of Thailand, said business sectors were trying to adjust to the political uncertainty. He said there were rumours about a delay in the election in order to ensure transparency in the EC selection. Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation
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