Anutin was accompanied by Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Auttapol Rerkpiboon, Suphajee Suthumpan and Vorapak Tanyawong, who are expected to be finance minister, energy minister, commerce minister and deputy finance minister respectively, reports the Bangkok Post.
The prime minister said his economic team members were familiar with the needs of the private sector and that his government would work for a quick economic recovery.
Speaking after the meeting, he said his ministers had discussions with chamber members on urgent strategies to drive Thailand’s economy, including funding, household debt, interest rates, energy costs, labour, logistics, and future opportunities for the nation.
“I don’t care whose policy it is, or where it comes from. If it benefits the nation and the public, I will make it happen. For the four months when our government leads the country, I guarantee our economy will not regress,” said Anutin.
The government plans to include a proposal from the chamber in the economic policy statement it presents to parliament, he added.
During the meeting on Thursday, the chamber proposed that the new government:
- boost confidence in Thailand and among investors
- increase liquidity and financial sources
- reduce the cost of living
- promote fair trade, investment and logistics
- ensure security and social stability, especially in border areas
- have plans to cope with international trade risks
- stimulate purchasing power and tourism.
Chamber chairman Poj Aramwattananont said he was encouraged because the economic ministers-designate were knowledgeable and capable and were well recognised by the business community.
He called on the government to adopt a four-month urgent action plan focused on revitalising the economy, emphasising the enhancement of trade by expediting negotiations to address US tariffs, tackling non-tariff trade barriers, and expanding markets in promising regions including China, Africa and the Middle East.
The chamber wants the Bank of Thailand to manage the baht’s value at around 34-35 per dollar to ensure export competitiveness. The currency is currently trading at a four-year high around 31.80.
The private sector also urged the government to carry out popular consumption stimulus programmes such as the Khon La Khrueng co-payment scheme and the Easy E-Receipt campaign, while promoting initiatives to “Buy Thai”.
Regarding the tourism sector, the chamber recommended setting up one-stop tourist service centres and enhancing safety measures, particularly for Chinese visitors, alongside reducing import duties on lifestyle products in major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
The group also asked the government to allocate 10 billion baht for small and medium-sized enterprises to mitigate losses from non-performing loans, while prioritising government procurement contracts for SMEs.
The new Anutin cabinet is awaiting royal endorsement, expected in the next few days. The government expects to deliver its policy statement in the House before the end of this month.
Once that happens, a four-month countdown to House dissolution and elections begins, under the terms of an agreement made with the People’s Party for its support of the Bhumjaithai-led minority government.