The political chaos in Thailand could have an
impact on investor confidence, not just in Thailand but throughout the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan
said on Friday.
The
yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) began a new round street
protests on Wednesday to stop Pheu Thai MPs' attempts to force an amnesty bill
through the parliament for those convicted by an investigative procedure
established by the military installed government after the coup on Sept 19, 2006.
Debate
on the bill was adjourned indefinitely on Friday as a result of the protest.
Mr
Surin, a former Thai foreign affairs minister, said Thais should settle their
"differences" as soon as possible so the country can reap the
benefits of Asean's attractiveness in
the eyes of investors.
"Every
time the political conflict, or tension, is out on the street, confidence in the country and in Asean is
diminished. I hope we settle these differences as soon as possible,” said the
secretary-general.
“Each Asean
member has to take advantage of all opportunities and potential. We have to be
ready. The investors will certainly be concerned.”
He said
the political chaos in Thailand would affect Asean as a whole as the country
was one of the founding members of Asean. It would play in a key role in the
region’s transportation linkages and economic integration.
Finance
Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong called on the opposing sides to control their
temper when discussing the national reconciliation bills.
"Political
stability is vital to a stable economy and I ask politicians to follow the four
cardinal virtues," the deputy premier said.
The
four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, he
said.
"I
don't know much about politics. For my part, I'll do my best to oversee the
economy," Mr Kittiratt said. "People are now expressing their views
aggressively but i want to see everyone speak slowly and nicely to each
other."
On
Wednesday and Thursday, chaos erupted in parliament as the opposition MPs
attacked House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont for pushing discussion of the unity
bills to the top of the agenda.
Kosit
Panpiemras, the executive chairman of Bangkok Bank, said the private sector is
strong and can continue to drive the economy despite political instability.
"Thailand
has had many political events. This is not the first time," Mr Kosit said,
referring to the yellow-shirt’s mass protest outside the parliament building.
People
wanted to see continuing peace and order and they hoped nothing bad will happen
this time, he said.
The
private sector continued to drive economic growth regardless of what happens in
the country. The sector could well adapt
to changing situations, but some industries like tourism would still be
affected, he said.
"In
reality, the private sector plays a more important role in driving the economy
[than the political sector]," Mr Kosit said.
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