Thailand junta announces economic crisis plan
- Published
Thailand's ruling junta has announced a series of measures aimed at averting an economic crisis, two weeks after the generals took power in a coup.
Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong said the priorities were restoring the confidence of investors and maintaining fiscal discipline.
Small numbers of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok at the weekend despite a huge military presence.
The military seized power on 22 May saying stability needed to be restored.
The soldiers detained senior politicians for several days and banned political gatherings of five or more people.
But demonstrations against the coup have taken place almost daily in Bangkok.
The army virtually sealed off Bangkok's commercial district on Sunday in expectation of a big protest.
But the protesters never materialised, instead rallying in other parts of the city.
The streets and rail stations were reopened on Monday.
The coup comes after months of escalating tensions
General Prajin laid out the junta's economic places late on Sunday, with a list of long-term priorities.
The list included a promise that spending would not exceed the limits to be laid out in a forthcoming budget.
In the short-term, he said a price-cap on fuel would remain in place for 30 days while wider restructuring of taxation was finalised.
Analysts say the fact that the junta is detailing its economic plans is another suggestion that it expects to be in power for some time.
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha announced on Friday that elections would not be held for more than a year, to allow time for political reconciliation and reform.