He said the money must not be spent to drum up political support as social divisions would result. For example, if the government plans to inject money to help SMEs, these businesses should be required to help keep on staff and prevent soaring unemployment. Mr Prinn said the Covid-19 pandemic is unpredictable and the 500-billion-baht loan decree is needed to support the pandemic response. Spending to prepare for post-CovidTDRI senior academic Nonarit Bisonyabut voiced support for the loan decree to deal with the virus crisis and rehabilitate livelihoods during the third wave. However, he stressed the government must also think ahead and plan how to improve competitiveness after the Covid-19 pandemic eases.

Source: Bangkok Post May 29, 2021 22:30 UTC