กกร. คงจีดีพีปี 67 ที่ 2.8-3.3% วอนรัฐเร่งปรับร่าง พ.ร.บ. แก้ไขปัญหามลพิษอากาศFTI Maintains GDP Forecast for 2024 at 2.8-3.3%, Urges Government to Expedite Air Pollution Mitigation Bill

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), presided over the meeting of the Joint Private Sector Committee of Three Institutions (JPS), with Mr. Jirapan AsawanthanuKul, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Kobsak Duangdee, Secretary General of the Thai Bankers' Association, participating in the press conference.

The global economy in 2024 is projected to grow, although many risk factors remain. Economic activities in major countries in February show signs of growth, primarily driven by the service sector. However, labor indicators in the United States are starting to weaken, while stimulus measures in China remain limited. The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has resulted in high freight rates, which is a pressure factor on the recovery of Thai exports.

The Thai economy continues to be weak due to several factors, with exports recovering slowly. Tourism has not returned to previous levels, and domestic purchasing power is pressured by household debt. While the export sector is showing signs of expansion, the overall export value for the year is expected to grow at a low level. Additionally, external risk factors remain high, and industries reliant on exports are operating at low capacities. Tourism is recovering, but the number of Chinese tourists is still 50% below pre-COVID levels as many Chinese travelers prefer domestic trips. Furthermore, the issues of debt and weak domestic purchasing power will continue to constrain household consumption.

Government budget disbursement is expected to improve in the second quarter, following the accelerated annual budget allocation timeline for 2024, allowing for spending from the beginning of the second quarter. This will help sustain the economy and support both public and private investments in the near term. Therefore, it is anticipated that the Thai economy will continue to expand within the estimated range of 2.8-3.3% as previously assessed.

Economic projections for 2024 by JPS
(as of December 2023) For 2023
GDP 1.9*
Exports -1.7*
Inflation 1.2*

(as of February 2024) For 2024
GDP 2.8 to 3.3
Exports 2.0 to 3.0
Inflation 0.7 to 1.2

(as of March 2024) For 2024
GDP 2.8 to 3.3
Exports 2.0 to 3.0
Inflation 0.7 to 1.2

Note: *actual figures

JPS emphasizes the importance of mechanisms to address air pollution issues through the draft Clean Air Management Act B.E. … which the Cabinet has agreed in principle to and assigned the special committee to review and amend the draft. Therefore, to ensure the sustainability of the air pollution mitigation mechanisms and to comprehensively address various problems, including PM2.5 pollution, open burning, transport sector pollution, and transboundary pollution, JPS proposes the following suggestions for the preparation of the draft Clean Air Act:
1. Propose that there be four private sector representatives equal to the number of public representatives to participate in the three committees under the draft Clean Air Act, consisting of 1) the Clean Air Policy Committee 2) the Clean Air Management Committee 3) the Provincial Clean Air Committee, to foster collaboration in sustainable air pollution mitigation.
2. Integrate oversight of clean air quality standards, air quality indices, and various control standards to reduce redundancy in compliance with the laws of different agencies.
3. Review damage assurance provisions for the environment in granting operational licenses, suggesting the adoption of an insurance system to cover potential damage and adjusting penalties for offenders to be appropriate and fair.
4. Review the conditions and limitations on the use of the Environmental Fund to ensure effective budget allocation for problem-solving, alongside establishing economic measures suitable for the current economic climate.
5. Study the suitability and details in the draft Act, emphasizing participatory processes from all sectors.

The JPS meeting expressed concerns regarding the quality and standards of imported vegetables and fruits sold within Thailand. In January, imports surged to 13.275 billion baht, increasing by 8.45% compared to the same month last year. The significant increase in vegetable and fruit imports has led the government to tighten quality inspections. Therefore, it is advised that relevant government agencies enhance their scrutiny of the quality and standards of vegetable and fruit products while increasing personnel and equipment to manage the influx of imported vegetables and fruits during this period, ensuring safety for domestic consumers.

——————————–