Thailand's caretaker government not yet decide on emergency decree extension

NAKHON PATHOM, THAILAND, March 10 (TNA) - Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says that her caretaker government has not yet decided on whether the imposition of the emergency decree in all areas in Bangkok and some areas in peripheral provinces should be extended. Regarding calls from many parties for her caretaker administration to end the imposition of the special law, exercised to cope with anti-government protesters, Yingluck told journalists in the central Nakhon Pathom Province, where she worked on Monday, that security authorities are assessing the updated situation and considering pros and cons related to the first 60-day enforcement of the emergency decree, set to expire on March 23, 2014. Yingluck admitted that the imposition of the emergency decree has affected the Thai economy and investment, but pointing out if the revocation of the emergency decree led to disorder, it would cause undesirable outcomes. According to the caretaker prime minister, anti-government demonstrations are slowing down the national economy, tourism and investment, while applications seeking promotional privileges for new investment projects are declining and the Ministry of Commerce is unable to proceed with free trade talks between Thailand and trading partners; so, her caretaker government is trying to restore confidence and minimize impacts on the Thai economy. Earlier in the day, the caretaker prime minister held a meeting with five economic ministries at the Royal Thai Police Academy in Sam Pran District to follow up and discuss economic issues. (TNA)