Impacts from Thailand's political protests

BANGKOK, January 15 (TNA) - Concerns over persistent domestic political protests have, somewhat, raised consumers' demand for vegetables in Thailand. Somchart Sroythong, Director-General of the Thai Ministry of Commerce's Department of Internal Trade, told reporters on Wednesday he has been informed by local retailers that their sale volumes of vegetables have dropped by 5 per cent on average, compared to those early this year, probably because consumers are worried over the domestic political situation. Somchart said, however, a latest survey found that the prices of popular fresh vegetables have remained normal and are close to their levels last year, while the prices of some vegetables have dropped as cold weather has increased their supply. Somchart quoted operators of local department stores and hypermarkets as reporting that ongoing domestic political demonstrations have not caused a drop in their sale volumes and product shortages, as well as hoards or overpriced goods. Somchart acknowledged that pork prices have risen due to lower supplies and higher domestic demand for the Chinese New Year festival late this month, insisting that political demonstrations have not significantly affected internal trade. Meanwhile, a total of 46 overseas economies have issued travel warnings for their citizens to exercise caution while visiting Thailand, especially those staying in Bangkok. The Thai Tourism and Sports Ministry reported that several foreign embassies in Thailand have also closely followed the updated situation in Thailand and kept their citizens informed of updates, as anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protestors have vowed to continue their rallies until the caretaker government would agree to step down.(TNA)