Private sector wants Thailand to become ASEAN leader

BANGKOK, September 1 (TNA) - The private sector has called for the new Thai Cabinet to speed up public investment and create security as a basis for economic growth, while integrating its work so that Thailand maintains a leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Nopporn Thepsitthar, Chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, made the call on Monday, especially to new economic ministers, saying he believes that they have clear strategies and goals and he expects to see the new government's outcomes within 1-2 years. Nopporn also suggested that the Thai government speed up its spending and infrastructure investment in the real sector and areas concerning the grass roots, while promoting technology, innovation and public education simultaineously to prepare Thailand for greater competition after the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is formed by 2015. Nathee Jiaraphan, Chairman of the Buri Ram Chamber of Commerce in the Thai Northeast, foresaw that the new Cabinet could ensure national progress and economic growth and all parties should give an opportunity for the new administration to work. (TNA)