Business sector welcomes charter vote

Pramon Sutheewong, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, said that if the majority agrees with the drafted charter, it should lead to the general election soon. 

"If the majority voted yes, then all should work towards quickly setting up the next general election, since that reflects what the public at large wants. The result also corresponds to want the private sector and foreign investors look for - stability. With democracy restored, consumption and investment would return.

But I will have to see the official result. If 60 to 70 per cent of citizens voted for the constitution then consumer confidence will surely come back.

I think the next elected government would be a coalition, but of how many parties, we will have to see."

 

Pornsilp Patcharintanakul, vice chairman BOT said, "The result of the referendum is a good sign, since it means that most people agree. However if most voted no then the opposition would gain ground. And it would give the opposition a big boost. But now that most people voted yes, things should become normal once again. General Election is then inevitable. And if there is an election, then consumers confidence would surely return."

Poj Aramwattananont, president of Thai Frozen Foods Association" said,  "Once the constitution was approved by the people, the government should speed up the organisation of the next general election. All foreign eyes are on Thailand now. It would be very damaging for the country, if the government fails to get an election going by the end of this year. The least it can do is to set a date for the election - the sooner, the better, for consumer confidence's sake.

Since most people voted for the constitution, the opposition should show soem sportsmanship and accept the fact that most people agree with the constitution and do want an election. The opposition should then retreat."