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"Little has been said about the economy. The government should stop taking care of only its own business," said secretary-general Taweesan Lonanurak, who urged the government to dispatch teams to different areas to gauge the extent of the worsening situation.

His main concern is over spiralling unemployment, which could reach 2 million nationwide next year, and the decline in commodity prices.

While farmers in the North suffer from lower corn prices, those in the Northeast have witnessed a drop in tapioca prices and those in the South suffer from cheaper para-rubber prices.

More than 20,000 workers are without jobs in Nakhon Ratchasima, prompting the province's officials to work hard to find them alternative employment.

However, Preecha Inthornchathorn, a job-placement official in the province, insists the number of unemployed is not at a critical level, as it represents only a tiny portion of the province's population of 2.7 million.

Most of the unemployed have a bachelor's-degree education, he said.

Recently, a Nakhon Ratchasima jewellery factory was shut down and 120 workers laid off. An electronic-parts manufacturer also launched a voluntary programme to shed 115 workers.

Preecha said the office was monitoring whether these employers were complying with the labour law in expelling workers. Meanwhile, a list of vacant jobs is being offered to the laid-off employees, he added.

The office will also approach companies and factories to survey their employment needs.