Thailand's gross domestic product has already been shaved off by 0.5 percentage point due to the political crisis, and the damage could hit 2 percentage point if the turbulence continues and worsens, said Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.
"The red shirt leaders should call off the protest, as the country has been in a bad shape. All must sacrifice. I do beg all to return peace to Thailand," he said today, after a tour along Silom Road.
While businesses in Rajprasong and Silom roads are directly affected by the prolonged rally, the tourism industry is indirectly hit by the protest. Korn said that advance booking to Phuket has dropped to as low as 12 per cent.
The government is coming up with the package to help the affected businesses and their employees. Initially, the Labour Ministry will help the workers Bt7,500 per month, for a 6-month period. However, Korn said he has not yet learnt of the proposed issuance of cheques to help the workers.
The measures would be submitted for the Cabinet's approval within next week.