The private sector yesterday submitted a fourpoint proposal to the government to resolve economic, political and social problems following the recent protests and riots.
Prasarn Trairatvorakul, president of the Thai Bankers Association, said private sector leaders were of the opinion that the political conflict reflects deeprooted economic inequalities, skewed distribution of income and uneven enforcement of laws.
To address these issues, the government should launch a national campaign urging all citizens to join forces to help end the political conflict. Second, the government needs to reduce income disparity by lifting farmers' and workers' income.
Third, the government should launch national campaigns to boost domestic consumption and tourism. Fourth, the country must continue its anticorruption drive.
Payoongsak Chatisuthiphol, president of the Federation of Thai Industries, said measures to reduce the income gap should cover production, marketing and the use of technology in the farm sector with greater community participation to lower costs and boost efficiency.
Only farmers under the poverty line should be given financial assistance, while the farm price guarantee scheme should be expanded to boost efficiency in the agricultural sector.
In terms of marketing, provincial administrative bodies should work with local communities to promote business matchmaking and hold trade exhibitions.
Dusit Nonthanakorn, president of the Board of Trade, said the private sector would leverage its nationwide network of human and other resources to help heal the nation's wounds.
Efforts will be strengthened to reduce and prevent corruption at the provincial and national level.
"We also have asked the foreign chambers of commerce here to help identify new measures and models to combat corruption in Thailand," he said.