BANGKOK(NNT) – As running a business will be different from what it was before the coranavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand (SACICT) plans to restructure and modernize its handicraft organization, while helping communities adapt to the digital economy and use e-commerce to expand their markets.

The SACICT Director, Pornphon Akathaporn, said today that Thailand’s handicraft exports contracted 66.79 percent year-on-year, totalling 63.84 billion baht, in the first quarter of this year, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation has made consumers more cautious about their spending. The center has assisted more than 200 handicraft producers in different communities by using available raw materials to produce face masks. Each household is now able to generate a monthly income of 8,000 to 12,000 baht.

The SACICT Director said the COVID-19 situation can potentially expand the country’s handicraft business, as more people are staying home and they have shown interest in handicraft work. Thai handicraft products will still be exported to other countries, particularly those in Europe. However, handicraft producers will have to rely more on the domestic market to help compensate for a decline in exports. Their products will be sold on e-commerce platforms, while entrepreneurs will become more competitive and create Smart Craft SMEs.

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BANGKOK(NNT)-To ensure the enforcement of coronavirus control measures among businesses allowed to reopen, government agencies have been patrolling shopping malls and other businesses, making certain of their compliance with the Emergency Decree.

At the Walking Street in Chai Nat, Provincial Governor Ronnaphob Laengphiroj has observed the orderliness of visitors and vendors.

Distancing measures are being enforced at the walking street market, with each vendor placed in a staggered pattern of
2 by 2 meter blocks. People must come and go at the four entries where health screening is performed.

In Chonburi, provincial Deputy Governor Naris Niramaiwong has led security officials to observe shops, retailers, and shopping malls to assess their compliance with measures under the State of Emergency.

The group also visited Makro and Lotus shopping malls, where they observed good cooperation by the operators of shopping malls in the province.

In Phichit, Vice Governor Suthep Wongpanich has led officials to observe operations and service standards at restaurants and bottle shops in Phichit city municipality. Customers were found to be cooperating with the measures by sitting more distanced from each other, while restaurants are also providing a hand washing area for customers.

In Loei, Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum visited the Green Market, located on the road by the province’s Civic Center. Vendors here are now placed 3-meters away from one another to prevent possible transmission of COVID-19. Customers are being encouraged to bring their own bags or baskets to carry purchased items, reducing the use of plastics and foam.

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BANGKOK(NNT)-The Bangkok Governor today issued an order to extend Chatuchak Market opening hours to support shopkeepers and customers, with a further hour of shopping time. The market is now open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers and shopkeepers are asked to maintain appropriate personal distance and follow the regulations.

Police General Atasawin Kwanmuang, Bangkok Governor along with officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or BMA inspected COVID-19 prevention measures at Chatuchak Weekend Market yesterday. After being open for two days, they found that during the hot season customers tend to come in the afternoon around 2 to 5 p.m. The governor therefore decided to extend opening hours, so that now shopping ends at 7 p.m., instead of 6 p.m.

The BMA is also preparing to cut rents for traders, a plan now being proposed to the Minister of Transport. The plan aims to cut rent payable from March to November as customer numbers are much lower than usual.

However, it was noted that social distancing in the market is sometimes forgotten by shoppers. As a result, the governor has had officials draw lines on the ground all over the market as a reminder to maintain personal distance.

A big cleaning operation was also undertaken today.

The governor has asked all customers and shopkeepers to follow anti-pandemic measures. Violators will be warned first, so that it may not be necessary to enforce the harsh provisions of the law.

As for the market’s COVID-19 control measures, only 6 of 13 entrances are open, everyone must wear a mask and have their body temperature checked. Hand sanitizers are provided at every entrance and other spots around the market. Toilets are cleaned every 2 hours.

Food vendors must work behind a plastic screen and all containers must have a lid. Shops are allowed to have a maximum of five customers inside at any one time in small shops, with a 10 person maximum in larger shops. Meanwhile, the area normally reserved for street vendors around the clocktower, and the night market are still closed.

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BANGKOK(NNT)-COVID-19 has resulted in last months’ consumer confidence index falling to the lowest in 21 years and seven months, but the Thai Chamber of Commerce believes a relaxation of lockdown measures, coupled with government stimuli, can still reinvigorate the domestic economy.

A consumer confidence survey, conducted in April revealed downward movement across the board for the 14th month in a row, resulting in the lowest rating in 21 years and seven months, or since the index began. The figure dropped from 50.3 points the previous month to 47.2 due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic and its present and future impacts on the Thai economy, as well as rising unemployment.

The President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanavath Phonvichai, said the Thai economy is entering a recession after experiencing negative growth for a third quarter in a row and positive growth is only expected from the fourth quarter this year onward. The forecast is based on the expectation that businesses will restart at the end of the year and 400 billion baht in government stimuli will begin to enter the economy in August, helping to offset a projected contraction of 8.8 percent. The contraction is now believed to be between 3.5 and 5.5 percent.

According to the UTCC President, the pandemic has removed an estimated 50 percent from the normal 600 billion baht in circulation, but up to 200 billion baht is expected to return if more business restrictions are lifted on May 17. The Thai economy is expected to show clear recovery in the second quarter of 2021.

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