Fear over effects of emergency on Thai economy

epa04037617 Passengers walk through empty queue lines for passport control in a quiet arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, 23 January 2014. Lower travel demand and tourist arrivals to Bangkok has begun to impact on airlines, with Singapore Airlines, among others, further cutting their Bangkok routes in face of worsening political strife in Thailand. The Thai government has invoked a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and parts of nearby provinces following nearly three months of anti-government protests in the capital that have taken a more violent turn. At least nine people have been killed and more than five hundred injured in protest-related violence with no side willing to back down and 02 February elections looming. EPA/NYEIN CHAN NAING

BANGKOK: Foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand have raised serious concerns about this week’s emergency decree affecting Bangkok and surrounding provinces, saying it will hurt the tourism sector and lead to a loss of investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations yesterday urged the government to cancel the decree before its 60-day period ends, arguing that it will damage investors confidence, domestic trading, and the everyday life of people.