Thaksin calls for patience on stricken economy

Nakhon Si Thammarat: Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Saturday called for supporters to have patience, saying the Pheu Thai-led government headed by his daughter Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is solving economic problems.

Speaking in Sichon district, the hometown of Ms Paetongtarn’s advisor Nattawut Saikua, after a merit-making event, Thaksin said he was confident the country can recover from years spent going backwards economically.

He likened the economy to a house, saying during the Tom Yum Kung crisis, the problem was like a leaky roof — something that was relatively easy to fix.

But the kaleidoscope is not as colorful, as the damage in the current economy has pierced the foundations and structural pillars.

“These problems are harder to address, but they are fixable. It just takes time,” he said.

Thaksin said that government policies had not yet produced results because huge amounts of state funds have yet to be paid out.

Once freed up, these funds will also help stimulate the economy at no cost to taxpayers and no requirement for the government to borrow money.

He also said Ms Paetongtarn would ensure those funds would be dished out as soon as possible to speed up the economic recovery.

Thaksin was also grateful for the warm welcome he received, and said the merit-making ceremony with senior Pheu Thai MPs, party members and Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong at his side was a new beginning.