was zum Thema Schäden/Verluste:
Airport shutdown costs electrical companies Bt1 bn a day
By Business Reporters
The Nation
Published on November 29, 2008
Electronics and computer companies are losing Bt1 billion a day since the shutdown of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has suspended the supply of parts to assembly lines and exports, according to the Board of Investment (BoI). At least 200,000 workers are at risk if production stops temporarily.
In addition, the Bank of Thailand has estimated a Bt140 billion drop in tourism revenue and an expected current account deficit this year. Japan's rating agency R&I has changed Thailand's rating outlook from "Positive" to "Stable", due to a mixture of international and domestic factors.
"Given the prospects for political and social instability to be prolonged, and the fact the economic slowdown trend worldwide has become more pronounced, the possibility that Thailand will be unable to avoid a further economic slowdown in the future has emerged," it said in a statement.
BoI deputy secretary-general Sudjit Inthaiwong said after a discussion with the Electronic and Computer Employers' Association that some of these companies have to shoulder penalties of US$100,000 (Bt3.53 million) per hour for delayed shipments and they risk losing business for the next few years if clients shift orders to other countries.
"We'll ask the Royal Thai Air Force to ship the products with C130 aircraft if the shutdown continues," he said.
The sector generates Bt700 billion a year.
To ease goods shipments to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the BoI has joined hands with the Customs Department to provide around-the-clock clearance at Dan Sadao in Songkhla. U-tapao International Airport's service hours will also be extended. Thai Airways International will provide carriers and more equipment to move goods shipments at U-tapao.
A preliminary survey by the Protection and Welfare Department showed that 222 mostly electronics factories - hiring 106,000 workers- have been affected by the airport shutdown as the supply of parts and exports is suspended. Another 12 plants with about 500 workers are also suffering as they cannot export agricultural products.
Manus Kosol, chairman of the national Congress of Thai Labour, said the airport shutdown has affected factories that produce auto parts, electronic devices, gems and jewellery for exports. Mostly, they are located in the industrial estates in Bang Poo and Bang Phli. While the airport shutdown bars imports and exports, it also affects the travelling safety of workers and traders.
On Saturday, 100 members of the national congress will convene to evaluate the situation and the impact of the protests as well as the global crisis.
During December 3-7, a large volume of orchids - which could not be shipped - will be sold at discount at Rose Garden. It is estimated that if the exports stopped for a week, damage to about 4,000 growers would reach Bt100 million.