Bangkok--6 May--RSTA
Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) announces its progress and solutions to assist Ratchaprasong business operators and employees who have been affected by the red-shirt protest, as well as announces its newly “RSTA Call Center” - the mediator to gather problems and concerns from business operators and submit to the government for considering aid programs. Those aim to help all affected business operators to restart their businesses as soon as possible after the demonstration ends.
Mr Chai Srivikorn, President of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) stated that due to the occupation of the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) at Ratchaprasong district since April 3rd , it has created huge damages to both large, small- and medium-sized enterprises due to inevitable business shutdown which resulted in a retail loss of 5,244 million baht per month or 174 million per day affecting to the tourism industry and businesses.
“Besides the closure of hotels, shopping centers and other over 1,000 retail shops, many thousands of workers have been left temporarily jobless because of the protest. Such impact also affects to a loss of lifestyle, peace and freedom of workers and community in Ratchaprasong which we cannot predict when the damage is going to be ended,” said Mr Chai.
RSTA has estimated its damage and loss occurred to Ratchaprasong businesses and came up with six solutions to be proposed to Mr Korbsak Sabhavasu, the secretary-general to Prime Minister, who earlier invited the association to discuss about the assistance plan. As a result, the cabinet approved last April 27th for three of the six proposed solutions to help those businesses affected by the demonstration. The measures include postponing water, electricity and telephone bills, and reducing interest on debt. The measure will remain in effect for two months from the end of the protest. SME Bank will provide a combined 5 billion baht in soft loans to business operators. The measures also include financial assistance to cover losses suffered as well as assistance measures for staff and employees of affected companies.
Mr Chai said, “To act as a mediator of those affected businesses in Ratchaprasong, RSTA has established the RSTA Call Center where those business operators in Ratchaprasong and nearby areas can register to raise their problems and concerns on businesses. After that, RSTA will collect all information and submit to the government for considering a suitable assistance program for each business operator.”
In addition, to help revamp the businesses in Ratchaprasong and gain confidence from both Thai and foreign tourists after the protest, Mr Chai added that RSTA plans to renovate its areas and environment in Ratchaprasong as well as to launch its major marketing programs which all Ratchaprasong’s shopping centers, restaurants and hotels are joining together to boost the business. Details of the campaign will be disclosed shortly.
“From what happened in Ratchaprasong district, it makes a great collaboration amongst business operators and resident in Ratchaprasong. We will come out stronger to help the return of Ratchaprasong as a truly Bangkok’s major business and tourist attraction once again,” concluded Mr Chai.
Mr Fafuen Temboonkiat, Secretary of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) said ‘the establishment of RSTA Call Center aims to assist and support business operators in Ratchaprasong district whose businesses have been affected by the red-shirt protest. The association will gather all problems and concerns from businesses and submit to the government to find a solution. In addition, the association will help coordinate and work together with other buildings to have their own call center.
Any affected business operators who are interested in registration, please contact RSTA Call Center at 085 484 6471-3 from Monday — Sunday at 09:00 - 17:00 hrs.
“We do hope that the launch of RSTA Call Center will reinforce RSTA’s objectives in supporting business operators and resident in Ratchaprasong and nearby areas as well as strengthening Ratchaprasong community for long-term sustainability. The Call Center will also be a channel to collect actual damage information allowing us to design an economic recovery plan to help Ratchaprasong businesses back on track rapidly,” said Mr Fafuen.