Bangkok: In a crucial session of the 27th House of Representatives, First Deputy Speaker Ms. Mallika Chiraphanvanich presided over discussions focused on the critical challenges faced by the public and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amidst an ongoing "crisis within a crisis." Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj, a Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party, addressed the pressing need for government intervention to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Kardee highlighted the severe impact of war and raw material shortages on SMEs and the general public. She identified three major issues contributing to the crisis: soaring oil prices and associated production costs, an upstream raw material crisis marked by shortages of essential items like plastic pellets and chemical fertilizers, and unrealistic price control measures. These challenges, she argued, threaten to push businesses to unsustainable limits.

Ms. Kardee proposed a strategic and precise approach to aid SMEs, emphasizing targeted assistance over broad measures. Her recommendations included segmenting SMEs based on their level of hardship, ensuring significant tax revenue is directed towards those most in need, and enhancing transparency in inventory data for critical raw materials to address supply chain issues swiftly.

Additionally, she stressed the importance of an early warning system that utilizes accurate data to provide timely alerts, allowing businesses to adapt and mitigate potential losses. Ms. Kardee concluded by urging the government to view the crisis as an opportunity for development, emphasizing that collective effort is key to navigating these challenging times.

By addressing these issues with precision, Ms. Kardee believes Thailand can stabilize its economy and prevent a potential disaster, ultimately fostering resilience and growth among its SMEs.