Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the easing of restrictions on retail and dining are necessary to revive the economy.
"We are seeing a stabilizing trend of new COVID-19 cases. If the tight lockdown still continues, we expect the economy to shrink sharply. Easing restrictions for retail and restaurant businesses will help people to get back on their feet," Arkhom said in an interview with local media.
He added that as the pandemic is still ongoing, the easing must be carried out gradually in a safe and careful manner.
Meanwhile, Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit also believed that the lockdown easing would be a positive factor for the manufacturing sector.
"The government is working closely with factory owners in order to control the infections through various measures. Positive trend of the country's vaccine roll-out and further easing of restrictions will support the overall recovery of manufacturing activities," Suriya said.
According to the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), Thailand' manufacturing production index (MPI) in July increased by 5.12 percent year-on-year for the fifth consecutive month. Automotive and electronics, including circuit boards, tire and rubber industries are the key growth drivers for export.
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