PM urged to address economic issues affecting vendors

Market vendors are hopeful that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will prioritise addressing the nation’s economic challenges, as escalating costs are impacting their businesses.

During a visit to Bang Lamphu Market in Khon Kaen’s Muang district yesterday, August 19, reporters gathered insights from vendors on their expectations from the newly appointed prime minister.

The 29 year old, Wannida Nakcha, who sells meatballs at the market, expressed her desire for PM Paetongtarn to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the public. She highlighted that all vendors are witnessing a decline in sales while their operational costs continue to rise.

Raising prices is not a viable option for these vendors, Wannida explained, as their customers, who are also struggling economically, often complain about price hikes.

Regarding the digital wallet cash handout scheme, Wannida hopes it will continue and suggested that it would be beneficial if there were no stringent requirements for receiving the cash handouts.

The 62 year old, Arayanee Niampradit, who manages Bang Lamphu Market, echoed these concerns. She emphasised that the economic situation is the primary worry for all vendors in the market.

Arayanee stated that no other problem matters at the moment.

The market, usually bustling during the Hungry Ghost Festival, experienced a noticeable decline in shoppers this year, reflecting the broader economic strain. Arayanee suggested that Paetongtarn should take no longer than three months to stimulate the economy.

“She shouldn’t take longer than three months because she has a team ready to work. In three months, we should be able to judge if she has made the country better or worse.”

The economic challenges are widespread, as evidenced by a deep-fried banana vendor in Maha Sarakham province who reported that the price of bananas has doubled, jumping from 15-20 baht per bunch to 40 baht per bunch.

In a related development, Deputy People’s Party Leader Sirikanya Tansakul commented on rumours regarding changes to the digital wallet scheme. These changes are speculated to align with fiscal discipline rules, potentially altering the amount to be distributed through the scheme, reported Bangkok Post.