It's business and life as usual, says Thai scholar

Business and life continues in Bangkok despite the shutdown by anti-protesters in the city’s seven busy intersections. The intersections involved are Patumwan, Rajprasong, Asoke, Saladaeng, Victory monument, Lardplao and Changwattana.

Thai scholar, Kriengsak Chareonwongsak in commenting on the current situation in Bangkok said that the people in Thailand are already used to the situation.

As for the business and economy in Thailand, it remains resilient. Thai businesses are used to the situation in Bangkok, however this is not the case for foreign investors in the country. Many are taking a safe approach by waiting for the situation to subside before making any major decisions.

When asked if Thai businessmen would take their business elsewhere, Kriengsak said “ The Thais are very domesticated and they would rather stay in Thailand. Why go when the opportunity is the same in Thailand, despite the shutdown?”

The shutdown by the protesters is aimed at making government offices inaccessible and besieging the homes of top officials in Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration, whose party is most likely to win the general elections scheduled for February 2nd, 2014.

Kriengsak added the number of tourists in Bangkok has declined but not significantly.

Looking at the situation which has been taking place several times, Kriengsak said Thailand is a country which rebounds quickly from any problems it faced.