October 11, 2004

Thailand Extends Help To Poultry-Related Businesses Affected By Bird Flu Outbreak

The Thai Finance Ministry has been asked to rescue poultry-related businesses from their losses in the country's second outbreak of the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus strain.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Jaturon Chaisang, who oversees a national committee to control bird flu outbreaks, stated that he had instructed the ministry to extend financial assistance to cover all those involved in poultry-related businesses, including chicken farmers, chicken slaughter houses, processing factories, exporters and those who breed chicks.

''I've asked the Finance Ministry to call a meeting among its related officials to rescue affected business operators from their losses in bird flu outbreaks. We need to extend help to all of them nationwide by offering tax exemption, suspending national insurance payment, and subsidizing them in electricity and tap water bills,'' said Mr. Chaturon.

Thailand has been affected by bird flu epidemic twice this year. The lethal virus has killed about a dozen of people so far, and forced the government to cull nearly 50 million chickens.

The outbreak has also wrecked the country's poultry business and export.

''The government will extend debt repayment periods for poultry-related businesses. And the Bank of Thailand (BOT) will inject 10 billion baht into commercial banks as extra loans to help these businessmen survive during this difficult time, and also to help poultry farmers who wish to change their career as well. We will offer this help until March next year, '' he said.

Mr. Chaturon said the Customs Department has also considered a government proposal to return some taxes on unhusked soy-beans for poultry exporters to increase their cash flows in order to pull through the tough time.

''We will also allow them to stop paying national insurance for a period of time until they can run their businesses normally,' he said.