Thailand considers steps to help service sector as country mourns

[BANGKOK] Thailand is considering measures to help the tourism and service sector, a senior finance ministry official said on Monday, as the business has been affected by the mourning period for King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

With government asking people to "refrain from festivities" for 30 days, and embassies advising tourists to show restraint after the king's death, Bangkok's bustling bars and the country's famous holiday resorts could go unusually quiet.

Somchai Sujjapongse, the ministry's permanent secretary, told reporters that any measures to be introduced would not hurt the feelings of Thai people and would help the overall economy. He did not elaborate.

The ministry has forecast economic growth of 3.3 per cent this year, up from last year's 2.8 per cent.

REUTERS