Thai economy at risk as rivals plan mass rallies

Bangkok

THAILAND'S finance minister expressed concern about a weak currency and damage to the economy yesterday as supporters and opponents of the government prepared for big rallies this month that risk pushing the divided country to the brink of chaos.

Planned infrastructure projects worth US$65 billion intended to boost an economy blighted by political tension and sagging exports would be postponed until the end of the year, Kittirat Na Ranong said, while the baht's slide against the US dollar could hurt imports and raise energy prices.