The government says it will not press moguls into contributing money to help alleviate the Covid-19 economic impact after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was criticised for his "Team Thailand" initiative.
Gen Prayut came up with the idea of inviting wealthy people to join his so-called Team Thailand to advise on how to get the economy moving again as the government considers relaxing emergency measures imposed to fight Covid-19.
During a national address on Friday, he said an open letter will be issued to 20 of the country's richest billionaires to ask them to join Team Thailand.
In his televised national address, Gen Prayut said that in the face of the pandemic the government needs unity and cooperation from all parties including business operators and billionaires. His remarks drew criticism from netizens, who said it was inappropriate for the government to "beg for money" from wealthy businessmen.
Wissanu Krea-ngam, deputy prime minister, yesterday defended Gen Prayut's Team Thailand initiative, saying the group would help with the virus' economic repercussion.
"The government does not ask for money," Mr Wissanu said. "[Critics] should have a look at the prime minister's letter. I can tell you it is not to solicit for funds."
He added the content of the letter and details on the group will be clear this week. Mr Wissanu declined to comment when asked which moguls will be invited for the talk.
Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, yesterday welcomed the move, saying having cooperation from the business community would strengthen mitigation measures.
Mr Kalin said most of the nation's top 20 billionaires are chamber members and they have already donated money or bought medical supplies to support the public health system.
Major firms have given assurances they will avoid massive employee lay-offs and help staff retain their jobs, he added.
Democrat deputy leader Ongart Klampaiboon said billionaires have resources, expertise and insight that can help the government tackle problems. "I think the prime minister had good intent -- he wants to seek advice, not raise funds," he said, referring to the critics' remarks.
Wichai Thongtang, who ranked 17 on Forbes Thailand's list of 50 richest people, told INN news agency that his family will never shy away from helping the country.
Billionaire Prayuth Mahakitsiri said he would be honoured to be on Gen Prayut's guestlist.
Online, people doubted whether former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who ranked 16 on Forbes' list, will receive an invitation.
Metha Maskhao, secretary-general of the Campaign for Democracy, said the government should do more. He said several large corporations have prospered from state concessions, the exploitation of natural resources or are accused of not giving back to society. "In this crisis, not only should they make sacrifices, I think the government should adopt a new tax regime to address economic inequity," Mr Metha said.
Chadchart Sittipunt, former transport minister, on Facebook said the government should listen to impoverished citizens and the underprivileged after seeking advice from the billionaires.
Mr Chadchart said Gulf Energy Development, a major firm, "reached out to the public" during the crisis and said he is confident the company has information it can share with the government. "The crisis is in part due to measures taken to contain the spread of the virus," he said. "People reduced activities, which lead to [an economic slowdown].
"The challenge is how to make sure everyone survives until we can recover," Mr Chadchart added.
