General Prem Tinsulanonda, chief privy councilor and statesman, has called on the Thai people to bear in mind the economic crisis of the year 1997, saying it was a valuable lesson and the people of Thailand should keep reminding themselves of what bitter experience they faced during this crisis.

Presiding over a seminar on Thailand Business Forum, held by the Board of Trade and Thai Chamber of Commerce, Khun Prem said the country's economy had now enjoyed an impressive growth, boosted by unprecedented growth of exports.

The strong economic growth in Thailand could be witnessed by the continued inflows of foreign capital, and a much higher than predicted revenue collection, higher international reserve and an expansion of the Thai stock market's capitalization to 3.9 trillion baht with an average daily trading volume of 40-60 billion baht (1US$ = 39.50 baht).

Al of this is signaling that the economy in Thailand is growing significantly, he noted. However, he believed that the people of Thailand would also want to see a more efficient economic management of the country for a maximum benefit of Thailand.

General Prem further added that the Thai people should not forget the bitter experience they had when a run away economy turned suddenly into a economic crisis in 1997 and always keep this in mind as a valuable lesson in their business projects.