Cheap commodities on Friday to attract uneasy shoppers

[News Bandit]

NARATHIWAT, Oct 10 – Anxieties from threats of attacks on business outlets and shops in this Muslim-predominant province on Fridays have yet to be overcome.

Provincial authorities are now planning a new attempt to allay the resident’s fears—a special ‘blue-flag market’ offering goods at reduced prices on Fridays. There will be 65 stalls with all kinds of products.

Narathiwat governor Apinan Sutanuwong said the blue-flag products will be available specially at Krom Luang Narathiwat Rajanagarind park in the provincial seat this Friday to stimulate the economy and boost the local people’s confidence.

The move came in the wake of widespread rumours since last month, threatening shopkeepers and vendors of possible violence if they carry on their businesses on Fridays.

Shops in Narathiwat and neighbouring Pattani and Yala have been closed for the last several Fridays to avoid attacks.

State authorities have tried in vain to hunt for those spreading the rumours.

Mr Apinan said the authorities concerned have provided full protection to the public and have set up many checkpoints. He said that more shops were open last Friday, representing a 26 per cent increase from the previous Friday.  (MCOT online news)
 

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