Businesses operators are calling for financial relief measures including a debt moratorium and new loans with relaxed conditions.

The request to help small and medium enterprises was made ahead of Monday's meeting of the government's economic team called by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Members of the team are expected to consider an economic relief package for businesses affected by the partial Covid-19 lockdown and curfew imposed for at least 14 days starting today.

Expected to be included is financial compensation for business operators who stand to lose income during this period.

Some operators have complained they are being asked to shut down temporarily when relief is not yet available.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) asked the government to consider relaxing lending regulations so financial institutions can examine other factors beyond credit information from the National Credit Bureau when considering a loan application, said Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the TCC.

Mr Sanan was speaking after a virtual meeting with Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister, and the Finance Ministry, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Bank of Thailand, and the Office of SMEs Promotion.

Apart from better access to financial resources, business operators also need additional financial measures, including a debt moratorium, to help ease the burden of repaying current debts, said Mr Sanan.

He was citing opinions compiled from previous discussions with entrepreneurs, financial institutions and the Securities and Exchange Commission.