PM Prayut Chan-o-cha chairs a meeting at Government House on April 13, 2020.

BANGKOK (Xinhua) — Thailand’s Board of Investment of (BOI) on Monday approved more measures to soften the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, including steps to encourage rapid investment in the manufacturing of medical equipment.

“In the face of the unprecedented situation resulting from the virus outbreak, we have taken a range of measures to address the urgent needs of affected business sectors,” said Duangjai Asawachintachit, secretary-general of the BOI, while attending a board meeting chaired by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in Bangkok.

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The measures for the medical sector aim to enable a rapid response to the situation, while paving the way for longer-term development, said Duangjai.

Duangjai also said the BOI has also approved in accelerating investment in production of medical equipment and supplies.

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Support will also be given for the modification or transformation of existing production lines to boost availability of medical supplies, Duangjai told a press conference held online to respect social distancing rules.