BANGKOK, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- The Thai government and state banks have pledged around 100 billion baht (2.5 billion US dollars) in fund and loan to rehabilitate the tsunami-hit southwestern coast area.

    Following an earlier government announcement of a 28 billion-baht (700 million-dollar) budget for rehabilitation, several state banks and the Stock Exchange of Thailand promised the other 72 billion baht (1.8 billion dollars) in forms of fund and soft loan to help affected business and property back to normal.

    However, the authorities said they currently have no idea as how much loss the disaster caused, which might impede the relief efforts.

    "It depends on all of the parties and might not be as easy as many expect," said Chotisak Asapaviriya, president of the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank of Thailand (SME Bank).

    "We may have the money ready, but the recipients must be ready,too. All potential recipients have to be closely examined," he was quoted by newspaper Nation as saying on Thursday.

    The devastating tsunami on Dec. 26, 2004, hit Thailand's six coastal provinces, including the provinces of Phuket, Krabi and Pangnga that are well-known among international tourists.

    Tourism income of the above three provinces accounts for one third of the kingdom's annual tourism revenue.

    Local reports noted it might take one or two years for local business to rebuild damaged properties and recover back to the pre-disaster level.

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand has yet to come out with an assessment report of the disaster situation in the south.

    The Finance Ministry also said that the disaster has only limited influence over the country's economic growth.

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