Two hurt in shooting in Thai capital

An anti-government protester gathers with others during a rally at the Shinawatra building in central Bangkok March 7, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

The uncertainty is unnerving consumers and the violence is scaring off tourists from the capital. Lower spending is hitting automakers, property firms and hotels in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy.

Policeman and protester killed in Bangkok clashes Thai protesters target businesses linked to PM

Surapong Techruvichit, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said the occupancy rate had plunged to 20 to 25 percent in Bangkok in January-February from around 70 to 80 percent in the same months last year.

The end of the 60-day emergency, imposed in Bangkok on Jan. 22 in a bid to contain the unrest, would be a good start for getting business back on its feet, he said.

"If it's lifted I think we can get back the tourists within two weeks to a month," he told Reuters. "It won't be good just for the hotel industry but for all business."

A senior government minister said this week the state of emergency could be extended until the protests end completely, given fears of more violence.

The officials in charge of implementing the emergency were due to meet and decide later on Friday.

Yingluck heads a caretaker government until polling can be completed and a parliament can convene, although both the prime minister and the election itself face various legal challenges.