BANGKOK, Jan 7 (TNA) -- To help Thailand's low-income earners during the ongoing economic slowdown, the country's economic ministers Wednesday agreed to extend the earlier Samak government's six measures, aimed at lessening hardships of the poor and due to expire at end of January, for another six months, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said on Wednesday.
The six measures, launched by the former government of Samak Sundaravej, will be extended for another six months but with some modifications, Mr. Korbsak explained.
The measures, excluding lowering the oil excise tax, of which some being under consideration may allow households consuming tap water of between Bt80-100 monthly free of charge, while those having air-conditioners may have to pay for electricity, he said.
Regarding free travel on certain bus routes in Bangkok as part of the six relief measures, Mr. Korbsak said concerned ministries and agencies would have to consider and submit details to the Cabinet for its consideration next week.
On the government plans to inject Bt100 billion from an additional budget which is expected to be released this March, he said the budget will be spent on helping seven groups of people including farmers, the unemployed, the elderly and new graduates.
In line with the populist emphasis, farmers will be helped by a price intervention programme expanding the quota of mortgage of farm products which have problems, non-farm workers will be helped by providing training to the unemployed and the half-million new graduates expected this year, with a centre to be set up at the prime minister's office.
Other groups that will gain are students, with free schooling when the new education academic starts in May, plus a cost of living allowance for people above 60 years old.
Government will also help the private business sector by lowering costs so that employees would not be laid off.
Government agencies will speed up disbursement of over Bt100 billion, to get more funds moving in the economy.
Mr. Korbsak said ministries assigned to stimulate the national economy will submit plans to the Cabinet next week, with funds expected to reach the public in April after being approved by Parliament. (TNA)
Business News : Last Update : 20:25:16 7 January 2009 (GMT+7:00)
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