Strong Thailand Scheme faces changes

BANGKOK, 2 January 2010 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has assigned Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij to revise the economic stimulus Strong Thailand Scheme following the alleged corruption found in a project by the Ministry of Public Health.

Mr Abhisit said he told the finance minister to see whether changes could be made to the scheme in order to set standards on budget disbursement.

The possible adjustment of the scheme comes after the resignation of Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai. The minister decided to quit to show his responsibility following the investigation results indicating that the ministry’s procurement of medical equipment was prone to corruption.