Approved reform plan,Bt9 billion

BANGKOK, Jan 12 – The Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved the prime minister’s national reform plan with a Bt9 billion (US$300 million) budget to bring into reality a scheme aimed at narrowing Thailand’s social disparities and improving the standard of living of low-income earners in the country.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Satit Wongnhongtoey will explain the approved reform plan on state television NBT tonight at 9.30pm.

Dr Panitan, also deputy secretary-general to the prime minister, said the plan covers four main areas, starting from January until December.

The four areas include; improvement in the quality of life and welfare; building the nation’s future through the development of children and youth; reforms of judicial and political systems and social inequality; and building a fair and equal economic system, according to Dr Panitan.

For the nine New Year’s gifts that the prime minister announced earlier, Dr Panitan said is a different offer which will cost another Bt2 billion (US$66.7 million).

The spokesman reasserted that the funds spent are considered worthwhile for investment and that performance assessments will be conducted every month.

The Cabinet also approved a national reform mechanism chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and four sub-committees have been set up to push forward the four-point plan. (MCOT online news)