February 12, 2008
BANGKOK - The government plans a big spending to boost the rural economy, according to a draft policy. A crackdown on drugs is likely to continue as well.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej plans to present a draft policy reviving many programs under Thaksin government to the parliament on Monday.
"The overall picture of the government's policy platform is the extension of the pre-coup government's programs. Some policies will be kept unchanged, while some will be improved to make them more complete," said PM’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.
A draft policy is mainly about reviving many of Thaksin’s popular and controversial policies.
A clampdown on illegal drugs, which sparked condemnation from human rights groups when it was first launched in 2003, tends to continue.
The campaign against drugs is however backed by people in northern provinces.
Samak government possibly goes ahead with debt assistance to farmers, base commodity guaranteeing and protections against natural disasters.
Housing scheme and rural product promotion will also be considered.
As for Thailand’s infrastructure, the government will add nine new rail lines to Bangkok’s mass transit system.
This is not to mention improving sea ports and airports, modernizing the national logistics system, incentives offering for tourists and investors over the next two years, and alternative energy focus.
