Govt to finance more regional initiatives
PUBLISHED: 13 Dec 2024 at 04: 00
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged a number of fresh populist measures to boost the economy and improve people’s lives the following month.
In a televised address on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand route about the government’s achievement in its first three months in office, Ms. Paetongtarn reaffirmed her government’s dedication to fighting for the people’s interests and laying the groundwork for the nation but that Thais you prosper with success and respect.
” 2025 will be a time of options”, she said. The state promises to produce tangible outcomes for a better future.
New methods that will be rolled out next year include the” One District, One Award” project, funded by earnings generated by raffle ticket revenue from the Government Lottery Office, to develop educational opportunities for poor students, she said.
The government may also offer the” One District, One Summer Camp” effort to allow students to enter short-term elsewhere language instruction, she said.
She continued, adding that city schools will also be modernized with the aid of modern technology and expanded teaching tools to advance students ‘ language and artificial intelligence capabilities.
She added that the small-medium-large village and community development program will also be implemented to give local communities the tools they need to identify and address their individual issues. It will also be supported by money raised through town and metropolitan community systems.
To help medium-sized companies, which serve as the core of the Thai business, a 5-billion-baht account will be allocated to help them, she said.
Housing initiatives will also be another priority, with the” Homes for Thais” programme providing high-quality, affordable condominium units with 99-year leases, she said.
She said that the government will also push for a 20-baht flat rate for all electric train lines serving Greater Bangkok because the unit rent will start at about 4, 000 baht per month, giving many residents access to homeownership.
She added that the government will continue to support the digital wallet handout program to promote the digital transformation and economic recovery.
She added that the second phase of the cash distribution program will give cash to 4 million senior citizens by the Chinese New Year, and a third phase will target the general public to help maintain the economic recovery’s momentum.
Debt relief will also be prioritised, with measures focusing on household debts, home and car loans, including a three-year interest payment suspension scheme, as well as full debt forgiveness for smaller debt obligations under 5, 000 baht, she said.
Water management remains a top priority, with measures being developed to mitigate both flooding and drought, she said.
These include promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors for canal dredging and conducting extensive floodway research to find long-term solutions.
Our goals are to empower people, end centralization, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to prosper with dignity. Together, we will make 2025 a year of progress and hope, setting the stage for a brighter decade ahead”, Ms Paetongtarn said.