The Government is claiming achievements in improving the lives of the Thai people in three key areas, namely communications, increased income for farmers and better welfare for low income-earners, said government spokeswoman Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat today (Monday).
In the area of communications improvements, she said these include:
- The extension of the Blue Line electric train service from Hua Lampong to Bang Khae and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra, covering a distance of 14 kilometres
- Extension of the Green Line from Mor Chit to Khoo Khot by 19 kilometres
- Construction of the 22-km long Orange Line from the National Cultural Centre to Min Buri
- Construction of the 15-km long Light Red Line train service from Bang Sue to Talingchan
- Construction of the 26.3-km long Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit
- Construction of the 34.5-km long Pink Line from Kaerai to Min Buri
- Construction of the 34.5-km long Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong in Samut Prakan province
- A second passenger terminal has been opened at U-Tapao international airport in Rayong province, increasing the airport’s capacity to 5 million passengers a year. The airport will be linked with Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi international airports via a high-speed train project, soon to be implemented.
In the area of increased revenue for farmers, Mrs. Narumon said the Government has provided subsidies for several main economic crops, such as 500 baht for cultivation and 500 baht for harvesting per 0.16 hectares, up to 3.2 hectares, for each farming household.
She added that the Government has designated B10 diesel as the basic diesel fuel, which will help absorb a substantial amount of raw palm oil and, hence, boost the price of oil palm seeds without government price intervention.
As far as low income-earners are concerned, the spokeswoman said the Government introduced welfare cards so the poor can use them to pay for tap water, not exceeding 100 baht per household per month, travel by public transport, not exceeding 500 baht per month and 200-300 baht/month for consumer products.
