Cabinet adds 2 billion baht to Live well, live happy project

The government is allocating 2 billion baht to the "Live well, live happy" strategic policy in order to develop the quality of life of Thai citizens.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont recently hosted a meeting of the "Live well, live happy" committee. The Prime Minister reports that officials have approved 63,000 "Live well, live happy" projects nationwide, at a cost of 4.8 billion baht. Funding has been allocated to all project locations. Officials hope the project will improve the standard of living for local residents and provide greater employment, educational, and social opportunities.

The Cabinet has approved an additional 2 billion baht under the management of the Bureau of the Budgets to the "Live well, be happy" project fund. The project will be funded with 55 billion baht from the 2008 fiscal year.

Officials will emphasize self-sufficiency principles, community product development, natural resources and environment rejuvenation, as well as support for children and senior citizens.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 June 2007

If they distributed those 2 billion baht on something usefull it might perhaps incfease the value of life for the poor and they would be happier...?

And then another 55 billion for fiscal year 2008...that is a lot of happiness.

Cabinet adds 2 billion baht to Live well, live happy project

The government is allocating 2 billion baht to the "Live well, live happy" strategic policy in order to develop the quality of life of Thai citizens.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont recently hosted a meeting of the "Live well, live happy" committee. The Prime Minister reports that officials have approved 63,000 "Live well, live happy" projects nationwide, at a cost of 4.8 billion baht. Funding has been allocated to all project locations. Officials hope the project will improve the standard of living for local residents and provide greater employment, educational, and social opportunities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 June 2007

"Live well, live happy", "Improved social opportunities"? This has got slush fund written all over it. It will no doubt improve the living standards of someone..

Half a dozen of us who live in villages around here were discussing this afternoon why our neighbours here in rural Thailand seem quite a bit happier than the people we see in 'faranglands' with unhappy-looking faces.

We came to the conclusion that having clean water, adequate food, adequate housing and plenty of time to have plenty of fun were the essential reasons, which (coupled with the assurance that they will have the same next year and don't have cause to worry) made for living happy.

I saw an article on this recently:

http://www.orientexpat.com/thai-news/20061...-happiness.html

However, that is just the rural dwellers, and rural life doesn't suit everyone since it lacks the anonymity that is available to urban dwellers. But that anonymity comes at the price that once in the town or city, those essentials above require cash income, which is rarely secure since it depends on not losing one's job or business conditions not turning sour etc.

I find it hard to imagine a 2 billion baht 'messaging' exercise achieving much. After all, many of the school lessons and a lot of the preaching at the wats is already on this theme of Live Well, Live Happy; and 2b THB will purchase but one extra bucketful in the pond in comparision.