PM reiterates commitment to eliminating poverty

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PM reiterates commitment to eliminating poverty

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday responded to polls suggesting that the public was unhappy with government attempts to address poverty by reiterating his administration's commitment to eliminating poverty within four years.

The prime minister, who is currently on an official trip to India and Bhutan, promised to travel to Saket district in Thailand's northern province of Chiang Mai on 10 June, where he said he would supervise efforts to stamp out poverty and revamp government anti-poverty strategies.

He also revealed that he had ordered Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya, who heads the government's anti-poverty centre, to launch a 'caravan' which will visit every household on the government's poverty register.

Under Mr. Thaksin's 'war on poverty' plans, district chiefs and provincial governors will lead local and provincial 'armies' of poverty fighters, while government ministries will issue policy directives and offer financial support.

--TNA 2005-06-05