Thaksin Gives Guidelines For Adjustment Of The 10th National Development Plan

[Jai Dee]

PM Thaksin gives guidelines for adjustment of the 10th national development plan

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants the draft 10th National Economic and Social Development Plan adjusted in ways that support energy industries, provide grassroots people access to sources of capitals and promote eco-tourism.

Ampon Kitti-ampon (อำพน กิตติอำพน), secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), said the prime minister told NESDB experts that the 10th Plan must not focus on GDP growth alone but must set strategies on energy development that can efficiently support the transport sector, securing financial sources for consumers and investors, promotion of environmentally-friendly tourism and extension of compulsory education to 10 years.

Mr. Ampon said the 10th Plan sets inflation rate to no more than 3% throughout its five-year implementation, jobless rate at not over 2%, current account deficit at no more than 2% and public debts at 45%-48% of GDP.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 July 2006