DPM:Cash for farmers to help stimulate Thai economy

BANGKOK, October 3 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula says that a 40-billion baht-cash injection to assist local rice farmers by the government will help stimulate the Thai economy and it is not a populist policy. MR Pridiyathorn, who oversees economic affairs, told an annual seminar in Bangkok on Friday, organised by the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), that the money to be given to local rice farmers has been set at 1,000 baht per rai, calculated from the current domestic rice price of 8,200 baht per tonne. MR Pridiyathorn noted that, with the government aid of another 1,000 baht per tonne, local rice farmers will receive more income. The 40-billion baht-support for local farmers is part of the Thai government's new economic stimulus package, approved by the Cabinet on October 1. (TNA)