Thai PM, economic ministers discuss baht value, farm produce prices

BANGKOK, February 4 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha and his economic ministers have monitored the global economic situation, which has affected the Thai baht, and discussed assistance for local farmers who are suffering from declining farm produce prices. At a meeting of the economic ministers, held in Bangkok on Wednesday and chaired by the prime minister himself, the appreciation of the Thai baht value, caused by impacts from the European Union (EU)'s recent decision on injecting money into the European economy was raised. The prime minister and economic ministers also followed up progress in the formulation of assistance measures for local farmers and the grass roots in the upcoming dry season, covering aid for local rubber growers and moratoriums or even write-offs of debts, worth altogether about 4.56 billion baht, for over 26,000 farmers and over 1,000 farmers' organizations. The meeting also discussed the costs of goods and fares which have not yet reflected the lower oil prices. (TNA)