Thai PM introduces “social business” project

BANGKOK, May 29 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says that his government plans to launch a “social business” project within this year, aimed at stimulating domestic investment which meets the needs of local people and does not pose any negative impact on the environment. Urging the public not to oppose the new project, Prime Minister General Prayut told journalists, after chairing a meeting on private investment in Thailand's special economic zones along the border and investment promotion in business zones, that there is a need to implement the project within this year; otherwise, the country may face new economic problems and a drop in people's income. The prime minister noted that the “social business” project is based on royal projects initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in which local people living in the project's areas directly benefit. According to the prime minister, investment in Thailand's special economic zones is divided into two categories, including investment by the government and by the private sector, in which business operators rent the land. The prime minister expressed his hope that the next Thai government coming from the new general election, expected to be held next year, would follow strategies laid out by his interim administration. (TNA)