Thai government proceeds with national reform plans

BANGKOK, January 5 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered effective efforts towards national reforms, saying that he wants to see concrete achievements within this year. The prime minister told journalists after the Cabinet's weekly meeting on January 5 that he has instructed his Cabinet's members to proceed with national reform plans in all areas to achieve goals. The prime minister assured that public welfare under the government’s health security scheme will not be cut, but will be improved and officials will campaign for health promotion to reduce government expense on people's health treatment. Regarding a drop in rubber prices, the Thai premier explained that it is caused by structural problems and a drop in world oil prices. The prime minister acknowledged that the government does not have enough money to subsidize the rubber prices and can only implement empowerment projects for Thai farmers. (TNA)