ID :
12655
Wed, 07/16/2008 - 10:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/12655
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Govt issues six measures to reduce basic cost of living
BANGKOK, July 16 (TNA) - The Thai government on Tuesday issued a newpackage containing six measures designed to help low-income earners who have been hard hit by soaring oil prices.
Most measures will be implemented starting August 1 and will initially last six months, but the reduction of the excise tax on oil will startJuly 25.
Speaking to a press conference held at Government House, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said his government has decided to implement the six measures to help boost the economy which has become sluggish due to soaring oil prices, and also to help the poor and low income earners.
The measures concerned are cuts in excise taxes for oil, postponing anincrease in prices of liquefied petroleum gas used by household sector and free use of tap water by households using less than 50 cubic metres per month. The government will absorb the cost.
The other measures are the free use of electricity of less than 80 units per month by households, with the government shouldering the expense, while for households using less than 150 units per month the government can pay half the bill, free travel on 800 ordinary buses operated by the state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, on 73 routes within Bangkok and outlying areas, and free travel on third class railway carriages.
Mr. Samak said the measures will cost the government a budget of aboutBt46 billion (US$1.4 billion).
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee told journalists after the press conference that the government had decided to waive coupons for low-income families on concerns of corruption.
The Finance Ministry had earlier thought to issue the coupons to families earning less than Bt6,000 (US$179) monthly so that they can buy necessities including soap, fish sauce and food items from shopsparticipating in the government programme.
Thai shares closed 3.30 percent lower on Tuesday due to concern overpolitical tension, rising inflation and oil prices as well as US financial woes, according to dealers.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index plunged 23.65 points to close at 693.41 points, while the blue-chip SET-50 fell 19.43 points to close at 489.22.(TNA)
Most measures will be implemented starting August 1 and will initially last six months, but the reduction of the excise tax on oil will startJuly 25.
Speaking to a press conference held at Government House, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said his government has decided to implement the six measures to help boost the economy which has become sluggish due to soaring oil prices, and also to help the poor and low income earners.
The measures concerned are cuts in excise taxes for oil, postponing anincrease in prices of liquefied petroleum gas used by household sector and free use of tap water by households using less than 50 cubic metres per month. The government will absorb the cost.
The other measures are the free use of electricity of less than 80 units per month by households, with the government shouldering the expense, while for households using less than 150 units per month the government can pay half the bill, free travel on 800 ordinary buses operated by the state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, on 73 routes within Bangkok and outlying areas, and free travel on third class railway carriages.
Mr. Samak said the measures will cost the government a budget of aboutBt46 billion (US$1.4 billion).
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee told journalists after the press conference that the government had decided to waive coupons for low-income families on concerns of corruption.
The Finance Ministry had earlier thought to issue the coupons to families earning less than Bt6,000 (US$179) monthly so that they can buy necessities including soap, fish sauce and food items from shopsparticipating in the government programme.
Thai shares closed 3.30 percent lower on Tuesday due to concern overpolitical tension, rising inflation and oil prices as well as US financial woes, according to dealers.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index plunged 23.65 points to close at 693.41 points, while the blue-chip SET-50 fell 19.43 points to close at 489.22.(TNA)
