Thailand’s cabinet approves several proposals as vote nears

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is seen with his right hand in a sling, after chairing a weekly cabinet meeting at Government House on March 7, 2023. (Photo:bangkokpost.com)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s cabinet has approved a raft of proposals in what’s likely to be its last meeting before Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha dissolves parliament to pave way for a general election in May this year.

A meeting chaired by Prayuth on March 13 endorsed the allocation of money for various ministries under the 3.35 trillion THB (97 billion USD) budget for fiscal year 2024 starting Oct. 1, a 24 billion THB expressway project, and investments worth 62 billion THB by state-owned National Telecom in mobile networks and licensing. 

The cabinet also approved salary increase worth 4.8 billion THB a year for municipal officials, a 716-million-THB income guarantee programme for corn farmers and low-interest loans worth 1 billion THB. The ministers also signed off on a proposal to extend income tax exemption or reduction on investment in depositary receipts tied to shares of companies listed outside Thailand.  

Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told reporters before the cabinet meeting that the Prime Minister Prayut may order the dissolution on March 20. Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) has set May 7, 2023, as the date for the next general election, assuming the House of Representatives completes its four-year term on March 23./.