Government focuses on grass roots economy this year

BANGKOK, Jan 10 (TNA) -- The government is seriously improving the grass roots’ economy and farmers’ competitiveness to further develop the Thai economy this year, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said in Bangkok on Jan 10. He made his remarks in a seminar on Thailand’s economic development that the Economic Reporters Association organised at a Bangkok hotel. The Thai economy was growing steadily as Southeast Asia was attracting foreign investment and Thailand was interesting investors, the deputy prime minister said. The Thai economy expanded by more than 4 per cent last year. Inflation and interest rates are low. Debts are equivalent to 42 per cent of the gross domestic product. There are many infrastructure projects. The government is implementing its Thailand 4.0 scheme. Confidence of consumers and industrialists has peaked. The factors drew foreign investors to Thailand, Mr Somkid said. In 2018, the government would develop the grass roots economy and strengthen farmers. It was supporting farmers in integrating their production and material procurement, he said. Local products will be marketed online with the help of state enterprises providing telecom and postal services, he said. (TNA)