Private sector recommend improvements to 2nd phase of welfare program

BANGKOK, Dec 11 (TNA) -- Members of the private sector want to see the 2nd phase of the government's welfare program to include long-term educational opportunities for the poor to improve their standard of living. Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries Chen Namchaisiri stated that he supported the government's initiative to help low income earners but want to see the program inculcate clearer and more specific goals that will directly benefit them. Even though the government was currently paying out between 200-300 baht monthly to the registered low income earners but the government could save budget for other programmes. Overall, this is a welcomed improvement and shows greater foresight in managing the national budget. Mr Chen however wanted to see measures to provide opportunities for the poor to find long-term solutions to escape their hardships when the government's implementation of the 2nd phase of the National Welfare Program. (TNA)