Thai government supports "Tech Startups"

BANGKOK, January 12 (TNA) - In an attempt to move forward the national economy in 2016, the Thai government will implement measures to promote and support "Tech Startups" this year, aimed at expanding Thai businesses and markets, as well as raising Thailand's competitiveness and stimulating the national economy. Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told journalists on January 11 that Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, to launch a "National Startup Centre" within this year to promote and support new operators of technological businesses, or "Tech Startups" in the country. Under the move, the spokesman said, the Thai government will cooperate with business operators in the local industrial, agricultural, digital, technological and service sectors in exchanging opinions and creating new entrepreneurs, using innovative technologies. According to the spokesman, the "National Startup Centre" will support "Tech Startups" to be able to easily access to financial sources in both government and private-run banks and learn new technologies among them or from educational institutes. Most importantly, the spokesman stated, the Thai government plans to reform the country’s agricultural sector to assist Thai farmers to earn more income under its new "One Tambon, One Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME)" Scheme, while the newly-established "National Startup Centre" will also help farmers in rural Thai areas by providing them with funds and assistance for their production and marketing. (TNA)