Democrats concerned over pro-women project
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Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said party executives are worried that the government's Thai Women Empower Fund would create problems of inequality.
He said the Democrats were concerned that people registering for the fund might also be forced to support the Pheu Thai Party and that only government supporters would be put in charge of the fund at village and district levels.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been promoting the fund, which will provide subsidised loans for women, provide protection against sexual abuse, promote understanding of women in all aspects of society as well as boost their standing. The government has set aside about Bt100 million per province.
Though not too many details have been released, the Democrats are known to have criticised the project for encouraging people to borrow money unnecessarily.
Four million people have signed up for the project, which is open for registration until the end of the month.
