Somkid confident of 3% growth rate

In his speech today on the government's Pracha Rath towards sustainable growth in the grass-root economy, he said the target was achievable despite export contraction. He noted that Thailand's contraction rate is lower than several countries', amid unfavourable global economic condition. 

"I just returned from Korea. They asked if Thailand's GDP could expand by 3 per cent. I said that the rate was achievable, but the issue here was to ensure sustainable growth," he said. To this, he stressed the importance in reviving the agricultural sector which employs millions of workers but contributes only 8 per cent of GDP. The military government has approved a few projects for the sector including the Bt35 billion Village Fund scheme. To date, over 50,000 proposals have been submitted and 4,200 projects were approved.

He said that Pracha Rath measures would be the key tools to boost the economy this year, while the private sector's help was necessary.

"Don't pay attention to politics. You can vote for any party you like in the next one year and a half. For now, Pracha Rath is here," he said.