As part of the government's national agenda, the ministry will also promote merit-making and acts of goodness among the Thai population as gestures of devotion to the country's beloved monarch.

Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said the ministry's projects to promote peace would include training local traders, promoting trade between the five southernmost provinces and neighbouring countries, setting up a middle market to help release agricultural stockpiles, helping increase the income of the population and curbing the local cost of living. The projects will cover the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Satun and Songkhla.

The ministry has also decided to hold a national conference to promote His Majesty's philosophy of economic sufficiency and create understanding among Thais and foreigners of the government's policy of sustainable economic growth.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation